2003 SATURN ION — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

958

Owner Complaints

64 Crashes 4 Fires

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

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,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Electrical System
Complaints: 228 10 Crashes 3 Fires 3 Injuries
Steering
Complaints: 129 3 Crashes 4 Injuries
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 68
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 54 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bags
Complaints: 39 17 Crashes 9 Injuries
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 33 1 Fire
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 32 5 Crashes 6 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 31
Engine
Complaints: 20 1 Crash
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module
Complaints: 19 1 Crash
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 19
Power Train
Complaints: 19 1 Crash
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 16
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 14 1 Injury
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 13
Visibility
Complaints: 12
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 11
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 11 1 Crash
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 10 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 7 7 Crashes 16 Injuries
Steeringelectric Power Assist System
Complaints: 6
Structurebody
Complaints: 6 4 Crashes
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 6
Equipment
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Structure
Complaints: 5 1 Injury
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 5 1 Injury
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 4
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 4
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Seat Belts
Complaints: 4
Suspension
Complaints: 4
Tires
Complaints: 4
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 4
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherlinkages
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 3
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift
Complaints: 2
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 2
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 2
Structurebodyhood
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Equipmentrecreational Vehicletrailer
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingback Up Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfluid
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhoodhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyroof And Pillars
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Tiresvalve
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11674132 | STEERING | | N/A miles
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.
#11615481 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | | 111,350 miles
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.
#11612866 | AIR BAGS | | 60,000 miles
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.
#11612866 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 60,000 miles
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.
#11572951 | STEERING | | N/A miles
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)

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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

Investigation PE04061 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL Closed

Opened:

FRONT TURN SIGNAL/DRL FAILURE

Other Model Years of the SATURN ION

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Other SATURN Models

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