After I did the recall several years ago, the problem came back. The key will not come out of the ignition. It's happened many times.
2003 Saturn Ion steering problems
139 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 139
- of this car's complaints
- 18%
- typical mileage
- 100,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Electric power assist system6
- Steering wheel/handle bar2
- Linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm1
- Linkages1
- Column locking: anti-theft device1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Saturn Ion steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Saturn Ion steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2003 Saturn Ion owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I have the power steering column issue that still needs to be fixed as advised by GMC of Port Richey, FL where I was promised my replacement vehicle even 10 or 20 yrs later if I bought another one. If on my walking tape recorders and contact lens, I pull off my brake peddle flat lining at least twice without crashing however he would grant me whatever 2 vehicles on the lots I chose as long as I had insurance. However, I do not have the money for the tow and corporates to include the police will not listen too. Please, contact me immediately for a more rapid communication please at [XXX] or [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Rack and pinion is going bad, my mechanic said it's a common issue in these vehicles. When going around a corner it will want to float the opposite way, the steering will eventually get tight my mechanic said until I loose all steering. I am a single mother and have already replaced the whole front end on this vehicle pretty much. I know I've read so many others experiencing the same issues with their Saturn Ion, so I wanted to make it aware that this should be a recall and fixed before someone who knows nothing about vehicles ends up in a severe accident due to this big issue. Also the Key don't want to come out most of the time. An there is an issue with the car not wanting to come out of park sometimes. Not to mention it eats ball joints like crazy every other month I'm replacing the ball joints in this car. If I could afford another vehicle trust me I would but I can't even save for a new car due to all the repairs I've made. It's just frustrating that so many people are having this issue and no mechanic wants to do the rack and pinion job with out charging a fortune.
My power steering kept cutting out. (been doing this for about 2 years now) while I was driving today the worst situation happened. I went to turn at an intersection and mid turn the power steering message appeared and my steering wheel tightened and straightened back out a little bit. I was trying to get into the turn lane but to avoid an accident I sped up to merge with the farthest lane and unfortunately I popped a tire and bent the rim. This needs to be addressed before someone gets killed. To be honest im scared to drive my own car after today.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. While driving at low speeds and parking the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The contact also mentioned that the key would not eject out of the ignition. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired per an unknown recall and the recalled part would not be repaired again. The failure mileage was 138,000.
The power steering suddenly stopped working.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the power steering operated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to paddock chevrolet (located at 3232 delaware ave, kenmore, ny 14217, (716) 941-4093) where it was diagnosed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.
Power steering goes out randomly while in motion. Sometimes it lasts 5 minutes sometimes up to 25-30 minutes. Goes out everyday on my way to work (26 mile commute). Extremely dangerous when trying to park or turn from a light and I don't realize that the assist is out. Obviously on highway not as much of an issue but when driving at slower speeds it is difficult.
Questions about the 2003 Saturn Ion steering
Does the 2003 Saturn Ion have steering problems?
Owners have filed 139 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Saturn Ion, 18% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2003 Saturn Ion steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Saturn Ion steering?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Saturn Ion have bad steering?
The Saturn Ion model years with the most steering complaints are 2006 (544 complaints), 2007 (408 complaints) and 2004 (345 complaints).
Other 2003 Saturn Ion problems
Electrical 383Engine 79Transmission 55Airbags 49Acceleration 38Visibility 38Fuel system 34Lights 31Body 19Brakes 11Locks 10Suspension 9Seat belts 7Tires 5Driver assistance 4Seats 3Wheels 2
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