2003 Saturn Ion: check engine light

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Electrical · 97,000 miles · CO

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.

Filed Mar 18, 2021 · 234,000 miles · FL

My ignition was recalled but the mechanics at gm crestview didn't know how to reset the computer so all my lights stayed on for check engine. Now my ignition is acting up and my car won't turn on. Is it still covered under the recall?

Filed Dec 16, 2020 · Electrical · 66,000 miles · TN

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.

Filed Aug 27, 2018 · Fuel system, Seat belts · 151,472 miles · TX

Takata recall the seat belts when stopping suddenly do not always lock up. This is very dangerous especially with kids. The fuel system has been producing a check engine light at certain times of fueling up. And the fuel pump will knock occasionally even after it's been changed. The suspension is really bad and dangerous, rattling noise and shaking.

Filed Aug 15, 2016 · Airbags, Electrical · 141,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to steer the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and repaired per a recall. After the repairs, while driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The air bag and check engine warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The recall specifics were unknown. The failure mileage was 141,000. Updated 10/19/16*lj

Filed Feb 3, 2015 · Steering · 178,870 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. While driving at a low speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact had to apply excessive force to the steering wheel in order to turn the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the power steering warning was displayed on the message board. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 178,870.

Filed Apr 22, 2014 · Acceleration, Steering · 78,000 miles · CA

I was driving along the highway when my car began to accelerate and shift gears strangely. The check engine light came on and then a warning about the power steering. It did feel a little bit harder to drive. Took it to a mechanic who said something about the transmission had come up instead of power steering. Took it to another place who said it was a computer control module. Once checked, engine light turned off and car drove normally. Happened again in march, lost power steering for a few miles before it came back. Engine light came on, stayed on for a day, and then turned off. Searched online for other instances of this happening and found other saturn ion owners complaining of same thing, only it applied to 2004 and later. My 2003 is having the same issue as their's.

Filed Jan 6, 2012 · Steering · 200,846 miles · MI

- the electronic power steering stopped working while backing the car up - the malfunction indicator showed a "pwr str" message - after several re-starts the power steering continued to be inoperable (pwr str message) - the car was driven approximately 15 miles with no power assisted steering - after another start up 45 minutes later the vehicle electronic power steering resumed normal operation.

Filed Nov 16, 2011 · Electrical · 42,000 miles · NY

The car's headlights and instrument lights shut off. Warning lights such as "check engine", "ABS", and "theft lock" all came on after parking the car. The horn would not shut off, I had to disconnect the battery to get horn to stop. Attempted to start the following morning and while reconnecting the battery the horn came on again and the listed above lights stayed on. Car has been unreliable and unsafe to drive!!!

Filed Dec 13, 2010 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · OK

2003 ion saturn will not start on cold mornings. This started 2010 in january. I have taken to firestone to fix. Wasn't cold enough. Car started. Now weather is colder and car will not start. Service engine light comes on. Then nothing. I have noticed several complaints of this same type that I am having. My car only has 60,000 miles. New battery put in jan 2010. Car mechanic said cannot determine problem until car won't start for them. Very frustrating. This is really the only problem I have had with my 2003 saturn ion. Wanted to keep car for a long time. After the weather gets warmer during the day, car will start right up. Recall???

Filed Oct 16, 2008 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · AR

The biggest issue is that on cold days (and sometimes not so cold) my car will just click and not start, or will start and die out. But if I keep trying to start it and let it sit for awhile and come back, it will start right up. When it does this, they check engine light usually comes on when trying to start it, but when I get it started it immediately goes off. I've had the battery, alternator and starter checked and they are fine. It only happens usually in the mornings or late at night when it's been cold.

Filed Apr 17, 2007 · Electrical · PA

Saturn 2003 ion the car will not start, passlock light and check engine message displayed. Car will start after approximately 10 minutes. Happens in humid cool weather (rain, 30-40's f). A voltage signal is sent through the passlock resistor in the ignition switch. The passlock system interprets it as a failure and the starting circuit is disabled. This a potentially dangerous situation in cases where the car needs to be moved quickly to avoid a hazard.