Fuel line rotted so much that one day I start my car and every drop of gas I had poured out onto the ground under my drivers seat. It was a fire hazard and now I am stuck without a car. The garage wants over $600 to replace the fuel line and I literally have no way to fix it. The vehicle was on a city street.
2003 Saturn Ion fuel system problems
34 complaints (4% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 105,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 34
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- typical mileage
- 105,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Delivery: fuel pump2
- Carburetor system1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Saturn Ion fuel system problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Saturn Ion fuel system
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.2l 4-cylinder (l61) engines were built with a fuel filter that could corrode prematurely on the exterior surface.
- Risk
- If corrosion on the exterior surface of the fuel filter progresses to the point of creating a hole in the shell, fuel droplets could form and drop to the ground. If an ignition source is present, a fire could result.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel filter assembly. Owner notification began on december 30, 2003. Owners should contact saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876.
Recall number 04V003000 · Recall details
What 2003 Saturn Ion owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
Fuel line to throttle body leaked fuel due to stress cracks. Part that failed is " no longer available" according to gm parts sales. .mechanic welded cracked pipe and said eh has fixed quite a few of these. I have receipt from repair shop
Fuel line leak. I own a 2003 saturn ion 3, with 120,481 miles on it. The car was garage kept till the past 6 months. When driving on 4/15/18, the car suddenly developed a strong fuel smell. The vehicle was brought into the repair shop on 4/16/18. The vehicle was diagnosed with a leaking, rusted fuel line. The leak was from line coming out of fuel pump. My research shows this was a known and common for the saturn ion, also seems that gm is aware of the issue. Fuel line/s should not rust through like this. This car is well maintained, inspected regularly at every 3000 mile oil change intervals. The vehicle was mainted by saturn as long as they were in business. This is a safety related defect that should be investigated and a recall campaign started and I should be reimbursed for the repair.
Gas odor coming from under vehicle. Fuel line next to frame directly under left rear passenger seat was leaking, fuel lines were rusted through causing gas to leak. Fire hazard
Same issue as in saturn ion 2004 recall: rusted area on fuel line near rear door. Very sudden fuel leak (half gallon) when I arrived home and parked my car
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that the odor of fuel was present outside the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 152,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. When the contact started the vehicle, he smelled fuel and noticed a significant amount of fuel on the ground. The manufacturer stated there were no recalls available. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that the vehicle had an abnormal odor and was leaking fuel from underneath. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v003000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and fuel was leaking from the rear driver side of the vehicle. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was made aware of the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v003000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 201,000.
Questions about the 2003 Saturn Ion fuel system
Does the 2003 Saturn Ion have fuel system problems?
Owners have filed 34 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Saturn Ion, 4% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2003 Saturn Ion fuel system problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 105,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Saturn Ion fuel system?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V003000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Saturn Ion have the most fuel system problems?
The Saturn Ion model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2006 (238 complaints), 2007 (208 complaints) and 2004 (52 complaints).
Other 2003 Saturn Ion problems
Electrical 383Steering 139Engine 79Transmission 55Airbags 49Acceleration 38Visibility 38Lights 31Body 19Brakes 11Locks 10Suspension 9Seat belts 7Tires 5Driver assistance 4Seats 3Wheels 2
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2003 Saturn Ion?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history