Ignition problems of the 2005 Saturn ION - part 1

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the ignition key was stuck inside the ignition key slot, and the vehicle failed to start. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system). The dealer was not contacted regarding the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 167,000.

2005 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch problem.

It says I have 0 I repaired recalls. I have had the powers steering fail 2x. More importantly, the ignition cylinder locks up and I can’t get my keys out. I have to wait most times after turning the car off - for 3-5 minutes through a series of clicking noises in the ignition before the key will release. It is concerning because sometimes I have to get out immediately and the keys don’t release. The car automatically locks itself and if I don’t roll the window down- I become locked out. It yesterday had a issue with ignition all together and I wonder if it’s related. I was made aware again there were many recalls on this issue and hoped to get it repaired. However it now states there are none unrepaired. I’m wondering if it is a ongoing problem with the vehicle, it’s repair parts etc and if it’s just not been addressed because it’s so old that so few are left on the road. Thank you. This is a increasing problem and a daily or every time I drive it issue now. I worry too the power steering will just go out in the interstate.

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. While driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact mentioned that the key became stuck in the ignition. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred several times. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system) and NHTSA campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 mph, there was a clicking noise coming from the front of the vehicle as the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system) and NHTSA campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that after shifting the vehicle in park, the vehicle stalled and she was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage and current mileage was 72,797.

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while attempting to remove the key from the ignition, the key became stuck. The contact turned the vehicle on and off several times in an attempt to free the key. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was stated that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the problem persisted. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion2. The contact stated that after inserting the key in the ignition, it became lodged in the on position and could not be removed. The contact was unable to shut the vehicle off as a result of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer two days prior to the failure where the ignition cylinder was replaced yet, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not further inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 70,000. Updated 04/19/lj the consumer stated the only way to shut the vehicle was off, was by disconnecting the battery. Updated 04/27/12.

Key can get stuck in ignition of Saturn Ion cars. Engine will shut down but key will not eject from ignition. To release key it is required to pop open ignition column and press compression switch to release key. This also causes interior lights to turn on, even if car is off. Triggering the anti-left system. The theft system using the lighting to determine if the doors have opened. Saturn has been aware of this problem on Ions from 2003-2007. But have done nothing to fix the 1000's of complaints. Problem has persisted since 2008.

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that after turning the vehicle off, the key could not be removed from the ignition switch. The contact indicated that after several hours the key was able to be removed from the ignition switch. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA recall campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system) but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Approximately 1 year ago I started having problems getting the key in the ignition to go back to the 'lock' position when I turned the car off. After jiggling the key it would eventually come out - until this past Sunday when the key refused to turn at all and I was unable to shut my car off. I took it to the dealership where I had to remove the ignition fuse to shut off the car. I received a phone call from the dealership Monday morning and was quoted a price of $390 plus tax to replace the ignition cylinder. I was told at that time how it would be fixed because they have replaced many ignitions due to the same problem. . Read more...

2005 Saturn Ion. When I turn the car off the key is stuck in the ignition and won't release. After some time the key eventually releases itself. I recently brought the car into a gm dealer and they stated there was nothing wrong, they lubed up the parts and said I would be fine. The key continues to get stuck.

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that when she shut the vehicle off, she was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The failure occurred every time she drove the vehicle. She had to wait fifteen minutes before she was able to remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that she had to have the vehicle repaired by the dealer at her expense. The current mileage was approximately 97,000. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

On multiple occasions, I could not release the car key from the ignition. I could turn off the engine, but the key would not disengage from the acc mode. Releasing the key would take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. These were incidents that could not be tied to any specific action from the driver and that would occur randomly. Every time I drove, I was afraid the key would get stuck and that this would finally be the time that I could not get it out. This is a safety concern when there are severe weather conditions and the battery is in danger of dying. The gm dealership found what they thought was the problem and the solution was to completely replace a range of parts. Another mechanic found a different problem (a malfunctioning cylinder of sorts) and replaced it and for the first time in years, I can drive safely and with the peace of mind knowing that the key will no longer get stuck.

2005 Saturn Ion - car experiences daily intermittent failures to start at any given time. In most instances you exit the car, insert key 5-10 minutes later and the car will generally. Eventually it does. Problems points to systemic issue with the ignition. Research on the internet shows an inordinate amount of Saturns with this ignition issue.

When driving, the power steering will occasionally go out. Also, sometimes the car wont start, it wont even turn over (but all of the lights, fan, etc work). Other times the key will not come out of the ignition when you turn the motor off.

I have had several issues with the ignition and not being able to immediately turn the car off. The ignition will not release the key and will be stuck in the acc position most times. The most recent time I could not get the car to turn off at all. The ignition would not release or allow the key to turn even minimally. Had to unhook the battery, pull the fuel pump fuse in order to get the car to stop running. The ignition still would not release the key. I got this information on how to do this from many complaints that I read about on the internet on Saturn Ions having the same issue. They do not address this in the manual, and when I took my car to the dealership 18 months ago to resolve the issue then, they said nothing was wrong and they replaced the ignition which did not seem to help with the problem I was having.

I own a 2005 Saturn Ion with about 46,000 miles on it. I love my little car and had hopes of owning it for years to come. However, my hopes of being a happy Saturn owner is quickly fading as I continually have problems with my steering column. First it was the ignition, which I have replaced twice, and now the power steering is turning off while Im driving. Obviously this is very dangerous and it also not uncommon as I've found out by searching the internet on this very problem.

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that her key became stuck in the ignition and would not come out. The vehicle was not shut all the way off at the time and caused the battery to become drained. The vehicle has remained parked for three months. The dealer advised her to bring in the vehicle for diagnostic testing at her expense. The contact will call the manufacturer for assistance. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 30,000.

Saturn Ion 2005 model does not release key from ignition after you turn off the car.

2005 Saturn Ion recall- I have this car a year ago and the problem is the ignition. Car wont start especially on a cold weather. I need to wait for 15-20 mins before it starts. I've been late at work many time s already and I've been paying for this car but I think its not worth it. And also, I can pull out the keys while the engine is running,while the car is moving. Weird! you may want to check consmeraffairs. Com--search Saturn Ion to check on the complaints. I have pasted some for you to check out. Thank you and I am hoping that you will find a way to solve this problem. Cameron of grand rapids mi (01/20/09) I also have had the same issues with the car not starting. I bought the Ion 04 brand new and everything worked fine for the first couple of years. Lately I've been late for work and missed other appointments due to the issue. This is definitely a safety issue for those of us living in the cold north. Imagine your car not starting in below zero temps. I'm not willing to freeze to death over this. In the same breath I do not have the money to spend to fix something that Saturn is well aware of and based on comments on this site has happened numerous times. If they are unwilling to recall these cars and parts then I'm sure a class action lawsuit would get their attention! laura of tampa FL (01/19/09) I am having the same problem with the ignition lock as apparently many other Saturn owners. I started by calling the local Saturn dealership to find out how much money they wanted me to pay them to fix this problem that they caused by using faulty parts. $171. 83 was the amount quoted to me. Obviously I would like to do anything in my power to ensure Saturn doesn't get a single dime more from me. I called the customer service line (800-553-6000)to inquire about the reasoning behind not issuing a recall. I was given the same line about it not being a safety issue.

I have a Saturn Ion1. I have 73,000 miles on it. I have a difficult time starting it on days where the temperature is below 35 degrees. I have to turn the key and keep it turned until it can run without me holding the key and rev the engine to atleast 3-4 rpms. I have to do this for 15-20 min. Until it can idol on its own, before I decide to drive or the car will not remain on. While driving it will shut off. Now if I make a sharp turn it turns off. This problem is getting progressively worse. While under warranty I had the ignition replace once. I also had been told by Saturn that my keys were too heavy, so I began driving with only the key and the key ring. The problem is a huge safety concern to me. Luckily have been able to steer the car out of the way and have not had any accidents yet. It is my only car and I have a lot more to pay on it and subsequently can not afford a new car. I am stuck.

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. In December of 2008, the contact noticed that the ignition failed. The failure only occurs in cold weather. The vehicle will be taken to the dealer for a diagnosis. The failure mileage was 22,000 and current mileage was 22,100.

Ignition locks. Cannot get key to turn. Happened a few times.

When I shut off my 2005 Saturn Ion, the key does not always come out of the ignition as it should. I have to wait a few minutes before the key will come out. This is a recurring problem and has been going on for over a year. I am also having problems with my power steering. The pwr str comes on all the time. When I shut the car off, it resets, but after a few minutes it comes back on again. This has been happening for the past two months. I took my car to Saturn of fayetteville (nc) when the power steering first started acting up, and the mechanic said he could not find the problem, but if it kept happening I would have to have the steering console replaced. The estimated cost of fixing it? over $900.

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. When the contact parked her vehicle, it would not shut off. She drove to a mechanic shop and they manually turned off the vehicle by pulling wires and disconnecting the battery. Also, the key would not release from the ignition. The ignition was replaced for the second time. The failure mileage was 46,600. Updated 10/03/08 the ignition cylinder and housing was replaced. Updated 10/06/08.

I have a 2005 Saturn Ion quad /. In Feb of 07 I went to park my car and the key would not turn off the car nor come out of the ignition. The car was towed to the nearest Saturn dealership and the ignition was replaced. In June of 07 this occurred again, it was towed and the ignition was replaced. Then in again the same thing occurred in Aug 07 and the ignition was replaced. In Jan of 2008, when I took the car in for service, I asked them to check the ignition because it had stuck on me several times before I was able to turn the car off. They once again replaced the ignition. Last week I was 500 miles from home and pulled off to get gas and was unable to turn the car off to fuel up. By the time I got home I was able to shut the car off. Two days later, it happened again. The car was towed and the ignition replaced. I just went over my 36,000 but the dealership said it would be covered under the 1 yr parts warranty, so I did not have to pay anything for the repair. But I am still upset about a common problem not being addressed by Saturn. They either have faulty ignition parts or there is something else going on to cause this problem and it needs to be investigated. Replacing an ignition 5 times in 18 months is not normal. I pulled it up on the internet and this seems to be a common problem. So this situation is not unique to me. What happens when 13 months from now, it happens again then I will have to pay out of my pocket for something that is Saturns fault. I have contacted the Saturn corp and they cant explain why no recall has been issued on this part.

Ignition locks up.

Key will not release from my ignition. It appears that the ignition does not read that the stick shift is engaged in park and does not release the key from the ignition. This began happening just as my car reached 60,000 miles (my car is currently at 84,000). There does not seem to be any pattern to the problem, just random and in any weather condition. Sometimes I just have to leave the key in the ignition and leave the vehicle. The key is still in accessory mode and does drain the battery. I brought it to the dealer at my first incidence and the ignition was replaced. It was covered under the warranty at the time, but the warranty expired just after.

The key in my 2005 Saturn Ion starting getting stuck in the ignition for approximately several days prior to the incident. On 6/20/08, I was unable to turn the car off due to this issue. When I was finally able to remove the key from the ignition, I was still unable to shut down the engine without stalling the car and pulling the battery.

2005 Saturn Ion 2 - two problems 1. Most recent - key stuck in ignition and the car will not shut off! turned key many times, tried pliers and the key still stuck. Battery now disconnected and relay disconnected. Have seen other complaints of this problem with Ions. 2. Steering column - fault code "pwr str" comes up and car loses power steering. Will reset if car is turned off, but will do it again within a couple of minutes.

Key came out of ignition while driving; also keys is stuck when turning car off.

The contact's mother owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. After driving the vehicle, the gear was placed into park, but the vehicle would not shut off. The vehicle would not shift out of park and the contact had to remove ignition fuses to shut off the vehicle. The dealer has been notified. The current and failure mileages were 45,199. Updated 06/25/08 the ignition lock cylinder was seized inside the housing. Updated 06/26/08.

Our Saturn Ion 3 would not turn off. Apparently there is a serious problem with the ignition in these cars. Why hasn't Saturn/general motors recalled this part. Someone could get killed. We have had it repaired only to have it happen a second time.

In cold weather my Saturn Ion will fail to start. The ignition will click a couple of time then nothing. I wait 8-10 minutes and try again sometimes it will attempt to start sometimes not. Then I have to wait some more and try again, eventually it will start. I had 2 new batteries replaced and still problem persists. I found a Saturn message board that addressed this very problem. Hope you can get Saturn to recall this issue.