Two problems related to steering is tight have been reported for the 2005 Saturn ION. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I was driving my car and a deer ran out in front of me, I was able to miss that one but another one came out and I hit it. It hit so hard and my steering was hard like a car without power steering and the brakes were like that too. The airbags did not deploy nor did the safety belts catch me and my granddaughter. It did $3500. 00 worth of damage to my car and my head slammed up against the driver window, my granddaughter was in her carseat but I had it in the front seat so it released the carseat. She had bruises and a black eye, and now 3 years later, that same eye is causing her problems seeing. Everyday I feel so bad because she was in my Saturn that night. People asked me over and over what about your airbags, etc. I never knew what to say until I started getting the recalls and realized what gm had known all along about my ignition. This year my car got stuck in the run position and I called the dealership and was told they were gone for the day. I unhooked the battery cables and the car still would not turn off. Finally after total disgust, all of a sudden the antifreeze overflow tank lid popped off and shot antifreeze everywhere, it just barely missed my granddaughter and myself. The dealership coyle Chevrolet of clarskville in came and picked up the car, and in the process ripped the wind shield for the sunroof off, and called me to tell me my car now had a noise in the lower end of the engine and it would be $600. 00 and up. They test drove it, and told me there was no antifreeze in it. I had already told them what happened. Gm and coyle both say sorry the ignition is the original reason for the engine that is now locked up after I was told I had to come get it or I would be charged a storage fee locked up on me on the expressway home. That was in September and I still have nothing and they won't help.
2005 Ion coupe - power steering light comes on and steering becomes hard to turn. Comes on after a few seconds in driving. Steering is hard to turn similar to manual steering.