Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Problems of Saturn ION

Since we purchased this vehicle brand new in 2003, the transmission has slipped occasionally upon normal acceleration. We brought this to the attention of the dealership at our regular maintenance appointments, and they told us that this was the normal functioning of the transmission. Fast-foward 3 yrs, 40,000 miles, and the problem has become a threat to the safety of those driving in and around the vehicle. When attempting to make a turn out of a parking lot onto a major road, the car rolled down the hill into the road, but it would not move any farther once on a flat surface. I am lucky that no one was coming too close or fast behind me, or my vehicle would have been a sudden, unavoidable roadblock for sure. This also happened while I was attempting to make a left hand turn with heavy oncoming traffic. People were somehow able to avoid my car, although it was a major hazard to safety. These were terrifying experiences, and I immediately dropped my car off at the dealership that night (I happened to be down the road from the dealer when these events occurred). According to the dealership, the transmission fluid was very dark, fluid pump severely damaged, and the 2nd gear clutch and coast assembly "burned up". The transmission, pump, gears, clutches, and torque converter were replaced at a cost of $1250, which they claimed was a great deal for us, as this was claimed to be a $5500 job. I appreciate their efforts and attempt to rectify the situation, however I am still disappointed in the lack of quality control, and the apparent lack of research and development in the engineering of this vehicle. No one expects to need to replace a transmission in a car with 40,000 miles. My life was put at risk because of a manufacturing error in this vehicle, and I hope that the the NHTSA takes the necessary actions to prevent more lives from being put at risk or lost due to this error.

See all problems of the 2003 Saturn ION 🔎.

: the contact stated while driving 30 mph the vehicle revved at a high rate followed by a sudden decrease. The vehicle was seen by an independent repair shop. The mechanic performed a diagnostic and road tested which indicated a new transmission was needed. The mechanic replaced the automatic transmission and rebuilt the torque converter, which corrected the problem. The contact insisted that the transmission was defective from the factory. The vehicle was 3 years old. The contact had the transmission replaced. Had to pay out-of-pocket expenses in the amount of $2,136. 00. Updated on 05/18/2006. Updated 06/15/06.

March 22, 2003 I purchased an Saturn Ion 3. Within the 1st the week there was problems starting the car. The car was in for service 2 times in 2 weeks. Finally the engine light started flashing (3rd time). Supposedly the car was fixed. 3 days later the dealer's service department called me at Saturn corp. 's request to immediately return the car as the engine could blow up. The engine had a cracked cylinder which caused coolant to leak into the engine with about 650 miles. Also, another Saturn Ion with 2500 miles was sitting in the dealer's lot with a cracked cylinder in the engine. I was released from the sale on April 17, 2003. I took a 2nd Saturn Ion 3 on April 17, 2003. This car has jerky steering problems coming out of turns and sever transmission problems. The car kicks when turning on the ignition, engine gets racketing when put into reverse, when changing gears - kicks, slides, and will surge, and bounce through gears between 30 mph to above 70 mph. The service manager said, "all the Ions drive this way. There's nothing wrong with the car". This car has been in for service 4 times. Each time the car is returned worse than the time before.