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2005 Saturn Ion electrical problems

227 complaints (40% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 53,000. 5 crashes reported.

owner complaints
227
of this car's complaints
40%
typical mileage
53,000
crashes
5
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Ignition
    38
  • Ignition: switch
    13
  • Wiring: interior/under dash
    3
  • Wiring: front underhood
    1
  • Wiring
    1
  • Ignition: module
    1
  • Ignition: anti-theft: control module
    1
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Saturn Ion electrical problems in other years

200320042005200620072008

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Saturn Ion electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Battery drain 6

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignitionReported April 10, 2014 · 2,191,014 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Risk
If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Remedy
General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Pontiac owners at 1‑800‑762‑2737, and Saturn owners at 1‑800‑553‑6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

Recall number 14V171000 · Recall details

What 2005 Saturn Ion owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 15, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · CA

This vehicle has an electrical issue from time to time seemingly out of nowhere. There is no power steering it just shuts off sometimes it’ll stay off for an hour sometimes it’ll stay off for weeks and I can’t figure out how to fix it. It randomly fixes itself same can be said for the air conditioning And the driver side, headlight all of these electrical functions, seemingly turn themselves up or down for no apparent reason.

Filed Jul 21, 2025 · Electrical · 167,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the ignition key was stuck inside the ignition key slot, and the vehicle failed to start. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The dealer was not contacted regarding the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 167,000.

Filed Mar 13, 2025 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

My key is stuck in the I can take it out the o2 seners not reading

Filed Jan 9, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · MN

When pressing the gas pedal 2/3 of the way down the pedal got stuck causing the engine to rev high while driving forward. I had to put the car in neutral, shut the engine off and manually get the gas pedal unstuck by reaching down to the floor and pulling the pedal upwards with my hands. Also I had no floor mats in my car for the pedal to get stuck on. This has happened on multiple occasions.

Filed Dec 27, 2022 · Electrical, Steering · MN

Power steering intermittently fails at random and steering wheel suddenly becomes immovable nearly causing serious accidents and endangerment to myself, my family, and others drivers on the roads.

Filed Mar 21, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · MI

I turn my turn signals on and nonthing happens in the Frontline bulbs are brand new doesn't matter back turn signal work,front turn signal dont.this has been happening since forever my inlaws didn't know we didn't know until they gave car.so don't know how long seems like forever

Filed Feb 18, 2022 · Electrical · MN

2005 saturn ion. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch problem. The consumer stated the key would frequently become stuck in the ignition. The dealer made multiple repair attempts but, the failure recurred. The consumer requested to have the vehicle repaired under recall.

Filed Sep 24, 2021 · Electrical, Steering · WI

It says I have 0 I repaired recalls. I have had the powers steering fail 2x. More importantly, the ignition cylinder locks up and I can’t get my keys out. I have to wait most times after turning the car off - for 3-5 minutes through a series of clicking noises in the ignition before the key will release. It is concerning because sometimes I have to get out immediately and the keys don’t release. The car automatically locks itself and if I don’t roll the window down- I become locked out. It yesterday had a issue with ignition all together and I wonder if it’s related. I was made aware again there were many recalls on this issue and hoped to get it repaired. However it now states there are none unrepaired. I’m wondering if it is a ongoing problem with the vehicle, it’s repair parts etc and if it’s just not been addressed because it’s so old that so few are left on the road. Thank you. This is a increasing problem and a daily or every time I drive it issue now. I worry too the power steering will just go out in the interstate.

Filed May 12, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 110,000 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the loss motive power without warning. The contact stated that steering assist and gauges were in operable. The contact coasted to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that several of the electrical functions returned however, the electrical functions failed intermittently. The power steering assist warning light illuminated intermittently when the power steering assist was inoperable. Ocean crest chevrolet buick gmc cadillac (855 alternate hwy 101, warrenton, or 97146, (866)607-2902) was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer suggested that the vehicle be taken in to be diagnosed which was still pending. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Feb 5, 2021 · Acceleration, Electrical · 150,000 miles · CO

Dash lights go out and all systems are you functioning property

Questions about the 2005 Saturn Ion electrical

Does the 2005 Saturn Ion have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 227 complaints about the electrical of the 2005 Saturn Ion, 40% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2005 Saturn Ion electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 53,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Saturn Ion electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 14V171000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Saturn Ion have the most electrical problems?

The Saturn Ion model years with the most electrical complaints are 2006 (392 complaints), 2003 (383 complaints) and 2004 (331 complaints).

Other 2005 Saturn Ion problems

Steering 265Engine 37Airbags 34Lights 31Transmission 28Fuel system 27Acceleration 18Body 10Brakes 9Driver assistance 6Suspension 6Visibility 6Seat belts 4Seats 3Locks 2Tires 2Wheels 2

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