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.
2003 Saturn Ion: gas smell in the cabin
8 of the 758 complaints about the 2003 Saturn Ion describe gas smell in the cabin.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 120,475
- recalls
- 1
Gas smell in the cabin by model year
What owners say
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
Vehicle was in for recall on ignition switch, at the dealership changed oil and conducted multipoint inspection of vehicle. Eight weeks later vehicle was returned for service for smell of gas, dealership reported all gas lines corroded and leaking gas and need to be replaced, dealership states not releated to fuel filter corrosion recall (nthsa 04v003000) even though recall service not performed. Corroded, leaking gas lines make vehicle unsafe to operate and have the potential for fire. Believe this should be a recall as operating the vehicle with leaking gas lines put me and my family in danger. Not mention the $1000 plus repairs vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated after driving the vehicle for a few miles there was a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked, the fuel odor increased. The failure recurred on a regular basis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage and current mileage was 165,000.
Smelled gas fumes. Noticed leaking gas on ground. Upon further inspection, noticed the fuel lines are completely rusted out, causing gas to leak out onto the ground. There is no other area on the car with rust. Researching this issue, I came across many others experiencing the same problem with fuel lines rusting out. The fuel lines that were put in were wrapped with a heat resistant covering which caused water to stay and moisture to build up, eventually resulting in corrosion. Furthermore, the gasoline leakage occurred within close proximity of the exhaust system, which could cause fire or explosion. The fuel lines are inadequate, and dangerous. Potential fire hazard. This issue needs to be addressed immediately as it is very dangerous left unattended. Could cause serious bodily harm or death.
Detected smell of gasoline. Checked recalls. There are some recalls for this car but not this VIN. Took to dealership and had rusty gas line replaced. Paid for parts and work done.
Car was parked when strong gasoline odor was noticed. Moved car to hard surface and discovered vehicle was leaking rather large amount of fuel from area behind driver side rear door. Took car to dealer where it was diagnosed as a cracked fuel pump housing. Noticed 2007 model has been recalled for fuel pump issue. Further study should probably be done to determine if this is a widespread problem in the entire ion line. The amount of fuel released after part failure is a significant fire hazard.
Car won't start when it gets cold out.(under 50) ignition turns and then engine stalls out. After a few attempts and waiting a half hour or so, it starts. (usually with a fuel smell and a backfire)apparently this is a widespread problem and I am concerned as this model has already had fuel filter assembly recall..mechanics say its the starter but when replaced, problem continues.. I have not had mine replaced yet because I'm not sure I want to go to that expense when it doesn't seem to fix the problem for others. The fact that I smell gas when it does start up concerns me and I am frankly concerned for my safety.
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
Questions about the 2003 Saturn Ion fuel smell
Is gas smell in the cabin a common problem on the 2003 Saturn Ion?
8 of 758 owner complaints about the 2003 Saturn Ion (1%) mention gas smell in the cabin. The model year with the most reports is 2006.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 Saturn Ion?
There is 1 recall and 0 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2003 Saturn Ion
Won't start 168Stalling 70Power steering loss 46Wipers 27Loss of power 26No deployment 25Check engine light 18Steering lock-up 16Engine failure 12Jerking 11Fuel leak 10Headlights 10Sudden acceleration 9Transmission failure 9Fuel pump 8Slipping 8Adaptive cruise 6Door locks 6Battery drain 5Seat belt 5
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