2004 Saturn Ion visibility problems

Filed Jun 22, 2023 · Visibility · SD

The drivers side windshield wiper linkage failed at the junction of the metal rod and the plastic wiper mount causing the wiper to stop working. And the wiper arms are almost impossible to remove, even with a puller. Obviously this condition is a safety issue, and other GM vehicles have been recalled for the same issue. Why not the 2004 Saturn Ion?

Filed Aug 24, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 190,710 miles · GA

Was guaranteed that nothing was wrong with it. I originally got a 2007 ford escape by trading in my vehicle and 500 cash. They wanted me to put down an additional 900 down which I ended up not being able to do. So they offered to put me in another vehicle that was cheaper and I would not have to put any more money on. The 2004 saturn ion I received on 08/23/2016 not only had clutch issues which I said I would fix, but the battery light kept coming on and they assured me that nothing was wrong with the car mechanically. We did not even make it down the road before the vehicle broke down and had to have it towed. So now the car sits in my yard and I am out my original vehicle and the 500 cash I used originally plus towing charges and a vehicle I have to pay on that I cannot drive. I want them to come get the car and give back the 500 I wasted on two junk vehicles. I also had issues with the 2007 ford escape. I was pretty much stuck taking this vehicle since I live two hours away and had no other way home.

Filed Aug 11, 2015 · Visibility · 85,000 miles · FL

The wiper arm on the driver's side starting flopping--it was no longer seated fully. I thought it was missing something simple, like a pin. Checked under the hood and discovered it wasn't that simple. I was quoted p&l from the dealer @ $364. This is outrageous. In 50 years of driving, I've never seen a wiper arm pop out. One day in a deluge, the arm hyper-extended off the windshield and I had to leave the road blind wondering if I was going to run into a ditch. Research has shown the reason this happened is due to use of plastic parts by gm and that people have had to replace their wiper assembly more than once. This is unacceptable and places a grave danger on users of these autos. This should be a recall issue!

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 Jul 2, 2015 · Visibility · MD

I was driving and my sunroof flew off. The glass shattered completely. It was working perfectly, until one day while driving it detached.

Filed Jun 2, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 89,000 miles · NY

Tl * the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated that the vehicle would make a loud noise whenever she made a turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact stated that the windshield wiper malfunctioned. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 89,000 and the current mileage was 89,447. Updated 08/19/14*lj the consumer stated shortly after picking the vehicle up from the dealer, they key became stuck in the ignition and the vehicle would not turn off all of the electrical switches started going haywire , along with different warning signs.. The consumer returned to the dealer, where an inspection revealed the solenoid was damaged. A month prior, the ignition switch was replaced. Also, when the consumers son attempted to use the jack, to change the tire, the jack bent and the vehicle almost collapsed on her son's foot. Updated 11/19/14 updated 8/30/2017

Filed Apr 26, 2014 · Visibility · 59,000 miles · WI

My concern is in relation to the ongoing malfunction of the windshield wiper system as a whole. I have not a had proper functioning windshield wiper system since 2011 when the problem began. First occurrence was while driving approx 40mph on the interstate during a moderate snowfall when the driver side wiper arm seemed to go off track and forcefully overextend to the left, completely off of the windshield. It stayed in that position until I could pull over and place the wiper back onto the windshield. It's not been resolved as the assessments have been conflicting, I.e. Loose bolt/nut, needs new motor, or replace entire system. I had both blades tied together so they would stay on course but that had its own effect on the passenger side wiper arm. It's become so bad that I cannot drive in the rain/snow due to no visibility with ineffective wiper. I've seen other complaints of this same issue and just want to know how to fix it.

Filed Jun 11, 2012 · Visibility · 88,960 miles · WV

Driving down highway when drivers side wiper went past the a post then jumped back to the base of the windshield.

Filed Mar 29, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 80,000 miles · IL

I am not exactly sure on the dates of when we noticed the problems. So far I have had serious problems with my 04 ion's front suspension, the cheaply made plastic wiper linkages that break easy while driving down the road making it difficult and dangerous while driving in rain, the ignition lock cylinder has been replaced 3 times so far because the part fails and you cannot start your car, and most recently I went to my local dealer to ask about a "clunking" noise it makes when going over any bumps to find out that there is a bulletin for a known steering linkage or steering motor (eps) problem. I was told that on these cars the steering links/motor have tendancy to break! If that is to happen while driving down the road it could result in death! I've also done some searching online and found many forums/articles with others having the same problems with this specific make/model. One comment I read the person said "this car is a death trap!" mine and many other's 04 saturn ion's have alot of known yet serious issues but saturn still has no recalls for this car!! Somebody please help fix this problem! -concerned/frusturated saturn owner.

Filed Jul 7, 2011 · Visibility · 58,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn ion. The contact stated the windshield wipers fractured while driving 55 MPH in heavy rain conditions. The dealer advised the contact that his VIN was not included in any related recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who diagnosed that there was a faulty plastic windshield wiper hinge. The windshield wiper motor were replaced. The current mileage was 59,000. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000. The VIN was unavailable. Rk