2003 Saturn Ion: complete transmission failure

Filed Aug 20, 2016 · Transmission · 104,065 miles · CA

I was driving and my transmission I bought from gm only 14 months ago went out. It was remanufactured and the part cost me 5,513.63 dollars. I only drove approximately 9,000 miles and they said it was 12 mo. Or 1 year so they can't help me. I would expect a remanufactured transmission to last more than 9000 miles and asked if I was the first to have failure at so low mileage and he replied yes. I feel I've been cheated as a consumer. Gm parts told me that part is covered 3 years or 36,000 miles however customer service said that's wrong. I was only at 14 months when it went out and at 9000 miles it is so unfair because it is suppose to be like a brand new transmission. All gm is about is making money and not about the satisfaction of their customers. Car was in motion when it went out.

Filed Aug 8, 2016 · Transmission · 215,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion equipped with a manual transmission. While stopped at a traffic light, the transmission failed. The contact was unable to shift the vehicle into gear. The contact stated that the clutch pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.

Filed Oct 20, 2014 · Transmission · 33,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that the key failed to turn to the on position and the transmission failed to shift into park from reverse or drive. The contact had to make several attempts to get the vehicle to shift into park and remove the key. The contact had to wiggle the key back and forth, apply force to the shifter and turn the wheel back and forth to remove the key. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The technician diagnosed that the shifter and cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000.

Filed Jul 29, 2014 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · NM

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the transmission failed and was unable to shift gears. In addition, all of the warning lights illuminated. The failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Jul 20, 2010 · Suspension, Transmission · 90,000 miles · NJ

Was stopped at a red light; when it turned green, car did not accelerate. Had to be pushed off to side of road; turned car off, then re-started it. It drove a short distance, then had no power, but was able to coast safely to side of road. Car was towed to gas station. Mechanic checked fluid level was good and did not have burnt smell. Tried to start car again - made low winding noise and would not go into gear. When gas pedal was pressed, the speedometer moved. Mechanic said it needs new transmission. Car has 90,000 miles.

Filed Jun 6, 2010 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · MA

Transmission failure. There was a safety alert letter issued november of 2009 for 2003 saturn ion owners with stipulations claiming that the car had to be in service for 5 years or less to be able to have the part repaired at no cost. No one falls under this criteria considering that this alert was sent out in november of 2009, refer to safety alert #09280. My car has 55,000 miles on it and a transmission is not an expense that a saturn customer should have to be paying in my opinion. They do offer a 50% off deal where they take care of half the cost. It's a $5000 job and half is $2500, still a very high cost for a problem that should have been considered a recall. I have only had this car for 2 years and to have this problem on a car that I have a car payment on. Please assist the saturn owners in finding out how this did not become a recall. So many people are having this issue and it seems unfair to have to pay more money for a defect in the saturn ion and vue's transmission. Thank you for your time and help in this matter.

Filed Aug 30, 2008 · Transmission · 69,000 miles · TN

2003 saturn transmission failed to work properly with around 69000 and saturn refused to honor my warranty on my car.

Filed Apr 10, 2006 · Transmission · 46,000 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 MPH the vehicle revved at a high rate followed by a sudden decrease. The vehicle was seen by an independent repair shop. The mechanic performed a diagnostic and road tested which indicated a new transmission was needed. The mechanic replaced the automatic transmission and rebuilt the torque converter, which corrected the problem. The contact insisted that the transmission was defective from the factory. The vehicle was 3 years old. The contact had the transmission replaced. Had to pay out-of-pocket expenses in the amount of $2,136.00. Updated on 05/18/2006. *ak updated 06/15/06.

Filed Dec 29, 2003 · Transmission · 2,000 miles · FL

I purchased my 2003 saturn ion in january 2003. It has been a nightmare. The vehicle has been into the dealership a total of 6 times and a grand total of 18 days in service. The transmission downshifts when I try to accerlerate. The service techs at saturn have been able to duplicate this problem several times. They have recalirberated and replace the transmission; however the vehicle is still down shifting when accerlerating. I am terrified that I will be hit because of this problem. It has now gotten to the point that it will stop for a few seconds when the failure occurs and then take off agian. This is very dangerous. They should not be able to sell vehicles with defects. I have filed a compliant with the bbb and currently have a case pending. I want to be refunded in full for this vehicle.