Steering Column Problems of Saturn ION - part 1

I own a Saturn which I got used. The power steering went out so I took it to the dealer. Found out the recalls have all been done that has to do with the power steering but the code the scanner gave is a c0550 which is a failure of the power steering column internal controller issue. Other gm carss with the same recalls that my car has had done include the column but not mine. It seems that they seem to share ste same componets and failures. This part alone is over $500 without labor. The tech told me that its not a hard job and hes done alot of them. Searching the internet alot of people have had to replace the column. There seems to be a problem but customers like me aree having to pay for the correction.

See all problems of the 2007 Saturn ION 🔎.

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was a result of an internal fault in the steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. Four months prior to the failure, the vehicle was remedied per NHTSA campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,123.

Absolutely abysmal customer service experience with orange Buick GMC orlando. I had them do two recalls on my '05 Saturn: the ignition switch (which was giving me problems due to the passlock system), and the electric steering assist (which I'd had _zero_ problems with prior, it was done as a precaution). After the steering motor was replaced, I started having intermittent power steering codes on startup with no assist (turning the car off then on clears it). They replaced the motor again. Problem still occurs. Now they're saying the steering column is suspect, it's not covered under the recall, and they won't do anything about it. How funny that the column would have been touched by their techs for both the motor and ignition replacements.

See all problems of the 2005 Saturn ION 🔎.

My car shakes every so often especially when I use my brakes and when I steer. I noticed there was a recall with the electric power steering and I think it has affect the power steering column as well. I have not had an accident yet but I don't want one because one part of a system was recalled and not the whole system.

See all problems of the 2006 Saturn ION 🔎.

The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 129,000.

I took my car in for a recall on the steering and the said they replaced the electric steering motor. It still had no steering . The gm dealer said it was 58. 00 to tell me what was wrong, the dealer came back and said that it was the steering module was bad. Gm customer service says the module is covered but the gm dealer wont replace it because they say that the module is part of the steering column and its on covered for the steering column. I have been going round and round for 30 days and no avail. I need some help. I am sending this for my step-daughter michelle beach who is the owner.

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. While driving at an unknown speed, the power steering warning indicator illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle stalled. The dealer stated that the steering column failed. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 89,000.

The steering column assembly (including key switch, turn signal, wiper control, etc. ) was loose upon getting the vehicle back from the repairs for the key switch recall. This was not like this prior to the recall repairs and represents sloppy workmanship by dealership employees repairing the vehicle or poor design that won't stay tight. By this being loose, there could be damage to the wires or the wires could come unplugged inside the steering column. This would include air bag wires, key switch wires, etc. There would also be a possibility of fire if this problem isn't corrected as the wires could short out. I believe all the vehicles that have been repaired should be recalled again to check for this problem and repair them if it is found that it is loose.

I drove the car approx. 2 miles and parked when I started the car to leave the power steering didn't work, I shut the car off and sat there about a minute and started the car and things were normal again, it hasn't acted up since. I have taken it to the Chevrolet garage and they have told me the entire steering column needs replaces and that will cost me $700, it seems like an extreme measure to take to fix the power steering.

My vehicle has a recall for the power steering. Power steering went out while I was driving the vehicle. Could barely steer it to safety. The power steering column was the issue. Cost me almost 900 dollars to repair but gm will not reimburse me, even though other gm vehicles have a recall for the column.

The vehicle's steering ignition column was not releasing the key after the car was turned off. Gm eventually mailed a recall after several complaints endangering the driver. On July 28, 2014, the vehicle was repaired for its recall, however, the vehicle steering ignition column was not releasing the key. Homestead Chevrolet stated that the recall did not cover the shift lock control solenoid and the cost is $500 dollars. I feel that gm is responsible for this persistent problem with the key ignition.

I have had repeated instances of having my steering column locking while parked with the engine off. Upon inserting the ignition key, the key would not turn without repeated attempts to rock the steering wheel back and forth. Beginning on the incident date, I parked my car and the ignition key would not turn from the on position. I verified the car was in park and attempted to turn the key again. At one point, I was actually able to pull the key out of the ignition lock assembly while the car was still running. After reinserting the key into the lock assembly and pushing in on it, I was finally able to turn the key to the off position. All subsequent incidents within the last 24 hours (approximately 4 different times) have required me to jiggle the key until it would finally turn to the off position. I drove it to a gm repair facility and at that point, was unable to remove the key or turn off the engine. It now appears that I will have to have the entire ignition lock and housing assembly replaced at a cost of $600. Further online investigation into this problem has turned up hundreds of Saturn owners experiencing this same problem, and many of them have repeat issues with their new lock/housing assemblies. To date, it does not appear that gm has issued any recall/repair notices for this issue.

Steering locks or becomes extremely hard to turn steering wheel when car is in reverse for parking and thereafter in drive for minutes at a time. Becoming progressively more and more worse. Have had the steering column sensor replaced, the electric motor replaced and problem becomes more noticeable. Beginning to effect driving and the ability to manever the car while it is in motion. Mobile phone 248-421-9213. Home phone 248-443-5531.

See all problems of the 2003 Saturn ION 🔎.

I was driving my 2006 Saturn Ion on a local street, picking up my child from school, when the ignition went off. The car had no power & I had only a few seconds to steer the car off to the side before the power steering stopped working. I put the car in neutral & coasted to a stop. I turned the car off, waited a minute, & then turned the key again. At that time, the car started up again & I took it directly home. In the days following this incident, several different times the ignition would go of by itself. It felt as if the key was not staying in the on position. Not being aware of a warranty from Saturn, I took it to a local repair shop. When the mechanic tried to take the key out of the ignition, it would not turn off or come out of the steering column. He was forced to disconnect the battery in order to turn the ignition off & needed to replace the part in the steering column where the key goes in. Because the mechanic had to disconnect the battery, I was also forced to take the car to the dealership a few days later to have my remote lock reprogrammed. I had to pay out of pocket for both of these repairs, because I was unaware that gm had a special warranty covering such issues. I never received a letter about this problem, but it is a recall issue in other states.

I was driving 45 mph when my pwr str light flashed and I was unable to control the steering wheel. I pulled over ASAP and turned off my car. I turned it back on and the light was no longer on, I was then able to control my steering wheel. I was able to drive to my destination. One hour later I turned my car back on and the message was once displayed. After I restarted the car the light was off. I have had this same issue in March and the gm dealership repaired it under warranty. Now 2 months later it has happened again, and the dealership is stating that it is not under warranty because it is the steering column assembly. However, that is related to the power steering control module in which is causing this issue. I believe this should be under warranty given that there has been a recall for an issue that is related to this same situation.

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds and making a turn, the steering became extremely difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was later towed to a dealer. After diagnosis, they advised her that there was a computer failure in the steering column and it needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 76,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken in for inspection to an independent mechanic who stated that the steering column needed to be replaced due to how loose the wheel was when it was coming down from the lift. The contact mentioned that after leaving the shop and driving at low speeds, she noticed that the vehicle would pull to the right, it was difficult to make left turns and would be extremely easy to make a right turns. The vehicle was not repaired for the steering column. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was approximately 139,400.

See all problems of the 2004 Saturn ION 🔎.

The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, there was a complete loss of power steering with the illumination of the warning indicator as the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact applied force to the steering wheel in order to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that the failure was contributed to the power steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

I was going down road, steering because hard, transmission became stuck, pwr str light came up on mileage screen and the engine light came on. I was reading that others have had problem with steering column. Please let me know. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Car began to make excessive rattling and clunking in front end and the steering felt very loose. Took to gm dealer and they found the entire front end pretty much shot. Control arm bushings, sway bar links, and struts all replaced. The dealer said the steering column was fractured and near failure. Steering I shaft and column were replaced. Around $3000 in parts and labor at 71000, not my idea of a quality built vehicle. Major safety hazard for something with this kind of mileage.

I was driving down the street and all of the sudden the car was acting funny and not driving normally. Then the pwr str light came on. I pressed my onstar button and asked them to run a diagnostic check. It came back with nothing. I proceeded to the store I was going to. When I went back to the car and turned it on the steering wheel / column was loose and drove normally for about a minute. After that there was a beep and the pwr str light came on again and it was very difficult to steer.

Own a 2003 Saturn Ion. Approx 2 weeks ago the steering column insode the car started making a clicking noise when turning left or right. It sounds like something came loose and catching on something inside the column. It seems to be worse in colder weather but does not go away in warmer weather either. Since there is no more "Saturn" who fixes recalls or factory issues?.

The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed that the steering had become stiff and difficult. The contact stopped the vehicle and after restarting, the power steering functioned resumed normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic where the mechanic advised that the steering column would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

On Sunday, September 25th, 2011, I was driving on a familiar road in town when all of the warning lights on my vehicle suddenly illuminated and began blinking. The speedometer, fuel gage, temperature gage, and rpm indicator all went down to zero and the message center began saying "trac off" and "pwr str. " as this happened, my power steering went out. I pulled over and turned my car off. My car would not turn back on. After about one minute, I was able to start my car again and resume driving as normal. This has happened on four other occasions since the first time, three days ago. The last time it happened I was going around a curve and I almost went into the ditch. In addition, it is also important to note that at 40,000 miles, the vehicle began having the same issue (message center occasionally flashing "trac off" and "pwr str", and the abs and emergency break lights going on). The dealer found that the steering column was shorting out and had to replace the steering column in the vehicle. This leads me to believe that this is an electrical problem. . .

Driver was turning right after stopping at a traffic light. Vehicle failed to turn immediately and rammed into the median. Driver was diagnosed with a concussion at medical facility. In 2008, power steering went out on vehicle - a warning would sound and the pwr str message would flash. Dealer replaced steering column. Vehicle was repaired and is currently in use. Power steering again went out, same symptoms, on July 20, 2012. Currently the power steering is not working.

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the power steering assist would independently deactivate at any time. The dealer diagnosed that the steering column would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 94,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering became inoperative and the wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who informed the contact that she needed to replace the motor kit and the steering column. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The key gets stuck in the ignition while trying to turn the car on and off. Finally the key is stuck in the on position and the vehicle cannot be turned off. After several attempts, the key comes out while the car is still running and in the on position and the car is not in park. After several repairs, the ignition housing continues to fail. The car can easily roll off as the key comes out and the vehicle is not in park, the key even comes out while the car is driving or in drive. The only way to shut the car off is to manually remove the wire harness from the battery located under the steering column.

Power steering message comes up on my 2005 Saturn Ion 3-- I was driving and it all of a sudden became very hard to turn the wheel left or right-- I have replaced the power steering motor and it still doesn't work and now they tell me I may have to replace the whole power steering column- gm extended the warranty to 10 yrs or 100,000 miles whichever occurs first -well I have 5 years with my company and I bought it brand new and I have obviously gone higher than the 100,000 miles and now gm will not cover the expenses. . There needs to be a recall for this defective powersteering issue.

The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contact was driving approximately 15 mph when she began to smell smoke and the vehicle became hard to steer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the power steering motor and column would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 45,020.

The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion . While driving 60 mph the power steering chime sound alerted her that the power steering malfunctioned. The contact stated that it was very difficult to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a garage in order to have the failure diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired with a used steering column. The contact stated that her son was driving at 20 mph when the chime alerted him and the steering wheel was very difficult to steer causing him to crash into a pole. There were front end damages and no injuries. The dealer stated that there were no recalls. The failure mileage was unknown. The current mileage was 67000.

My 2004 Saturn Ion is having issues with the power steering going out while I drive the vehicle. After turning the car off and back on, it resets it, as it is electric power steering, but the problem persists and keeps getting worse. It will turn off about 10 times in a mile on average. I have done research on the issue and it has caused 14 deaths in other instances. After calling the dealer, they say it is not a recall, and will not help me out. A few gm cars like the cobalt have the same issues all covered under warranty and have the exact same power steering moter and steering column. I am in the process to find the partsand replacde them, but the dealer is not willing to help in this matter. Here is a link on a discussion forum for this topic. . Read more...

Have a 2006 Saturn Ion, it has less than 50,000 miles and I've had 2 different problems with the steering column. The first problem was 2 years ago and I could not get the ignition to turn off, took it to the Saturn dealership and was fixed under warranty. Now the problem is the power steering is going out and I have to replace the whole steering column to get this fixed. I have read that there are multiple people with the same problem. Called the Saturn dealership and there are other recalls concerning this car, but not for this problem.

I was driving home from school in my 2006 Saturn Ion when the power steering went out. I have a lot of curves on my way home and take a u turn to get home. It took a lot of strength to do but I managed to get home. When I was home I asked a friend to go out and take a look at the car. They figured that it just needed some power steering fluid. When we went out and looked under the hood of the car we couldn't find any place to put in some power steering fluid. Then he turned on the car and the dash board didn't say that there was any problem with the power steering. We went on line to find out that there is no place to put in power steering fluid. It is controlled by a motor in the steering column. This was upsetting to learn because I have already had problems with the steering column before when my key was stuck in the ignition and my car wouldn't turn off. Im pretty sure that they had to replace the steering column then, but that was under a recall. Now my power steering goes out about every day to every other day. I have to stop and turn my car off and then start it up again so that I can have power steering.

The steering on Saturn Ion 3, 2006 loses power during the regular operation. The car has to be steered clear of traffic (requires a great amount of force from the driver). It needs a restart, upon which the power steering works for about 15 mins and the steering power goes out again. I am having to replace all of my steering column for a correction of this problem and my warranty is expired and I will have to pay out of my pocket.