Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated that it was difficult to remove the key from the ignition after the gear was put into park. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the shift module was defective. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
2004 Saturn Ion transmission complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 60, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Transmission failure - shortly after the 2004 saturn ion hit 100k miles, the transmission failed. I had to replace the transmission at the dealer for a cost of $4,620.93. In doing research it appears that failing 2004 saturn ion transmissions are widespread around the 100k mile mark.
Was travelling on my way home from work and a fox darted out in front of me in the center of the road. I swerved slightly to miss the fox and the power steering in the car went out. I was unable to straighten the wheel and the car went into a 180 degree spin and ended up facing the other direction flipped up on the passenger side. I crawled out of the drivers window. Air bags did not deploy either. Had I not been wearing my seatbelt, I probably would have ended up underneath the car and if traffic had been coming, I could have killed someone else in oncoming traffic.
Tl* the contact owns 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated while driving out of a paring lot the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The failure occurred twice. The contact received a recall notification under the federal safety agency campaign id number 14v153000 (steering); however, the part was unavailable. The contact also stated that when changing gears the vehicle shook and rattled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, she attempted to depress the clutch pedal but noticed that the pedal had raised eight inches from where it normally was, preventing her from shifting gears. The contact mentioned that the vehicle eventually stalled and was towed to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the clutch pedal was fractured. As a result, the master cylinder, slave cylinder and the clutch pedal needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 77,362 and the current mileage was 79,810.
While driving my car on multiple occasions I have lost the ability to control the steering wheel. Also, I have experienced my car turning off while driving which thankfully has a recall on it but I want the power steering to be recalled as well because it has caused an accident and multiple near misses.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving 45 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacture was contacted. The failure mileage was 77,500 and the current mile was 77,590. Updated 6/10/14*cn updated 8/4/17
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated that the vehicle had multiple failures. The steering was rough and the transmission was causing the vehicle to make loud noises when the wheels were turned left or right. The contact was included in the federal safety agency campaign id number:14v047000 (air bags, electrical system) however the dealer stated that the parts would become available mid april. The manufacturer was also contacted and could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repairs. An authorized dealer will inspect the transmission and steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 175. The mileage of 175 was reaffirmed by the contact. Updated 05/28/14 ma the consumer stated the vehicle began having issues 2 weeks after it was purchased. The vehicle wouldnt start, it had high idling problems, and most recently the steering column failure. The battery and throttle were both replaced. Updated 05/29/2014* js
I purchased 2004 saturn ion 3 in 2013 and within 30days I started having problems with transmission. Vehicle would stall out and begin to hesitate around 35mph. I started inquiring about transmission issues on internet and observed this is a common issue with this vehicle. I'm getting no help with this issue with gm dealership. With all the other owners complaints about this transmission issue with the saturn ion there should be a national recall to fix transmission defect on this vehicle.(CVT or vti transmission).
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated that he was unable to shift out of gear. The vehicle was inspected by the contact who diagnosed that the clutch pedal and the clutch master cylinder needed to be replaced. In addition, the plastic guide for the seat belt on both the driver and passenger side broke causing the seat belt to lie on the neck instead of across the chest. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 210,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, a click was heard when the clutch pedal was depressed and it became difficult to depress. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 200,000.
I started my car, pulled forward through the parking lot, didn't reverse. Headed down westheimer at about approx. 35 MPH. I drove about one mile when I heard the warning chime and my power steering suddenly went out. Luckily I was the only one on the road being it was about 1 am. I pulled into a gas station turned my car off and back on suddenly it was back.
Shortly after buying this vehicle, I have had numerous failures of the power assist steering system. At any speed, at any time, "pwr str" dis displayed on the obd display, simultaneously as the motor stopped functioning, forcing me to unexpectedly manually steer the car until the ignition was cycled and the system reset. Sometimes this happens 1-7 times a day. I have personally came close to having a single car accident due to power assist failure while curving. There are no other previous failures of the steering equipment leading up to this issue.
Approximately one week after I purchased the vehicle I noticed a grinding noise that was not favorable and I was pretty sure it was the tranny. I purchased an extended warranty with the car so I took it to the dealer for diagnostics and repair. It was confirmed to be the tranny and they tried to put a bandaide on it by flushing it and changing the fluids. One week later same noise only louder. They replaced the tranny. 30 days after the first repair; the noise returned, they replaced some parts, in the tranny they just put in it. Just over 12,0000 miles later I was attempting to back up and the car would not go in reverse. I had it towed and the tranny was again replaced, that was just under 12,0000 miles ago and the tranny is slipping again, only now the extended warranty people say I am out of funds because they will not repair a vehicle beyond it's worth. I have had the axle replaced twice and it needs to be done again, extended warranty again say's they are done paying out on this car even though my time or mileage is not expired on the warranty. About a month ago it failed to start and because I had read this web site on consumer complaints for this car I knew to wait 5-15 min and try again. This has happened several times but so far it eventually starts. I purchased this car on credit just over a year ago to get a reliable vehicle because I work 7 days a week out of my car and it is becoming a nightmare no-one will wake me up from. And because I am upside down on the loan I cannot even trade it in for something that is reliable. For the amount of complaints I have seen there should be some recourse to the consumer. I have had the tranny replaced twice and fixed twice, the axle has been done twice and need it again. Chevy bought this company out and should have to honor the standards for a safe vehicle or stop selling them to unsuspecting buyers.
The litany of problems with this unsafe and unreliable vehicle is long and varied. Multiple transmission problems, electrical issues, losing power while driving, etc.. Gm and saturn knew of these issues, especially the ones concerning the vti transmission, yet they chose to continue to put the public at risk by denying their responsibilities to correct these problems. The only real way, in my opinion, to make this right is to fully recall and replace these vehicles. This car has been nothing but a nightmare since I bought it brand new in late 2003 and continues to be a hazard. Please force gm to do the right thing and get these cars off the road before someone gets killed.
2004 saturn ion vti transmission failure, pulling out of a fast food drive thru at a slow rate of speed, hundreds of miles from home. It has been a known issue that this transmission was a poorly made gm product; saturn was aware of it, gm has been aware. Recalls should have been made, but instead they are allowed to rip off the buyer with transmissions that fail within 66,000 miles. Car has been maintained perfectly. There will be no more gm purchases with my dollars. My work is worth a better product.
2004 saturn ion with automatic transmission, the car stopped moving in drive while turning onto the freeway. Car was towed to a saturn dealer which they stated that the transmission is no good. Nothing was done because they want $5,000 to fix the car. Found out through the internet the federal safety agency#10032327, states that saturn gm will pay 50% of cost of replacement, saturn dealer will not honor service bulletin.
Tl* the contact owns 2004 saturn ion. The contact was driving 10 MPH when the vehicle abnormally shifted into the next gear. The contact called the manufacturer and they informed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnosis. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle as having a faulty transmission which needed replacing. The dealer advised the contact that he would only be liable for one half of the repair costs. The contact declined and stated that the manufacturer should be liable for the full repair costs due to numerous transmission complaints found online for his year, make and model. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. While driving approximately 25-30 MPH the vehicle lost power steering. She stated that the vehicle became very difficult to steer and she had to hold on to the shifter and the steering wheel in order to gain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was manual. The contact had taken the vehicle to three local mechanics and they advised her that the steering column needed to be replaced and has referred her to the dealer. The vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer for this failure. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but she no longer has power steering. While driving the vehicle also locked in gear and she could not shift out of gear. The contact stated the failure happened at 9,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer thirty seven times for this failure and they have replaced the wires but the failure continued to occur. The dealer has never diagnosed the failure because the contact would not pay $500.00 for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was 21,000 and the current mileage was 83,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. While traveling at 35 MPH, the vehicle would no longer accelerate. The dealer performed a transmission flush on the vehicle to correct the failure. Immediately after the repair, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed and there were no further repairs. The current and failure mileages were 87,000.
After only 9 months of owning my ion I have experienced problems with shifting the car in and out of gear. It is a random occurrence and can happen 8 times in a week then not at all for months. However when it does happen it is a life threatening experience as I am usually driving on a major highway. The car will be "locked" into 4th for example and when I try to shift to 5th I can not get it out of 4th. I have taken the car to the saturn dealership a minimum of 20 times for this problem, only to be told that they could not do anything. I then took it to a different dealership where the tech took the car home for 1 week, experienced the problem for himself, and told me all he could do was replace a wire and hope it helped because saturn would not let him investigate any more options. It did absolutely nothing to help my car. And since the last time my car has been at the saturn dealership my power steering now goes in and out. Apparently they busted a seal and failed to mention that to me, so not only do I have to worry about not being able to shift, but also losing my power steering. They only solution I can come up with is to try my best to get the car to a safe spot and turn it off and let it sit. This car has had more problems than anyone should have to deal with: reverse switch going out, airconditioning going out, power windows no longer work, power steering, and not being able to shift. I have to drive this everyday with my children in the car with me at most times. This should have all been taken care under the orig. Warranty, as it all happened within the first 6-12 months of owning the car. Lol that's what I get for buying a gm product.
I have a 2004 saturn ion. About 3 weeks ago I had the transmission fluid flushed and changed. Then on january 13, 2010, my car stalled on me. I had it towed to the saturn dealership and called the next morning. I was told that the transmission was bad and needed to be replaced. It was a generous offer to only have to pay half for the repair. I have done some research, and although there are reports for about 15 saturn vehicles on recall lists, the ion was not one of which I could read about. In some cases, transmission failure for the saturn vue can be a recurring problem; for the same customer.
I was once a loyal general motors customer ' that is until gm nearly killed me. I'm the unfortunate owner of a 2004 saturn ion with an ailing transmission the dealership refuses to repair, and I am not alone. In my case, the transmission failure nearly cost me my life. This past saturday, I was attempting to merge from 315 n onto interstate 270 e. Exiting the entrance ramp at that interchange is often a hazard under the best conditions. As I accelerated into the right-hand lane of traffic, my car shuttered violently and lost all forward momentum. I swerved back to avoid being rear-ended by the closing traffic on 270 e, nearly sideswiping another vehicle still in the exit lane. I drifted to the side of the road unable to get the transmission to engage. After letting the car rest for a few minutes I tried again to get it into gear, ultimately having to leave it in a parking lot. Despite gm agreeing to a class action settlement on april 16, 2009, saturn dealerships have recently been advised to suspend all extended warranty repairs under the agreement. Saturn customer service, under direct instruction from gm, has take the position that the agreement was made by gm prior to the declaration of bankruptcy on june 1, 2009 and now has no legal obligation to complete the repairs. Gm also failed to notify the 150,000 owners of affected vue and ion models that due to an acknowledged design flaw, their cars might drop in or out of gear, even at high speeds, posing significant danger to operators, passengers and other motorists. How many accidents and injuries have and will occur due to gm's lack of action? Lives likely have and will be lost due to this known defect. Gm is paying roulette with the lives of its customers and the drivers who share the roads with them. Gm has failed to comply with the legal terms of a class action settlement, failed to notify customers of a potentially deadly defect and failed to pay the cost of repairs they agreed in federal district court.
Transaxle grinding/whining noise in 3rd or 4th gear, excessive engagement or disengagement effort while shifting into 3rd or 4th gear, will not shift into either 3rd or 4th gear.
Engine started a faint squealing noise on 24 north during rush hour traffic, was in the fast lane and managed to get over and pull out of the lane, however there was very little shoulder and it was not safe to get out of the car, my two younger children were in the back seat, had to drive on the edge of the shoulder to the next exit which was approx 11 miles before I could get off the interstate to a safe place, traffic going approx 80 miles per hour and car would not go more than 50 MPH, as getting off the interstate timing chain broke in middle of the intersection bystanders pushed car to a safe location. Had it towed home, was told tension rod seized and timing chain broke. Had to replace total engine for 5k, car out of warranty, less than 5 years old and 88k miles. Mechanic could not find any reason for seizure as car had plenty of oil and had been maintained regularly.
My saturn 2004 ion has been breaking down since I purchased it used in 2005. They have put in 2-3 transmissions and everytime it is cold it won't start. A couple times the would start but not shift into gear! The tech's could not figure out what was wrong so my dad (who does not work on cars ) figured out it was a loose wire! They have replaced the stabilizer bar bushings at least 3 times! The cars heat and radio would just shut off and turn back on they also fixed that a couple times. My car will be paid off shortly but I will not be able to know what it is like to not have a car payment because at any moments notice my 2004 saturn ion might fall apart!!!!!
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The clutch pedal on the vehicle has a retainer that does not have the proper durability. After a few months, the retainer detaches and causes the clutch pedal to raise upwards. As a result, the driver is unable to properly switch gears fast enough. When the failure first occurred on july 20, 2007, the dealer replaced the cylinder axulator, master clutch, the entire clutch pedal, and the retainer. The repair lasted for 15 months. Recently, while attempting to switch gears at 15 MPH, the contact noticed that the clutch had once again lost the retainer and caused the pedal to raise. The contact was unable to determine where the clutch was located, which nearly caused a crash. He called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired for free because it was no longer under warranty. The contact believes that this is a safety issue that the manufacturer should be responsible for repairing. He called the manufacturer directly and they refused to make any repairs. The vehicle currently has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 59,751 and current mileage was 80,210.
While driving the car locks up and is impossible to shift in and out of gear. This usually happens in 3rd, 4th and 5th gear. The car has to shut of for a period of time and it usually will unlock the system. I have been stranded on the interstate with my two young children in the car, unable to get to safety because I cannot shift into a lower gear to move off the road. This car is a death trap, and saturn refuses to fix it, even though I brought it in under the original warranty. This problem has been occuring for nearly 4 years now.
I have a 2004 saturn ion 2 automatic transmission. Any day that the temperature is less than 20 degrees it will not start. Sometimes after about half an hour of trying it will start, but not very often. Also it often idles at an extremely high RPM. It sounds terrible when it does this. Also when it idles high it seems to have trouble shifting gears. It's very twitchy and jerky.
On june 25, 2007 the 2004 saturn ion quad coupe came to a dead stop in the middle of an intersection. After numerous attempts to start the car I was forced to have the car towed to a saturn dealership in fort lauderdale. I was told that there was a possibility that it was the transmission and that saturn had extended the warranty on certain transmissions mine included . When I asked if there had been a recall was told no. Also, I was told I should have the car back by friday 6/29/07. Later that day I was informed that it was the vti trnsmission and parts needed to be ordered. I should have my car back on friday, 6/29/07. On friday I was told that the transmision was going to need to be completely replaced and the part had been ordered. I would get the car back on 7/2/07, week since it had been brought in I was told that the parts had not arrived ,and that I would have the car back on thursday since wednesday. Today thursday 7/5/07 I have now been told the car was not ready, and that it may not be ready tomorrow. Why not recall cars affected.
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