2004 Saturn Ion: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Jan 9, 2013 · Tires · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion equipped with bridgestone turanza el400 4305 /b12 tires (n/a). The contact stated that while traveling 55 MPH, the vehicle began to shake. As the vehicle was moved to the shoulder, the tread completely separated from the front driver's side tire but it was still able to hold air. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The tire failure mileage was 20,000. The vehicle failure mileage was not available. The VIN was not available.

Filed Nov 5, 2008 · Tires · 50,830 miles · NJ

Bought 4 michelin agility touring tires (p195/60r15 87s) from sears auto on 1/15/07. On 6/26/08 rear passenger tire was flat while in the driveway. On 7/11/08 rear driver tire blew out while driving on highway. The interior side of the tire was completely ripped. On 7/16/08 front passenger tire was flat while in another driveway. Each tire showed no punctures and was not under-inflated. The defective tires as well as the 4th michelin that did not go flat yet were replaced as they went bad with firestone affinity touring s2 tires because sears didn't carry any more s class tires for the saturn ion. Discarded 1st flat tire. Will hold last 2 defective tires and the non-flat tire until 12/31/08. It's strange that 3 tires with no signs of punctures went flat or blew out within 3 weeks after only a 1.5 years' use. They could have caused bad accidents. Sears dismissed my complaint since the tires were no longer on the rims. Dot hnda h5fx 4206, 4306, 4406?, and 4506.

Filed Dec 21, 2005 · Wheels · 16,500 miles · GA

I had my 2004 ion 3 in to replace a tire on 11/19, then on 11/30 had tires rotated complained to dealer about a rattle. Per dealer the heat shields were cracked and the parts had to be ordered. When I left the dealer on that day the rattle in the front sounded worse, but I was told heat shields were the problem and I knew they would be fixed soon. Rattle proceeded to get worse, contacted dealer about part informed them of rattle getting worse, got appointment to bring back since part was in (appt would have been 12/26). Driving home from work on the evening of 12/20, I was getting off the interstate and the steering wheel started jerking to the right, heard horrible clunking sound coming from front end. Pulled into gas station, did not notice anything, sound quieted. While leaving gas station I heard a horrible clunking sound pulled over in parking lot, thought maybe I had a blowout. When I looked at the front driver side tire, there was one lug nut left in it and one lug nut hanging off. Called roadside assistance, upon further examination the screws had snapped off the wheels, fortunately there were two screws left otherwise I don't think the tow truck could have towed it. When I addressed concerns with the service manager, he was very helpful and fixed the car for free, said the studs(screws) were probably defective. Was advised by him this is most likely scenario as opposed to someone not tightening the lug nuts on the 11/30 tire rotation (because according to him I would not have been able to drive 900 miles if that were the case). The dealership went out of their way to help, but worried if its a defect this could happen at any point to the other 3 tires.

Filed Dec 8, 2005 · Tires · 10,000 miles · OH

While traveling on an interstate highway, observed a soft flapping sound that caused concern. Before I could slow down or take any action the left rear tire tread separated from the wheel and then the complete tire was ejected from the vehicle. I was able to exit the roadway and called the state highway patrol. To report the incident and request roadside assistance.

Filed Nov 10, 2005 · Wheels · FL

We are concerned about the safety of our saturn ion. We purchased it in 2004, and we have had three bent aluminum wheels and now we have a broken wheel. We have brought it back numerous times to be fixed to space coast saturn, where we purchased our saturn only to here each time that they are not going to repair our saturn because it is not their fault, it is ours. We are very concerned about our safety while riding in the car with our three children. I am afraid that we could have a blow out and someone could be hurt.

Filed Apr 15, 2005 · Suspension · CT

2004 saturn ion right front tire blew out resulting in the driver losing control of the vehicle.***no answer required***. *mr the right front strut kit was replaced. All the parts that were used for the repair came from saturn. The vehicle strut bracket that was welded to the strut which held the sway bar link had broken off and cut into the tire causing the tire to blow out. *bf

Filed Mar 4, 2005 · Tires · 6,000 miles · OH

I own an 2004 saturn ion 3 that came with firestone, firehawk gta tires and the size is p205/55r16 89h m+s. I had an oil change and tire rotation at 6,000 miles. On 3/3/2005 I had a blowout while driving on the expressway. This was at nine at night and I had forgotten my cellphone and was made late for work. With semi's driving by at 70 MPH on I-75 I was in fear for my life while changing the tire. On 3/4/2005 I called the saturn dealership and asked them if they had the tire and how much etc. They transferred me to service and they said to bring the car in. I was happily surprised since this was friday at noon. They inspected the tire for punctures (found none) and I think they were surprised at the sidewall separation. They replaced the tire under warranty (no charge). The tire had 9,000 miles at the time. While driving down a side road at 30 MPH I heard a clunk and thought snow was hitting the tire. This then quieted down. I got on the expressway and went two miles before I heard a noise that I thought was a helecopter overhead. I pulled over and found the tire had blown out. Now I don't feel safe driving on the expressway in my new vehicle.