The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System); however, the recall repair failed to prevent the failure from occurring shortly after. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff, the speedometer failed to display the accurate velocity, the fog lights would not deactivate, and several other electrical features failed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
2003 Saturn Ion electrical problems
383 complaints (51% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 68,000. 12 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 383
- of this car's complaints
- 51%
- typical mileage
- 68,000
- crashes
- 12
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Ignition: switch68
- Ignition54
- Ignition: anti-theft: control module19
- Horn11
- Ignition: module4
- 12v/24v/48v battery4
- Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers3
- Wiring2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Saturn Ion electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Saturn Ion electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
- Risk
- If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
- Remedy
- General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Pontiac owners at 1‑800‑762‑2737, and Saturn owners at 1‑800‑553‑6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Recall number 14V171000 · Recall details
What 2003 Saturn Ion owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I took my 2003 Saturn ion to my local Chevrolet dealership in Lincoln Illinois and they refused to complete the recall issues (2) both are to do with the ignition and keys.thwy told me it was not fixable it needed a whole steering column that would cost me they said around $800.so it has now been 2 weeks my car has been there at Graue Chevrolet Dealership unfixed and they refused to fix please help me it's my only means of transportation and I have health issues that I have to go to Dr appointments quite frequently.
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that less than a minute after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality, with the power steering failure message was displayed. The contact stated that after shifting to park(P), the contact would wiggle the key around in the ignition before being able to remove the key from the ignition switch. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,350.
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that occasionally the key failed to turn while in the ignition. The vehicle was slow to start. The contact had to avoid bumps in the roadway while driving. The lock symbol was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 14V171000 (Electrical System) and 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who declined to service the recall repairs due to an insurance issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another unknown local dealer, who informed the contact to place the vehicle in park(P) and restart the vehicle, and the symbol turned off. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a claim and informed the contact that a technician would be sent to the residence, but the technician failed to show up. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that the key remained seized in the ignition when the vehicle was shifted into park. The contact stated that the key seized midway while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle lost electrical power and took 15 to 20 minutes before starting. The contact stated that there was a click before the key was released. The battery and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The contact called saturn of memphis (2420 covington pike, memphis, tn 38128) and informed the dealer of the failure. The contact was informed to take the vehicle to jim keras automotive (2000 covington pike, memphis, tn 38128). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, when the vehicle began to stall and another vehicle rear ended her. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained a concussion and back injuries. The contact was taken by an ambulance to seek medical attention and also seek physical therapy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to repair shop and was not repaired at that moment. The contact stated the vehicle had the battery was replaced prior to the accident. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that the key seized in the ignition. The contact called a locksmith who removed the key and stated that the vehicle was subjected to an unknown recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired in 2014 for an unknown recall, for a similar failure, at the weseloh chevrolet dealer located at 5335 paseo del norte, carlsbad, ca 92008. The contact called the same dealer and was informed that the recall was expired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000.
My key switch doesn't allow me to remove my key when I'm in parked and my transmission strands at times and my car doesn't start all the time when I try to start it I have to sit and wait awhile before it starts again I could be sitting in the drive thru on parked waiting to travel again on th he main roadway
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under gm recall number: 14632 (special coverage adjustment-unable to remove key from ignition), the federal safety agency campaign number: (n/a), in december of 2013 at serra chevrolet saginaw located at 4200 bay rd, saginaw, mi 48603, (989) 790-0800 however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to mcdonald gmc located at 5155 state st, saginaw, mi 48603, (989) 319-4136, where the vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that the ignition lock cylinder, housing and keys needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. While driving at low speeds and parking the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The contact also mentioned that the key would not eject out of the ignition. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired per an unknown recall and the recalled part would not be repaired again. The failure mileage was 138,000.
Questions about the 2003 Saturn Ion electrical
Does the 2003 Saturn Ion have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 383 complaints about the electrical of the 2003 Saturn Ion, 51% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2003 Saturn Ion electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 68,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Saturn Ion electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 14V171000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Saturn Ion have the most electrical problems?
The Saturn Ion model years with the most electrical complaints are 2006 (392 complaints), 2003 (383 complaints) and 2004 (331 complaints).
Other 2003 Saturn Ion problems
Steering 139Engine 79Transmission 55Airbags 49Acceleration 38Visibility 38Fuel system 34Lights 31Body 19Brakes 11Locks 10Suspension 9Seat belts 7Tires 5Driver assistance 4Seats 3Wheels 2
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