Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start and the power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
2003 Saturn Ion engine complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 79, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the engine stalled and the vehicle crashed into a curb. The airbags did not deploy however, the contact was not injured. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 10/2/14*cn the consumer stated the driver received an injury to the head. The vehicle has not been fully repaired. Updated 3/6/2015
Key came out, but car was still running. Put key back in managed to get turn off engine, however key would not release for over 15min! This keeps happening to me. Scheduled appointment with chapman chevrolet tempe, az to repair according to recall instructions that I submitted to their customer service dept. They say they will notify me when the parts come in, but it has been approximately one month or more already. I believe my family and my self are in danger of a fatal accident or something; sometimes the car will not surrender the ignition key for in hour. Already had new key made at chapman chevrolet which makes starting somewhat easier, before, it would take, often times, 10min or more just to get the key to turn. Please help chapman chevrolet get the parts they need or stop ignoring my request for the honoring of the recall work I requested of them. Im afraid this will not hold up much longer as is.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled after the battery light illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 186,495.
When I bought my car it wouldn't start, the dealer said it was because it sat for a long time. This problemhas been constantly been an issue since in extreme weather. I was told during one shop inspection it was electrical and they have seen a lot of this but don't know what causes it. With this case it has shut my radio on and off and a big issue that I have is when I am stopped with my foot on my brake the engine will rev up and jerk forward. This happens in the city when I'm driving at slower speeds. I've had to run off the road to avoid hitting people, the only thing that saves me from hitting anyone at lights or signs is my safety gap between me and a front car. I've been late for work, ruined vacations, been stranded with an infant in 100 degree weather, and wasted a lot of money trying to find the problems. I bought it new and have heard every excuse for the problems...you guys have finally stepped in on one of the problems we have been having now gm needs to answer the rest. I'm not the only one with these problems. If you do a search online you can pull up 100s of issues exactly the same. I have all my receipts when I took it onto saturn dealers. Now I have doors that don't seal but I'm sure this is because it's old or other excuses. I had to buy another car because my kids aren't safe in it. I can't even have a clean conscious trading it in so I still am stuck with it. I have complained about this issue before but no one listens.
It don't happen all the time but it won't start you turn the key and nothing happen and you have to wait 15 minutes and try to start it most the time it will start but there were afew that it took a half hour sitting and waiting for it to reset had my car in the dealer want time and told them about they said nothing can been done about it intil it happen to them even whose the dashboard computer say service engines and it could happen everyday for a week than it could be months before it dose it again.
On multiple occasions this vehicle has accelerated without pushing the gas pedal, with no cruise control option, it's unsolved by multiple mechanics. Sometimes the brake works while it's happening, sometimes it doesn't, the most recent time I pulled into a parking lot where I had to hold the brake down to shut the car off, I could smell the transmission, I turned vehicle off, turned it back on and it went to over 5 RPM still, turned back off, sat and waited, it was 2am so I couldn't call anyone. After 10 minutes it finally went back to normal. That was the most severe, it's had slightly similar issues at least 4 times. First mechanic said it was a cruise control issue, then I told him I was leaving since the vehicle doesn't have cruise control at all. Don't want him working on it. 2nd one ran computer check, no issue found. Hopefully gm recalls this before it kills someone. This car has had many issues me and my father could fix, ignition switch, wiper blade transmission, coolant light but this one isn't easy.
On multiple occasions over the last 2-3yrs, the car was turned on and the engine revved up to 3,500rpm without pressing on the gas pedal. If I put the car in drive while this was happening, the car would accelerate on its own (up to 25mph). I've had multiple auto shops inspect and try to diagnose the problem but none can tell me what the problem is.
On 4 separate occasions (different dates, most recent were 1-26-2014 & 2-19-2014) engine revved and car accelerated by itself without gas pedal depressed. Most serious occurrence, car accelerated, brakes had no effect (pushed to the floor), ran red light, went off road, slammed transmission into park to stop. Shut off car, then started it again, and it ran normal. Took car to mechanic. No computer codes. Nothing mechanical was found to be wrong. This is an extremely serious safety issue due to the inevitability of a collision with something or someone.
Wife and children riding down road when car turns itself off and looses all power. She was luckily enough to merge across 2 lanes at a coast with no brakes or power steering to bring the car to a stop. Then it took up to 30 min of sitting on the side of very busy I-16 till the security light stopped flashing and she could continue her way home with my 2 and 8 year old kids in the car. Now all the car will do is flash that passlock light after I have replaced the ignition switch,starter,battery,alternator and many fuses also following the relearn procedure each time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an auto mechanic who advised that there was a problem with the ignition. The ignition was replaced. The contact continued to have the same problem after the repairs. The contact notified the dealer who offered no assistance. The contact also called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that when the vehicle was first started, the timing chain would exhibit an abnormally loud noise. The noise would cease once the engine was warm but could still be heard as the contact attempted to accelerate. In addition, the vehicle would become resistant to starting attempts in colder weather. The dealer advised the contact that both of the failures were common, but was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 113,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and stalled on the highway. The manufacturer was notified, but denied any assistance with repairs of the failure. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 88,000. The VIN was unavailable.
2003 saturn ion . Consumer writes in regards to vehicle recall issues *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle was purchased new and she was never informed of a recall regarding the body control module which she was having problems with. The consumer stated the problem first started when the driver side window dropped when she closed the door. Then it would not stay up. Then half of the dash went black. The next window would go up and down on its own with no contact of any type. Then the controls to the electric windows stopped working completely and the electronic lock/opening device would not open the doors any longer or lock the trunk. The consumer was informed she would have to pay for a diagnostic test. The consumer also stated there was also a problem with the transmission. The vehicle did not react to being in park, so therefore, she had difficulty removing the keys from the ignition. The o2 sensor and the ignition switch had to be replaced. The consumer stated the transmission was never properly replaced. On one occasion, the vehicle stalled and the steering locked up.
The air conditioner motor slows down and makes some funny grinding noise. Does not blow as strong as it used to on my 2003 saturn ion.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. While driving in reverse approximately 2 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the engine and suddenly the engine warning indicator began to illuminate. Also, there was smoke emitting from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they replaced the spark plugs, ignition control module and coil. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine goes into high idle RPM, 1500 to 2200 RPM, after being driven a period of time at high speed. If you shut off engine and restart engine idle resumes to 800 RPM, but if driven engine idle will go back to high idle again. Dealer reprogrammed (PCM) power control model as per saturn fix alert of 4/2004; but this did not work.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion . While driving at 30 MPH the contact noticed that the vehicle would stall. The dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the mileage was high and they did not have enough complaints from the federal safety agency to recall the vehicle. The contact has also experienced problems with the power steering when driving at a speed of 15-20 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealership and they informed her that the electric power steering motor needed to be replaced .the approximate failure mileage was 64000 and the current mileage was 74500.
Car will not start in cold weather. This began 3 months ago at the beginning of the winter season, unfortunately the first day of a new job. This happened a number of times until I was let go for showing up late to work (apparently, a car that problematic was inconceivable). I had the battery replaced, but that didn't help. This happens sporadically, but mostly in the early morning or late evening when it's coldest outside. This past week alone, my car wouldn't start 3 times. I've done some research on the internet and have found hundreds of complaints of the same problem in saturn ion's (2003-2006 models). Some complaints have suggested it's the ignition, the passlock key, or an electrical issue, and my mechanic is looking into the fuel pump. The problem is that the diagnostic doesn't read a problem if the car is starting, which seems to be the case by the time the mechanic's shop opens (weather conditions are fairly good in southern california on most days). The other day, my car had stalled while driving in heavy rain conditions, thankfully on a small residential street, because it did not want to restart. It took 10 minutes to get the car going again. You can imagine how disastrous this situation could have been while driving on the freeway or busy city road. This is an extremely dangerous issue that must be taken seriously by gm. I have also made complaints to the ftc & to saturn. From what I've read online, replacing the part doesn't even help because all of these ion parts are faulty. Please see to it that consumers are protected. Thank you.
Car won't start when the temp is below 20 f, have to wait 10 min for anti theft to reset and then try again. Some times have to try 3 or 4 times. Dealer say it's a know problem and I have to replace the ignition switch at my expense.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion which was purchased in 2003. She stated that in cold weather conditions, the vehicle would not start and it would stall intermittently. The dealer replaced the ignition switch at the owner's expense; however, the repair did not correct the failure. The vehicle continued to stall in cold weather and the manufacturer advised getting the ignition switch replaced a second time at the owner's expense. The failure and current mileages were under 88,500. Updated 01/29/10. *lj updated 02/01/10.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The vehicle was in the dealers possession when the timing belt broke. The manufacturer stated that the repair cost should be divided between the contact and the dealer. The current mileage was 64,000. The VIN and the failure mileage were not available.
I have a 2003 saturn ion 1 that I have never had any problems with. Suddenly on the first cold day of the winter it had trouble starting. After that the catalytic converter starting glowing. I have spent over $350 replacing the catalytic converter, spark plugs and wires and the air filter. I have found a recall for the saturn l series for an ignition control module. I'm still not sure if this is the problem but if it is it will cost $650 to fix it. I may not have an l series car but they were made with the same engine. I don't understand how a catalytic converter can be destroyed so quickly (under 100,000 miles) without something being wrong. Please help!!!
Timing chain broke on our 2003 saturn ion. Very dangerous and costly.
2003 saturn ion will not start if weather is under 50 degrees. This has happened since purchasing the car in 2/2004. The saturn dealer states they have had numerous complaints but is not a recall. Car does eventually start however it sometimes takes up to 20 minutes and I have been stranded at work, unable to arrive at work on time and have been stranded in dangerous areas of town.
On 16 june, 2009, I took my 2003 saturn ion in to have a faulty ignition switch replaced. The dealership did a 29 point checkup which I did not authorize. The total of the bill was 2424.00. One of the recommendations is that I replace my timing chain. I questioned how they knew my chain was bad, since they couldn't examine it. The repair associate stated based on his experience and that he could hear it "rattle". I asked the associate how long before my chain would need to be replaced. He said within six months. Though later he recanted his statement, to say that I have maybe up to six months but it can go at anytime. I had my switch replaced. I didn't drive a total of nine miles from the dealership and my timing chain snaps! I refused to allow them to repair my car. The head had four bent valves. Saturn wanted me to buy a new head for 885.00 as part of their new estimate to fix my damaged engine,which totaled 2442.00. This facility, saturn of york, should be investigated. My saturn had 115796 miles when the incident occurred. I use mobile one. My father had changed the oil within a month of this incident. My oil level was good, contrary to their 29 point inspection saying it was low and dirty. Suggesting I also have an oil change.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the timing chain was determined to be the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not included in a recall. The contact feels that the manufacturer should pay for the repair. The current and failure mileages were 128,000.
Re: 2003 saturn ion: buy date 5/03. Nov,2003, saturn sent bulletin # 03-06-123-001, entitled loss of coolant/no external evident. Sent solely to all parts managers and tech's. Condition: some customers may comment that the low coolant light comes on with no external leaks visible. Cause"this condition may be caused by porosity in the aluminum of cylinder head casting. Car has 34000 mi. Warranty is 100,000 mi, or 5 years. The latter expired may, 2008. I am positive no recall to cust's was sent. Ask that you verify from nov. 2003 to present that no recall was issued. Problem began about 500 miles ago. After repeated incidents, my local mech. Went on the computer and found the above mentioned bulletin. I am 86 yrs old, have emphysema, on oxygen 24/7.nearest family member is 400 mi. Away. Car is only mode of travel due to disability. Been warned by local mech. Not to take any trips due to fire danger.
On 3 occasions this winter, my 2003 saturn ion has failed to start. After the first 2, the battery was replaced. I now doubt the battery was faulty, because the problem seems to be intermittent and the engine would roll over, but not start. This morning (about 35 degrees), I attempted to start the car and it was very sluggish and would not start. I attempted to charge it and ended up walking my daughter 5 blocks to daycare and calling a ride to work. When I returned home 3 hours later, it still did not want to start and then ran sluggish. Online searches indicate hundreds of reports of a faulty ignition module. That will be my next repair/replacement. The car has 98000 miles. We previously owned a 1995 saturn sc2 for 10 years with 150000 miles and no trouble.
I purchased a used 2003 saturn ion level 1 in april of 2006. Beginning this winter (approximately early december 2008), my car did not start. Initially, it would simply click, but all electrical was working properly, and there was no drain of power upon attempting to start the car. A few hours later, my husband tried to start it, and it turned over as if there was no problem present. Since then, it has very randomly done the same thing - first try, nothing but electrical comes on, but after waiting anywhere from 5 - 30 minutes, the car will start only to die immediately, and then finally, the engine will turn over, and the car will run perfectly. This winter has been brutally cold, and I have a young son. Luckily, he has never been with me when I have encountered this issue while away from home - sitting in a non-running vehicle for up to half an hour in below-zero temperatures is not only dangerous to me, but *extremely* dangerous for him. I have even had occurrences of this when stopping at the store for a mere 10 minutes (after my car started perfectly to get there), only to come out and find my car completely useless. This particular night the temperature was literally 10-below-zero), and it took me a solid half hour to get it started again. I have discovered countless complaints regarding duplicate situations online from many, many ion owners, as well as other models of saturns. The fact that saturn has not issued a recall for what is apparently remedied by replacing the ignition assembly and housing appall me, even though they address it as "not being a safety issue." when taking into consideration that I, as well as thousands of other ion owners, could be left stranded far from any help or means to attain assistance, at any random time of day or location, in even the absolute worst of weather conditions makes me disagree completely with the assumption that it does not impact the safety of saturn owners and their families. It deserves a recall.
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