2003 Saturn Ion: sudden loss of power

Filed Sep 19, 2024 · Electrical · 111,350 miles · PA

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.

Filed Jan 23, 2023 · Steering · 173,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The contact restarted the vehicle to correct the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.

Filed Apr 12, 2021 · Steering · 148,000 miles · MA

Intermittent electric power steering loss during driving, causing major safety issue as well as damage to steering column. Vehicle lost power steering while I was driving and the steering shaft snapped causing complete loss of control.

Filed Jun 22, 2017 · Electrical · 112,246 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. While driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and lost power completely. The vehicle veered to the right side of the road and came to a rolling stop. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the failure occurred on four separate occasions. The vehicle was repaired in may of 2014 per the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v047000 (electrical system) at a unknown dealer, but the failure recurred. General motors was made aware of the failures and stated that the vehicle was under a twelve month warranty, which expired in april of 2015. The failure mileage was 112,246.

Filed Sep 18, 2016 · Steering · 134,000 miles · MI

In june of 2016 at a speed of approx. 70 MPH my 2003 saturn ion lost power steering on the e-way. I had to pull off e-way. Park and restart. After restart power steering was back but only for short periods of time. Has been an off and on reoccuring problem since.

Filed Jul 11, 2016 · Steering · 107,939 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. While driving approximately 20 MPH, there was a compete loss of power steering without warning. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver and required excessive force. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,939.

Filed Jun 20, 2015 · Steering · WI

On 2/12/2015, I received a letter from gm: "this letter is intended to make you aware that some 2003 model year saturn ion vehicles equipped with power steering assist may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving. ... If this condition occurs on your 2003 saturn ion, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge." however for saturn ions model years 2004-2007, gm issued a recall for this power steering defect. Why is this defect worthy of a recall for all model years except 2003? The sudden loss of power steering is no less alarming and no less hazardous for saturn ion 2003 cars. Similarly in may 2015, ford announced a recali of nearly 423,000 cars and suvs in north america for the same defect: the power-assisted steering can fail while they're being driven. The federal safety agency has acknowledged the safety hazard that a sudden loss of power steering could present. I am disabled. If I was to experience a sudden loss of power steering, I am sure that I would not have the physical ability to steer my car. I urge you to call for a recall of the 2003 saturn ions for the same power steering defect that has precipitated gm to recall saturn ion 2004-2007 models and ford cars and suvs.

Filed May 14, 2015 · Steering · 145,000 miles · FL

Loss of power steering while driving, very difficult to turn. Can turn engine off and restart. Power steering is then operational for a few miles, however power steering will fail again.

Filed Jan 14, 2015 · Acceleration, Steering · 136,000 miles · MI

Coming to a stop in heavy traffic alarms and lights went off, the car lost powering and wouldn't go into gear finally when the gear engaged it would only stay in first gear. Luckily we were able to pull off the busy highway and get safely to the side of the road with no accidents or injuries.

Filed Nov 18, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 162,603 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. As a result, the vehicle lost power steering. After turning the vehicle off, it failed to start. The contact received notifications for the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v047000 (air bags, electrical system) and the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v171000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the vehicle was remedied by the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,603.

Filed Oct 16, 2014 · Steering · TX

I was driving down the highway and I lost power steering. The bell started sounding and the dash said pwr steering. I have to man handle my car to get pulled over, kill the motor for a couple of minutes and start it back up. Sometimes it does it again right away, other times it will go for a while before recurring.

Filed Oct 1, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 130,000 miles · MI

Ask a mechanic spring 2014, we had the recall on the ignition fixed on my 2003 saturn. On september 9th my son drove the saturn to detroit mi. About half way there on I-94, at rush hour, the saturn lost power and began stopping. He was going about 70 miles/hour and didn't have extra keys on the key ring. Luckily, he is strong, smart and quick thinking. He was able to wrestle the steering column toward an exit, while depressing the clutch and restarting the car. Thankfully it started! If I had been driving the car, I don't think I could have done those things. We called the dealership that fixed the car and after numerous calls, they said they were not authorized to tow the car and fix it. Now several weeks later and in response to letters sent to gm executives, they tell us the same thing. I am telling them their fix is not a fix! I don't want others injured or dead. Why is this entitled 'ask a mechanic'? We were told many years ago by a mechanic at the saturn dealer not to hang extra keys on our ring. This dealer has been gone for many years. Maybe someone needs to ask a current mechanic if this is the right fix for gm vehicles.