2004 Saturn Ion: windshield wiper failure

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 May 15, 2017 · Engine, Steering · CA

Vin: [xxx] , salesperson:[xxx] date of purchase: march 27, 2017 , dealers number: 47243...$2000 in repairs paid in cash.purchase vehicle in cash for $3000.false advertisement that the vehicle was in good condition@time of purchase&several defective& malfunctioning parts&I was sold a lemon car that has been recalled several times. Seat belts don't work.wind shield wipers were broke@ time of purchase. Muffler problems, rattles too..emergency brake was no good&fixed.brake faulty,I purchased new brake pads.transmission is faulty.car continuously shakes.it's been in and out of shop since I purchased it. Transmission acceleration&gear shift does not work properly or shift in time. Window is off the trap&will brake if I put it all the way down..gas leak. Gas leak=$30 a day since purchase. Ignition locks the steering wheel&won't turn while driving. Key will not turn.car will not start&needs a new ignition. The power steering went out with/in 2weeks of buying it. I was on the road&the wheel locked. I was barely able to turn it with all my strength. I had to replace it& it's an electric power steering wheel. Brake fluid was sold dirty. Overheating constantly. Fan over running.timing belt needs checked. Brakes are squeaking& squealing&when pumped shoot air, brake pads were changed& brake fluid was changed& is clear instead of black. All these problems existed@time of purchase.it was sold as is.I've lost time from work. I did not know it's been recalled several times. Gm &dealer is@fault. It is a lemon. Puts my families life in danger, especially when the wheel locks up on the road.dealer gave me a dummy key. That's another problem. I have rights under the song-beverly warranty rights. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

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 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

Filed Jan 25, 2010 · Visibility · 54,500 miles · OH

My driver wiper is inoperable. The entire arm pivoted 180 opposite of its resting position while I was driving down a road going 50mph to clean my window. Initially my passenger side wasn't working at normal speed. It seemed 'sluggish'. So I increased the speed of the wipers until it reached its highest level. This occurred 1 day after about 8 inches of snow fell including ice. This is very dangerous because I was driving down a busy highway. After I reached my destination I removed the blade from the arm so the entire wiper would not interfere with traffic. An auto mechanic stated the piece is made of plastic. I am fighting my extended warranty company to replace the piece at no charge. They stated they would only cover the wiper motor, but not the wiper transmission. Reading other reviews, others are having the same problem. Saturn should really consider doing a recall or fix for free. Occurred at 54k miles on car. Jan 16, 2010.

Filed Dec 14, 2009 · Visibility · 93,000 miles · MA

I was driving down a busy highway during a snow storm, my wiper on the driver side began acting funny. Then went up past my windshield kicking the wiper completely off onto the highway, making it impossible for me to see anything. I found it is something to do with the windshield motor assembly. Which I am now trying to get a new one. Every junk yard I have gone to says the same thing...every part that I need they pull out and it is also broken on the same models. Saturn has told me there is no recall on this part. Why is there no recall if it is broken in every saturn!?

Filed Apr 14, 2009 · Electrical, Steering · OH

I have so many things wrong with my 2004 saturn of course I have the cold start problem which I have had since I purchased the car(with only 7 miles on it). Anytime I drive my car over 30 miles an hour it shakes had that problem fix 2 years ago and now it is doing it again. My driver side window seal leaks when it rains. New problem don't think I've since this one yet the transmission in the windshield wiper goes out nd guess what for only $275 saturn will replace that for you. This car is such a lemon. Clearly as I read over complaints of the single mothers like myself, the teacher or just someone who want a reliable car. This experience has taught me never by american again and do my research before buying another car. The thing I hate the most is that they seem to have to take no responsibility for this car.

Filed Aug 13, 2008 · Visibility · 57,000 miles · GA

Drivers side wiper arm won't maintain contact with windshield flips up in the air whole arm assembly seems to be loose.