Three problems related to power steering pump have been reported for the 2004 Saturn ION. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The fuel pump is leaking, gm refuses to fix it because the VIN isn't associated with the recall, but the same year make and model of my car says it has a recall for the fuel system and pump.
First incident of loss of power steering occurred in snowy conditions at about 45mph on the highway. Heard chime to alert me to loss of power steering. Steering column completely locked up, safely made it to the side of the highway and when I restarted the vehicle power steering had returned and dashboard alert has gone away. No further issues with power steering until 9/15 going about 15 mph on an incline; again chime and alert for no power steering, steering column locked up. Power steering regained upon restart. Since 9/15 power steering loss occurring at variable speeds and conditions and on a more frequent basis. Took vehicle to technician who checked fluid, float, all connections and hoses and relayed that a likely cause might be a electric pump or electric pump module to check with the dealer about possible recalls. Full vehicle inspection and tune up with no solution. Power steering problem persists. All communication with Saturn has been unhelpful, they fully deny any defects. Saturn keeps telling me that no recall for my VIN has been issued and no assistance is available from Saturn for the issues I am experiencing.
I have a 2004 Saturn Ion that the electric power steering pump gave out. It started in about 6 months ago and was working on and off and about a month ago it finally gave out completely.