NHTSA Complaint #10179119 — 2003 SATURN ION

I HAVE A 2003 SATURN ION WHICH I PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER. WHEN IT GETS COLD OUTSIDE (USUALLY AT OR BELOW 32 DEGREES) THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO START. THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM ACTIVATES, PREVENTING THE CAR FROM STARTING, BECAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THAT THE PROPER KEY IS IN THE IGNITION. GM HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL ADVISORY (# 04-08-45-005D) DATED 15 MAR 2006 IDENTIFYING THE IGNITION SWITCH AS THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE SATURN DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PASSLOCK MALFUNCTION ON MY CAR AND INFORMED ME THAT IT WOULD COST $250.00 TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. IN PERFORMANCE OF MY DUTIES AS A FEDERAL OFFICER I RELY ON MY VEHICLE TO START WHEN I NEED IT TO. I AM OFTEN DISPATCHED TO REMOTE AREAS IN INCLEMENT WEATHER TO ASSIST THE PUBLIC. HAVING A VEHICLE THAT WILL NOT START BECAUSE OF A RECOGNIZED DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH IS UNACCEPTABLE; BEING TOLD THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IS INSULTING. THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH IS NOT ONLY A SAFETY CONCERN OF MINE, IT IMPACTS THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC THAT I HAVE SWORN TO PROTECT. FINALLY IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR EVERY SATURN ION OWNER WHO DEPENDS ON THEIR CAR TO START IN 30 DEGREE WEATHER WHEN THERE IS NO OTHER WARM ENVIRONMENT AVAILABLE.