2005 SATURN ION — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
755
Owner Complaints
5
Recalls
21
Service Bulletins
1
Investigation
Overview of the 2005 SATURN ION
The 2005 SATURN ION has received a total of 755 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, AIR BAGS. 21 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Steering (255 complaints), Electrical System (173 complaints), and Electrical Systemignition (38 complaints).
Recalls for the 2005 SATURN ION
NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2005 SATURN ION, potentially affecting up to 7,976,858 vehicles.
Recall 14V153000 — STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
| 1,373,177 vehicles affected
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to...
View full details →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 →Owner Complaints for the 2005 SATURN ION
755 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2005 SATURN ION. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
This vehicle has an electrical issue from time to time seemingly out of nowhere. There is no power steering it just shuts off sometimes it’ll stay off for an hour sometimes it’ll stay off for weeks and I can’t figure out how to fix it. It randomly fixes itself same can be said for the air conditioning And the driver side, headlight all of these electrical functions, seemingly turn themselves up or down for no apparent reason.
This vehicle has an electrical issue from time to time seemingly out of nowhere. There is no power steering it just shuts off sometimes it’ll stay off for an hour sometimes it’ll stay off for weeks and I can’t figure out how to fix it. It randomly fixes itself same can be said for the air conditioning And the driver side, headlight all of these electrical functions, seemingly turn themselves up or down for no apparent reason.
This vehicle has an electrical issue from time to time seemingly out of nowhere. There is no power steering it just shuts off sometimes it’ll stay off for an hour sometimes it’ll stay off for weeks and I can’t figure out how to fix it. It randomly fixes itself same can be said for the air conditioning And the driver side, headlight all of these electrical functions, seemingly turn themselves up or down for no apparent reason.
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the ignition key was stuck inside the ignition key slot, and the vehicle failed to start. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The dealer was not contacted regarding the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 167,000.
My key is stuck in the I can take it out the o2 seners not reading
Safety Rating for the 2005 SATURN ION
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2005 SATURN ION in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2005 SATURN ION
General Motors, LLC has issued 21 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2005 SATURN ION. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
PIT5484 — EQUIPMENT
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that if OnStar is unable to configure the vehicle after the OnStar 15-08-44-001 upgrade and Onstar receives a 118 error code when attempting to configure the vehicle. Dealers should receive a sheet with the kit that provides steps to assist with handling this...
14113D — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:INTERLOCK/LOCKOUT
Replace Ignition Lock Cylinder and Ignition Key
11-00-89-005D — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This warranty administration bulletin provide policy information on clarification of use-dealer empowerment labor operations and customer enthusiasm.
050604020 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED FUEL GAUGES STAY ON FLUCTUATING SPEEDOMETER AND OR TACHOMETER INTERMITTENT VEHICLE THEFT SECURITY TELLTALE LAMP ON. *EH
050307001A — SUSPENSION
PREMATURE AND/OR IRREGULAR TIRE WEAR. *TT
05538 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE UPGRADE. *EH
050604005 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P0300 MISFIRE DETECTED AND/OR P0315 CRANKSHAFT VARIATION POSITION NOT LEARNED AND/OR P0507 IDLE SPEED TOO HIGH AND/OR P1574 STOP LAMP SWITCH CIRCUIT AND/OR P1621 CONTROL MODULE LONG TERM MEMORY PERFORMANCE SET AND/OR CRUISE CONTROL IS INOPERATIVE. *TT
050849004 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE READINGS. *TT
2350 — WHEELS
WHEEL LOCK ISSUE. *SC
030138020 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) CONDENSATION LEAKING ONTO THE VEHICLE FLOOR DURING TIMES OF A/C USAGE. *TT THIS BULLETIN REPLACES 03-01-38-020 DATED 11/01/2003. *TT
Showing 10 of 21 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2005 SATURN ION
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2005 SATURN ION.
Investigation RQ10004 — STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM Closed
Opened:
Electric Power Steering Failure
Other Model Years of the SATURN ION
- 2003 SATURN ION — 958 complaints
- 2004 SATURN ION — 1,124 complaints
- 2005 SATURN ION (current)
- 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