My car started getting a strong odor of gas. A fuel pipe leak is causing the odor
2004 Saturn Ion fuel system problems
52 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 104,000.
- owner complaints
- 52
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- typical mileage
- 104,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap1
- Delivery: fuel pump1
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 2004 Saturn Ion fuel system
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Fuel system, other: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Certain vehicles equipped with supercharged 2.0l 4-cylinder (lsj) engine were built with a fuel feed pipe that could crack and leak fuel near the fuel rail. If fuel leaks from the fuel feed pipe, there would be a noticeable fuel odor around the vehicle.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel feed pipe assembly. Owner notification began on june 9, 2004. Owners should contact saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876.
Recall number 04V281000 · Recall details
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 2004 Saturn Ion owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Hi I am a kind of new owner of an 04 saturn ion, this is actually the second complaint I've filled out. Last July I had a mechanic friend look at my fuel filter and he had said the fuel line needed to be cut off becuase of how rusted on to the original fuel filter I'd got it with was and I didn't believe him so I replace it myself and when I got it off I had cleaned up the metal fuel line the best I could and put a new filter on. Well now it leaks gas right where the hook up is and very strong fuel smells come from there too, I've gotten numerous comments about how un safe that is to be driving it but I need to have a way to work and then someone had mentioned to check for recalls and I seen on there that this car did have a recall for faulty fuel filter gas lines. If you could get back to me as soon as possible about an inspection if needed or whatever else you'd need on my behalf. Please and thank you for your time
Tried taking fuel filter off last july took a whole weekend of using penatrating oil and freeze off then I finally got the tabs to come loose, I thought maybe I messed up the new filter or didnt get enough rust off the fuel line and that's what was causing the strong smell of gas nd poor performance but changed it again and still that same problem but now theres a leak. The car was on back tire ramps the girl fuel filter change then the 2nd one was done with a hoist and currently this car is the only thing I can count on to make it to work, thank you for your time and consideration.
The fuel pump is leaking, gm refuses to fix it because the VIN isn't associated with the recall, but the same year make and model of my car says it has a recall for the fuel system and pump.
Fuel leak on rear driver side when the engine is running while car is stationary. It may have happened before the date and mileage stated below but that's when I first noticed the fuel leak.
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.
It looks like my car is leaking fuel. Don't know if it's the fuel injector line or fuel pump but I know there is a recall for this on my car but it's not showing up on my VIN number
2004 saturn ion 2.2/4 engine started smelling gas fuel line issues found ... Others having same issue there are recalls but only on certain VIN #s 107,000 miles how many cars before nation wide recall ??!!
I bought a 2004 saturn ion 2.2l l4 (VIN: [xxx]) for my son 4 months ago. It is now leaking a puddle gasoline after being shut down. I looked on line and there dozens of others with this problem (please see attached) yet my VIN is not on a recall list. Called saturn 800.972.8876, they said it wasn't on a recall list also. Dealer wants $600+ for repairs. Any suggestions? Thanks information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
The car is under 80,000 miles and has a leaking fuel line.
Questions about the 2004 Saturn Ion fuel system
Does the 2004 Saturn Ion have fuel system problems?
Owners have filed 52 complaints about the fuel system of the 2004 Saturn Ion, 6% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2004 Saturn Ion fuel system problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 104,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2004 Saturn Ion fuel system?
Yes, 2 recalls: 04V281000, 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 2004 Saturn Ion problems
Steering 345Electrical 331Transmission 60Engine 56Airbags 52Acceleration 27Lights 26Visibility 20Brakes 19Suspension 19Body 16Wheels 9Driver assistance 7Tires 6Seat belts 5Locks 4Seats 2
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2004 Saturn Ion?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history