2003 SATURN ION — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
958
Owner Complaints
7
Recalls
61
Service Bulletins
2
Investigations
Overview of the 2003 SATURN ION
The 2003 SATURN ION has received a total of 958 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 8 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH. 61 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (228 complaints), Steering (129 complaints), and Electrical Systemignitionswitch (68 complaints).
Recalls for the 2003 SATURN ION
NHTSA has recorded 8 recalls for the 2003 SATURN ION, potentially affecting up to 6,988,968 vehicles.
Recall 14V171000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
| 2,191,014 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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,...
View full details →Recall 14V047000 — AIR BAGS
| 2,190,934 vehicles affected
Defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model...
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and...
View full details →Recall 14V047000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
| 2,190,934 vehicles affected
Defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model...
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and...
View full details →Recall 14E021000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
| 14,529 vehicles affected
Defect: UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring...
Consequence: If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
Remedy: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at...
View full details →Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
| 16,270 vehicles affected
Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
View full details →Recall 04V547000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
| 178,798 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE TURN SIGNAL LAMP AND DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP (DRL) ON EITHER FRONT SIDE CAN STOP WORKING BECAUSE OF LOSS OF CONTACT BETWEEN THE BULB AND SOCKET.
Consequence: IF A FRONT TURN SIGNAL LAMP IS INOPERATIVE, OTHERS MAY REACT MORE SLOWLY TO A TURNING VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRL/TURN SIGNAL BULB ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SIDE AND INSPECT FOR AND ADD A DRL JUMPER KIT IF NOT PRESENT. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
View full details →Recall 04V004000 — VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
| 79,204 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 118, "POWER-OPERATED WINDOW, PARTITION, AND ROOF PANEL SYSTEMS." THE POWER WINDOWS AND/OR SUNROOF MAY BE OPERABLE AFTER THE IGNITION HAS BEEN TURNED TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR IS OPENED.
Consequence: IF UNSUPERVISED CHILDREN ARE LEFT UNATTENDED IN THE VEHICLE AND OPERATE THE POWER WINDOWS OR SUNROOF, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 30, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
View full details →Recall 04V003000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
| 127,285 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L 4-CYLINDER (L61) ENGINES WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL FILTER THAT COULD CORRODE PREMATURELY ON THE EXTERIOR SURFACE.
Consequence: IF CORROSION ON THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE FUEL FILTER PROGRESSES TO THE POINT OF CREATING A HOLE IN THE SHELL, FUEL DROPLETS COULD FORM AND DROP TO THE GROUND. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 30, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2003 SATURN ION
958 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 SATURN ION. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
After I did the recall several years ago, the problem came back. The key will not come out of the ignition. It's happened many times.
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that less than a minute after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality, with the power steering failure message was displayed. The contact stated that after shifting to park(P), the contact would wiggle the key around in the ignition before being able to remove the key from the ignition switch. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,350.
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that occasionally the key failed to turn while in the ignition. The vehicle was slow to start. The contact had to avoid bumps in the roadway while driving. The lock symbol was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V171000 (Electrical System) and 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who declined to service the recall repairs due to an insurance issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another unknown local dealer, who informed the contact to place the vehicle in park(P) and restart the vehicle, and the symbol turned off. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a claim and informed the contact that a technician would be sent to the residence, but the technician failed to show up. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that occasionally the key failed to turn while in the ignition. The vehicle was slow to start. The contact had to avoid bumps in the roadway while driving. The lock symbol was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V171000 (Electrical System) and 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who declined to service the recall repairs due to an insurance issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another unknown local dealer, who informed the contact to place the vehicle in park(P) and restart the vehicle, and the symbol turned off. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a claim and informed the contact that a technician would be sent to the residence, but the technician failed to show up. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
I have the power steering column issue that still needs to be fixed as advised by GMC of Port Richey, FL where I was promised my replacement vehicle even 10 or 20 yrs later if I bought another one. If on my walking tape recorders and contact lens, I pull off my brake peddle flat lining at least twice without crashing however he would grant me whatever 2 vehicles on the lots I chose as long as I had insurance. However, I do not have the money for the tow and corporates to include the police will not listen too. Please, contact me immediately for a more rapid communication please at [XXX] or [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Safety Rating for the 2003 SATURN ION
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 SATURN ION in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 SATURN ION
General Motors, LLC has issued 61 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 SATURN ION. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
G-208939 — STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
14119 - SPECIAL COVERAGE (MESSAGE ONLY - CUSTOMER LETTER MAILING NOTIFICATION). SOME 2006-2009 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET HHR (NON-TURBO) AND 2003 MODEL YEAR SATURN ION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING. IF THE POWER...
14133B — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Replace Ignition Key
14133A — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER
Replace Ignition Key
14063 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
PIC-5580 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:RESERVOIR/TANK
SATURN: LOW BRAKE FLUID WARNING AND/OR RED BRAKE LIGHT ON DUE TO POSSIBLE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR OR FLUID SWITCH BEING REPLACED. BRAKE AND BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION NOT AFFECTED. *PE UPDATED 2/8/12. *PE
040308006 — SUSPENSION
CLUCK, THUMP OR RATTLE NOISE FROM FRONT SUSPENSION WHILE DRIVING OVER ROUGH ROAD CONDITIONS OR WHEN BRAKING (REPLACE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR BUSHING). *MJ UPDATED 10/5/07. *NJ UPDATED 5/20/11. *PE
SB-09280A — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SATURN SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. NEW SPECIAL REIMBURSEMENT POLICY FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VARIABLE TRANSMISSION WITH INTELLIGENCE (VTI) TRANSMISSION-50 PERCENT OF TRANSMISSION REPAIR COST WILL BE PAID BY GM OR CUSTOMER MAY ELECT THE OPTION OF $5,000 CUSTOMER CREDIT INSTEAD OF REPAIR. CSC LETTER WAS...
03-00-89-033 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TRAILER, RECREATIONAL AND DISABLED VEHICLE TOWING INFORMATION. *KB UPDATED 08-15-07. *KB UPDATED 10/09/07. *NJ UPDATED 4/3/08. *NJ
050232002A — STEERING
POWER STEERING INOPERATIVE/STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN, PWR STR MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) AFTER JUMP STARTING VEHICLE. *TT
030730052 — POWER TRAIN
ENGINE FLARE DURING 2-3 SHIFT, MOST NOTICEABLE DURING LIGHT TO MODERATE ACCELERATION. *TT UPDATED *EH
Showing 10 of 61 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 SATURN ION
NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 2003 SATURN ION.
Investigation PE07011 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER Closed
Opened:
WINDSHIED WIPER LINKAGE FAILURE
Other Model Years of the SATURN ION
- 2003 SATURN ION (current)
- 2004 SATURN ION — 1,124 complaints
- 2005 SATURN ION — 755 complaints
- 2006 SATURN ION — 1,537 complaints
- 2007 SATURN ION — 1,089 complaints
- 2008 SATURN ION — 4 complaints
Other SATURN Models
- SATURN VUE — 3,269 total complaints
- SATURN SL — 2,891 total complaints
- SATURN AURA — 2,222 total complaints
- SATURN OUTLOOK — 1,939 total complaints
- SATURN LS — 1,885 total complaints
- SATURN SKY — 623 total complaints
- SATURN SC1 — 554 total complaints
- SATURN SC — 379 total complaints