The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that the key was stuck in the ignition. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the ignition switch and the ignition lock cylinder; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System) and 14V171000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
2004 Saturn Ion electrical problems
331 complaints (37% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 52,000. 10 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 331
- of this car's complaints
- 37%
- typical mileage
- 52,000
- crashes
- 10
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Ignition47
- Ignition: switch44
- Ignition: anti-theft: control module14
- Ignition: module6
- 12v/24v/48v battery3
- Starter assembly2
- Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers1
- Wiring1
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 electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Saturn Ion electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
- Risk
- If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
- Remedy
- General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Pontiac owners at 1‑800‑762‑2737, and Saturn owners at 1‑800‑553‑6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Recall number 14V171000 · Recall details
What 2004 Saturn Ion owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle loss power steering without warning. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated as intended. Additionally, the windows rolled up and down independently. The contact also stated there was an abnormal fuel outside the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted however, the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was referred to the local dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 172,639.
When placing the vehicle in park, it will not always register that it is park; therefore, it will not release the key from the ignition. After multiple attempts of moving the gear shift from drive to park, it will eventually allow the key to be removed from the ignition. It started with just a few days a week, but is now happening at least one time a day.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. When attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start. The contact mentioned that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic three times and the battery and crank sensor were replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
2004 saturn ion. Consumer writes in regards to airbag safety recall. Consumer states that they were never notified of recall and during an auto accident airbags did not deploy. *ld
When car is parked in driveway, I have trouble removing key from ignition. I do not know why this is happening.
I've had several times where my car wasn't as stable as it should be. The car itself rumbles and jerks a lot on city streets and as I get off the highway. In the past there's been a few issues with the breaks. During winter time, the car won't start up (I have a new battery now and it still happens). Acceleration is occasionally delayed. Lastly there's a clicking noise coming from the passenger side of the car which continues from the time the key is in the ignition until I take it out.
1. The ignition switch will not disengage...sometimes after motor is turned off and car is in park the car must be turned back on four or five times before the ignition will engage correctly. The vehicle is stationary...in the park position....key will lock inself and not disengage. The car was on a city street when this occurred. It began to occur five months ago...now it happens at least ten times a week. 2. All electrical symbols on dashboard say: coolant...but when checked the coolant is fine.
Took my vehicle for inspection it passed safety and failed emissions ! There is no engine check light on
Unable to shut vehicle off. Repeat turning switch on and off eventually shuts vehicle off and able to remove key. Vehicle is parked when attempting to shut off. Engine does not appear to be running but unable to take key out of switch. This has occurred on or about yr 2012 to current. Did not drive vehicle at all last year (2016)
Questions about the 2004 Saturn Ion electrical
Does the 2004 Saturn Ion have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 331 complaints about the electrical of the 2004 Saturn Ion, 37% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2004 Saturn Ion electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 52,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2004 Saturn Ion electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 14V171000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Saturn Ion have the most electrical problems?
The Saturn Ion model years with the most electrical complaints are 2006 (392 complaints), 2003 (383 complaints) and 2004 (331 complaints).
Other 2004 Saturn Ion problems
Steering 345Transmission 60Engine 56Airbags 52Fuel system 52Acceleration 27Lights 26Visibility 20Brakes 19Suspension 19Body 16Wheels 9Driver assistance 7Tires 6Seat belts 5Locks 4Seats 2
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