2006 Saturn Ion: ball joint or control arm failure

8 of the 1,235 complaints about the 2006 Saturn Ion describe ball joint or control arm failure.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 1%
typical mileage: 71,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 8 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Ball joint or control arm failure by model year

2007
13
2006
8
2005
1
2004
3
2003
3

What owners say

Filed Sep 3, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 111,000 miles · TX · crash

Highway bouncing? Unbalanced feeling under vehicle? Replace struts asap!! Okay for the past 30,000 miles I have been experiencing what I could describe as a constant bounce. The bounce has now become so violent that crossing a bridge on a highway the bump will increase the aggression of the bounce to the point that you bounce right off of the road. I have slowly been trying to figure out what causes this bouncing wobble. After new rims,cv-half shafts, lugnuts, tires, stabilizer end-links, tie-rod ends, inner tie-rod ends, and ball joints. The bounce got more controllable for a short period. Not long after the new parts started to break down again. Finally during the purchase of all of these things over again. I find an instance where this exact thing happened to another individual. Driving down the highway with the constant bounce as always (4 mechanics ---- I am pretty mechanically inclined, but could not diagnose the problem) this other individual goes up on a bridge (highway speeds) and bounces straight across and right off of the highway into the ditch. Luckily in both of our cases we were able to stop the vehicle before hitting anything other than some tall grass and sliding around in the dirt a bit on the side of the highway. He takes his family and car to the nearest mechanic (they were going on vacation) and this mechanic knew exactly what the problem was. Relieved this person was that he had finally found a mechanic that solved this wretched, annoying, and odd problem I have never experienced before. The struts were completely shot. The car was not sagging according to measurements. Bumps weren't violent. After replacement of the old struts I could literally push them down with one finger. Let go and watch as they just relax in place. Anyone experiencing a highway bouncing wobble like something is unbalanced then replace your struts!!

Filed Oct 9, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 82,000 miles · IL

My ion has had continuous steering and suspension problems since 2009. I have experienced the problems with the steering motor (warning light comes on - loss of power steering) and had the steering motor replaced. I have replaced the sway bar, control arms, link, and much more. And, I still have difficulties steering - have a constant cluncking noise from the front end and now have been told I need the rack & pinion replaced - estimated cost $550. The vehicle currently has 82,000 miles. The steering & suspension problems began immediately after the vehicle hit 50,000 miles.

Filed Sep 5, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 71,000 miles · MN

Car began to make excessive rattling and clunking in front end and the steering felt very loose. Took to gm dealer and they found the entire front end pretty much shot. Control arm bushings, sway bar links, and struts all replaced. The dealer said the steering column was fractured and near failure. Steering I shaft and column were replaced. Around $3000 in parts and labor at 71000, not my idea of a quality built vehicle. Major safety hazard for something with this kind of mileage.

Filed Oct 7, 2011 · Suspension · IL

The front both driver and passenger sides make noise when going over bumps or uneven surfaces. Thumping, rattling from front of car with suspension. The control arms and shifts are worn and need to be completely replaced with new bushings and new ball joints.

Filed Aug 12, 2011 · Electrical, Suspension · 69,000 miles · MN

My key has gotten stuck in the ignition in the "on" position three times now. I have had to purchase the pay for parts and labor three times. My ball joints have gone out. Mechanics say this is very odd for a newer vehicle (2006 saturn).

Filed Feb 5, 2010 · Steering · VA

Normal driving under normal conditions. Sudden steering failure caused by failure of left tie rod. Car has 65,000 miles and is well maintained. Entire rack and pinion system must be replaced due to collateral damage.

Filed Apr 23, 2009 · Suspension · 17,000 miles · IN

Tl*- the contact owns a 2006 saturn ion. While driving at 75 MPH and attempting to apply pressure to the brakes the vehicle would not stop. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and it was inspected by a technician that determined that the ball bearings where pressing on the brakes causing the brakes to fail. The right and left control arm where replaced at a cost of 668.91. The contact is in the process of contacting the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 17,000 and the current mileage was 17,417.

Filed Jul 14, 2008 · Engine, Steering · 15,000 miles · CA

I bought my 2006 ion brand new with only 10 miles on it now the car is at 27k miles and now it has a clunking noise in the front suspension, I have taken in to dealer many times they have replaced 1) intermediate shaft 2) lower control arm rear bushing 3) catalytic converter 4) steering rack: and on top of all this it has been 8 months and my car is still not fixed. The dealer told me they don't know what it is. I have done some research found tsb's for this both of which they have supposedly already done.