The power cuts off when hitting a bump/jarring and car loses all automatic features--power steering, power brakes. Especially likely with heavy key chain. Has happened multiple times since I purchased the vehicle in 2009, but more in past two years. Occurs when pulling into driveways of stores, hitting pothole, etc. This is the saturn "sister" car to the chevy cobalt ss and of same year at that recent recall.
2007 Saturn Ion steering complaints
Page 5 of 15: complaints 101 to 130 of 408, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the power steering assist failed with the illumination of the warning indicator. The vehicle was driven to an authorized dealer, who replaced the power steering motor kit, a blown fuse, the harness connectors and the power connector however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not further repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
I was driving down the road the engine cut out power steering went off, electricity went out. My car kept doing this until I only drive with one key in the ignition. I am worried it sounds similar to recently recalled 2005-2007 cobalts ignition.
Luckily the first incident occurred when I was driving on a fairly straight state route. The car's alert system dinged then displayed and error of "pwrsteer". I could, at speed, feel that the power steering was gone. I made it home and turned off the car. When I started the car to go out later the power steering was working for about 3 miles, then the car's alert system dinged and the pwrsteer message was displayed again. It has been approximately 30 hours since the 1st incident and every time I start the car I have power steering but the power steering goes out within 10 - 15 minutes of any drive.
My wife and I were traveling to see family for thanksgiving. About 100 miles into the trip the power steering indicator came on the dash and a beep sounded. I was traveling on a interstate highway in va going about 70 MPH. I was still able to maintain control of the vehicle but was concerned. I was traveling with my son, pregnant wife, and grandmother. I am glad the issue happened while I was driving as my wife or grandmother might not have been able to control the vehicle as well traveling at high speeds. I searched online and this appears to be something people have been dealing with for many years. Even if a full recall is not done. I believe the automaker should be responsible for fixing those vehicle that have reported this issue. Our saturn ion is a 2007 and was bought used in 2009. There was no issue with the steering until november of 2013.
My power steering quit working.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was a complete loss of power steering with the illumination of the warning indicator as the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact applied force to the steering wheel in order to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that the failure was contributed to the power steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Electronic power steering failed while driving resulting in very difficult steering of the vehicle. After turning vehicle off the back on the power steering started working. Power steering has failed again and did again start working after turning vehicle off.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering warning light illuminated as the steering became difficult to maneuver. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 64,570.
While driving the vehicle the power steering light came on and the power steering went out. When the car is turned off and restarted the light goes out and the power steering comes back on for a period of time, sometimes minutes, sometimes days. The power steering eventually goes out again at random intervals.
I had just made a left turn into a parking lot when chimes and the message "pwr str" appeared on the display. The steering wheel then felt like it locked and was extremely difficult to turn. I pulled into an empty parking space, turned off the car, and waited for 5 minutes before starting the car. Once I restarted the car, I reversed and was able to turn the steering wheel as normal. I drove about a mile back to my house and the chime nor message appeared again. I'm afraid that it will happen again so I'm taking my car to a gm dealership first thing in the morning. I was lucky that traffic was light and I was going very slow.
I was driving down the highway and the warning console indicated that I had a power steering problem. The power steering suddenly gave out. It reset itself when I stopped and turned the car off and started it back up. The power steering worked for a couple more miles going down the highway then gave out again.
Was driving over a bridge going 55mph and my power steering went on my vehicle almost causing an accident with no where to get off the road, it then continue to happen on the rest of my trip.
Was driving on I-40 heading home one night from work and the power steering alert came on. The wheel became extremely difficult to turn and control my car. I pulled over and turned the car off and all was right for about 10 mins and it happened again. Since then I have no power steering in my car because there is no recall for this problem and I cannot afford to pay an outrageous amount of money to have it repaired. This needs to be addressed and recalled for the safety of the owners and other drivers on the road. Thank you for your time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 saturn ion. The contact stated that after having the electronic steering column replaced, the steering system started clicking as the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH the power steering system malfunctioned. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The test results showed a defect in the steering column. The contact did not have the steering column replaced. The contact did not call the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 129,744.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated as the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. After the contact shut the engine off and restarted, the vehicle resumed normal steering function. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
The power steering light came on and the power steering went out while on a busy freeway. Very scary and could have caused an accident because it was very hard to steer. After shutting off the car and restarting a few minutes later, the problem was gone but has since happened two times. I now know that this is a common problem with this car and feel gm should fix this at no charge as this is very expensive and is dangerous.
The power steering light pops on while I'm driving. When the car is turned off and then back on there is no power steering light but will pop back on later during my drive. Extremely hard on the driver.
The power steering malfunctioned while turning onto an exit ramp from an interstate highway at 55 MPH. As soon as it occurred, the console light indicated a power steering code. After pulling into a truck stop, I looked to check for the power steering fluid level, and discovered that it is an electronic system. When restarting the vehicle, the problem was resolved. There were no issues for several days and many miles, and now it is happening frequently, and occurs at both low and highway speed, while operating the vehicle in straight conditions, and while turning on city streets and parking lots. I have researched this problem online and have discovered that this type of situation it is already under investigation by the federal safety agency.
From 2010-present (2013), the vehicle has exhibited intermittent power steering failure. Failures would occur after driving the vehicle for some time, ranging from several minutes, to several hours. Power steering would cut out while driving, presumably after extensive utilization of the power steering mechanisms. At this point a chime would sound and the "check engine" dash light would illuminate, indicating an issue with the power steering. Power steering loss would remain until the vehicle was shut off and restarted. Upon the restart of the vehicle, the power steering would again resume normal operation. Failures would occur at sporadic intervals. No common factor could be easily identified such as temperature, humidity, steering intensity or trip length, although these may be factors. Steering failure events occur approximately once every 8 months.
The manufacturer key wont start the car without spending over 10 min. Turning the wheel back and forth and finding just the right "spot". Key will come out fine, even without shutting car completely off at times. This is insane, from what I've read, there are more than enough complaints similar to this to warrant an investigation or recall. This is not only a safety feature, its just shows horrible workmanship. Already been a part of the original power steering recall before it became a recall. People need to complain, keep complaining and demand gm to take responsibility for this crap.
Had just pulled out of driveway when power steering indicator chimed and I lost power steering. Pulled over and turned vehicle off. When I turned it back on, car functioned normally and I was able to proceed to my destination. Are there any recalls for this problem as I have read many complaints on your site?
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, a warning chime sounded with the illumination of the power steering warning indicator. In addition, there was a complete loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road where the engine was turned off. The vehicle resumed normally upon being restarted. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The fuse was replaced however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not further repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Was driving when power steering went out.
I had just pulled my car forward to help a friend jump her car. Once I put it in reverse to move my car, the power steering went out.
I was driving and attempting to come to turn a corner when the vehicles steering suddenly died. A "chime" sounded, I had no ability to steer and my brakes failed! In a panic as I headed straight for a mom with two children I pulled my emergency brake and jumped the curb. My car was towed to a local good year by my home. I researched the saturn ion 2007 that night and found out gm is aware of the power steering issue and refused to issue a recall but they will "fix your car for free at a dealership". After a day and a half of gm refusing to tow my car to one of their dealerships, I had the local shop fix it. I was then told by gm that they "might" reimburse me. I almost died, almost killed someone, missed work the next day, shelled out $1000 and they "might" help me if they deem me fit. I am outraged. Please help the owners of these death machines seek justice and force gm to recall the vehicles - save lives please.
Power steering indicator light came on and steering assist failed completely. No prior problems or warning. Car had to be towed to service center. Repairs have been made and bill paid personally.
I was driving 45 MPH when my pwr str light flashed and I was unable to control the steering wheel. I pulled over asap and turned off my car. I turned it back on and the light was no longer on, I was then able to control my steering wheel. I was able to drive to my destination. One hour later I turned my car back on and the message was once displayed. After I restarted the car the light was off. I have had this same issue in march and the gm dealership repaired it under warranty. Now 2 months later it has happened again, and the dealership is stating that it is not under warranty because it is the steering column assembly. However, that is related to the power steering control module in which is causing this issue. I believe this should be under warranty given that there has been a recall for an issue that is related to this same situation.
Power steering cut off and flashed a pwr str on my dashboard. After turning the car off and turning back on, it would work. I have been dealing with this for about the last year, and it is progressively getting worse. It will wait less than 2 minutes before the steering goes out vs. About 10 minutes when the problem first occurred. I have a feeling that because I'm having to turn the wheel completely all the time will wear on my axel and create more problems.
While driving car on three separate occasions the power steering light came on and car is very very hard to turn. When you restart the car problem goes away however returns again.
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