Four problems related to steering failed have been reported for the 2003 Saturn ION. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that after turning on the vehicle and attempting to move it that the vehicles steering wheel became very hard to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed where it was confirmed that the steering shaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. Wh.
On 2/12/2015, I received a letter from "this letter is intended to make you aware that some 2003 model year Saturn Ion vehicles equipped with power steering assist may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving. . . . If this condition occurs on your 2003 Saturn Ion, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge. " however for Saturn Ions model years 2004-2007, gm issued a recall for this power steering defect. Why is this defect worthy of a recall for all model years except 2003? the sudden loss of power steering is no less alarming and no less hazardous for Saturn Ion 2003 cars. Similarly in may 2015, Ford announced a recali of nearly 423,000 cars and suvs in north America for the same defect: the power-assisted steering can fail while they're being driven. The NHTSA has acknowledged the safety hazard that a sudden loss of power steering could present. I am disabled. If I was to experience a sudden loss of power steering, I am sure that I would not have the physical ability to steer my car. I urge you to call for a recall of the 2003 Saturn Ions for the same power steering defect that has precipitated gm to recall Saturn Ion 2004-2007 models and Ford cars and suvs.
Attempting to turn left at traffic signal when "power steering" came up on dashboard instrument system and car became extremely difficult to turn. Stopped vehicle and checked owner's manual for meaning of message. When vehicle was restarted, steering resumed working. This happened 3-4 more times over next week or so until I was able to get vehicle into dealership. Diagnosed as electrical steering motor circuit failure. Motor replaced at cost of approximately $300 Saturn help line advised no assistance with this repair.
Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the steering failed without warning. The failure was experienced numerous times and the steering wheel became hard to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer advised that the power steering electronic motor failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 45,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. Kmj.