Check a VIN

2004 Saturn Ion fuel system complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 52, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Saturn Ion fuel system problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Mar 27, 2017 · Fuel system · 200,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. While driving 30 MPH, the contact was stopped by the police due to the smell of fuel and sparks coming from the fuel tank. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel line was rusted and needed to be repaired. A police report was filed. The failure mileage was 200,000. The manufacturer was aware of the failure.

Filed Feb 21, 2017 · Fuel system · CA

Sold me this car with warrantee never guaranteed the warrantee later on also discovered there was a whole patch in the gas tank and I have two small children and I was afraid of their safety and return the vehicle to the lot for selling me a in safe vehicle. There and I want to take fault for the vehicle problems and I want to cover the warranty that was promised to me on the contract.

Filed Feb 8, 2017 · Fuel system, Lights · 179,000 miles · MI

Strong gas smell & started noticing poor gas mileage and it got worse. Then notice it is leaking gas by the rear driver side tire. Also the running lights automatically come on during the day but not at night.

Filed Nov 30, 2016 · Fuel system · IN

I have had 3 mechanics look at my 2004 saturn ion. I have been advised that my fuel lines need replaced due to leaking. However, my vehicle's VIN number is not associated with the recall on this product and it should be.

Filed Oct 25, 2016 · Fuel system · 62,683 miles · NY

After the car was looked at by a chevy dealer to have recalls preformed and the fuel leak looked at, they said, on paper, "c/s fuel leaking under vehicle." "fuel feed line leaking fuel,active leak,do not recommend to drive. Replace for $689.99 plus tax customer declined." I declined because that's a lot of money, which I will take their caution and not drive the vehicle till it can fixed. I am bringing the car to another mechanic to have their claims verified by a none gm company. I live in ny, they used to use salts on the road which may have attributed to the issue, the car is 12 years old at only 62k miles. Disappointing. Car was bought used. 1 month ago at 61k miles privately, I assume the seller sold the car due to the gas leak and didn't inform me.

Filed Oct 19, 2016 · Fuel system · 62,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a strong fuel odor. In addition, fuel leaked from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v003000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.

Filed Jun 24, 2016 · Fuel system · 105,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. When the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the technician stated that there was a leak in the fuel line. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v281000 (fuel system, other). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed May 24, 2016 · Fuel system · 101,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle began leaking a tremendous amount of fuel under the driver side. The contact pulled the vehicle over and noticed that the leak stopped. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump and the fuel line were severely corroded. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 101,000.

Filed Jan 27, 2016 · Fuel system · 104,000 miles · MN

Fuel leak. Changing fuel line and hopefully that fix works. Same thing currently happening on our 2006 saturn VIN [xxx]. Frustrating reading all the years of complaints with limited recalls. Dangerous problem. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Dec 4, 2015 · Fuel system · 114,000 miles · IL

Any time the fuel pump is running, fuel is leaking from the top of the tank a running down on the drivers side just in front of the rear tire. Leaves about 12" puddle on the ground after running 10 to 30 seconds.

Filed Nov 24, 2015 · Fuel system · 46,714 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor when the vehicle was started. The failure recurred and the contact reached underneath the driver's seat and felt fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,714.

Filed Nov 23, 2015 · Fuel system · 190,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated that when the ignition is turned to the on position, the vehicle had a fuel odor. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

Filed Nov 9, 2015 · Fuel system · 132,000 miles · MD

Was driving when I noticed a gas smell really strong it got worse when then I noticed that I was going threw gas like crazy and didn't know why . One day the smell was so strong when I got out the car I looked under that car and saw that one of lines was leaking gas I am worried because I do have kids in my car and that its a bad danger chance of fires to start

Filed Oct 23, 2015 · Fuel system · 150,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated that there were strong fuel fumes emitting inside and around the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 12/03/15*lj updated 12/15/15.

Filed Sep 14, 2015 · Fuel system · 129,475 miles · NY

Fuel line rusted out near fuel filter and directly above exhaust pipe. Large puddle of fuel on ground after car was shut off. When restarted, fuel continued to flow out of rusted fuel line and onto the exhaust pipe.

Filed Jul 31, 2015 · Fuel system, Steering · 20,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact stated that there was also a smell of fuel coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering shaft and fuel lines failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

Filed Jul 23, 2015 · Fuel system · 112,430 miles · WI

On the 20th of july I noticed a very strong smell of gasoline in my garage. I checked the gas can for my lawn equipment and it was not the source on the odor. I backed out of the garage and noticed a somewhat substantial puddle of gas right in front of where my rear tire was. As the car was still running I looked under the car at the suspect location and noticed steady drips coming from under a plastic clip which held the fuel lines. Further investigation showed that the fuel lines had rusted through right at that clip. After reading up on this problem it seems that this is a extremely common problem which affects both ion and cobalt vehicles since I believe they are "delta" bodies. Due to the nature and the amount of occurrences this problem should be addressed by gm. It is my only vehicle and I do not have the 400-500 dollars to repair this. A recall should be issued since the leak is scant inches from the exhaust pipe and therefore is a safety issue and a severe fire hazard. Gm should cover the cost of the repair. I am the original owner of the car.

Filed Jul 14, 2015 · Fuel system · 79,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. After the vehicle was parked, a fuel odor emitted from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000. Ma 10/2

Filed Jul 2, 2015 · Fuel system, Visibility · 81,388 miles · WI

After having my emissions tested in wi in which it passed at the time on or about may 27, 2015. About a week latet, I began to smell a gasoline smell coming from the diiver's side of the car, after I drove it and then parked it and turned off the ignition. I didn't see anything dripping from the car to the grounc, I noticed that the smell of gasoline became more and more prevalent until about june 17, 2015 when the smell was so great and I hadnt driven the car for well over a week because I was afraid something was leaking or would happen while driving. My brother smelled it also when I backed up and pulled forward. We checked under hood, but nothing and no spots on the ground. Took it to a garage and the mechanic and owner said that the fuel lines, fuel filter, etc. Needed replacing and r which cost approximately $263 .. I also looked up information by a mechanic who states that every signgle cobalt and ion have this same problem since the cars were built. He gave a description of what it takes to remove and replace fuel lines, fuel filter, etc. Whenever I took out the car, that car could have exploded or started an engine fire. This is a dangerous situation that could have involved the loss of not only the vehicles, but peoples lives. I firmly believe that gm should have to have these vehicles on recall for this very dangerous malfunction of the fuel tank, fuel filter and fuel lines and be required to pay for these repairs on the cars affected. Thank you for your consideration in this situation.

Filed May 1, 2015 · Fuel system · 137,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated that the fuel filter and fuel lines prematurely rusted without warning. The vehicle was taken to the authorized dealer who diagnosed that the two fuel lines needed to be replaced as well as the fuel filter. The contact was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v003000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

Filed Feb 16, 2015 · Fuel system · 67,000 miles · OH

Gas leaking near the door behind the driver. Strong smell of inside car as well still waiting to hear from dealer. This model may not be part of the recall from gm it does seen to be a common issue this is a real fire danger..

Filed Jan 21, 2015 · Fuel system · 180,000 miles · NJ

While under the rear of the car to fix the exhaust system, it became apparent that the fuel lines in the location under the trunk and behind a flexible shield are extremely and severely rusted and corroded. They are corroded to the point where they could potentially leak at any moment. The fuel lines are pressurized during and after operation of the vehicle and also run very close to a hot exhaust pipe. Not only is this a reliability issue, but more so, it is an incredible safety hazard and needs to be addressed. After doing some internet searching I found numerous complaints of other ion owners with the exact same condition - many who have had leaks and either required towing, or experienced a fuel spill. Dealer wants $800 to fix. This is not a normal wear item.

Filed Dec 22, 2014 · Fuel system · 57,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated that there was a strong odor of fumes coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced due to an internal failure with the fuel pump module. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 04v003000 (fuel system, gasoline), 12v459000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 09v419000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.

Filed Nov 7, 2014 · Fuel system · 200,000 miles · MI

Gas started to pour out of my car creating a hazard. Took it to auto-lab and was told there was a rusted fuel line which is common with saturn ion.

Filed Sep 16, 2014 · Fuel system · 64,654 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact smelled a strong fuel odor near the vehicle. The dealer stated that the seals around the fuel pump and the fuel pump itself needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 04v003000 (fuel system, gasoline), 04v281000 (fuel system), and 09v419000 (fuel system, gasoline). The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 64,654.

Filed Aug 26, 2014 · Fuel system · 52,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated that fuel fumes were emitted in and around the vehicle. The contact mentioned that after refueling to capacity, the fuel gauge read that there was only half tank of fuel left. Also, the contact noticed a puddle of fuel on the ground near the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for a diagnosis. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. However, the contact was made aware that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v003000 (fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.

Filed Aug 18, 2014 · Fuel system · 134,000 miles · MI

I had just filled my take and drove about 25 miles when I keep smelling gas. When I pulled over I say that my gas line was leaking.

Filed Jul 3, 2014 · Fuel system · 94,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact smelled gasoline fuel coming from the vehicle and noticed a fuel leak. The dealer stated that the fuel lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 94,000.

Filed Mar 31, 2014 · Fuel system · 172,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ion saturn. The contact stated that she noticed gasoline fuel had spilled on the ground while the vehicle was parked. The contact's personal mechanic inspected the vehicle and found that one of the fuel lines was corroded and leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 172,000.

Filed Mar 27, 2014 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated that fuel was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the technician diagnosed that the fuel filter was corroded causing the leak. As a result, the fuel filter and fuel lines needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle had already been repaired under recall the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v281000 (fuel system, other). The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.

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