Two problems related to hydraulic power assist steering system have been reported for the 2005 Saturn ION. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Just recently bought the car 3/18/2011, used and when driving car, I heard 3 rings and then where the odometer is it lite up pwr str. Pulled over the side of the road (turnpike), shut the car off and restarted and power steering was back. Only to drive 10 miles and it happened again. Feel that this is very dangerous since car is manual and I am woman who is 5'0 and weighs 135lbs, to steer and shift this car when the pwr str goes out so suddenly.
The power steering unit on my 2005 Saturn Ion has failed twice while driving the vehicle causing a dangerous condition. I brought the vehicle to the dealer, Saturn of ellicott city and was told there is a "service bulletin" about the issue and there is nothing they can do to repair the vehicle at this time. My vehicle is a 2005 with less than 32k miles. The steering failed while entering a highway and again while entering a parking lot. Saturn admitted they know about the problem but refused to repair it. It is on many Saturn vehicles, not just mine. *.