2006 SATURN ION — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
1,537
Owner Complaints
6
Recalls
32
Service Bulletins
1
Investigation
Overview of the 2006 SATURN ION
The 2006 SATURN ION has received a total of 1,537 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH. 32 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Steering (524 complaints), Electrical System (310 complaints), and Fuelpropulsion System (111 complaints).
Recalls for the 2006 SATURN ION
NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2006 SATURN ION, potentially affecting up to 8,045,997 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 — 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 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 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 09V419000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
| 69,139 vehicles affected
Defect: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA AND NEVADA; AND MODEL YEAR 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT, PONTIAC G5 AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, NEVADA AND TEXAS. THE PLASTIC SUPPLY OR RETURN...
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. A SPECIAL COVERAGE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME FOR MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO,...
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 2006 SATURN ION
1,537 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2006 SATURN ION. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the instrument panel and radio were intermittently inoperable. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed to turn to the OFF position as needed intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and turning the steering wheel to the right to make a right turn, the steering was significantly wobbly. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V171000 (Electrical System) and 14V153000 (Steering). Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to the Subaru dealer, where it was purchased. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown Chevrolet dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that unknown recalls were previously performed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 85,200.
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the instrument panel and radio were intermittently inoperable. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed to turn to the OFF position as needed intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and turning the steering wheel to the right to make a right turn, the steering was significantly wobbly. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V171000 (Electrical System) and 14V153000 (Steering). Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to the Subaru dealer, where it was purchased. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown Chevrolet dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that unknown recalls were previously performed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 85,200.
Airbags
Airbags
Safety Rating for the 2006 SATURN ION
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2006 SATURN ION in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2006 SATURN ION
General Motors, LLC has issued 32 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2006 SATURN ION. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
030604017I — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN EXPLAINS THE USE OF DIESEL FUEL ADDITIVES IN AN ENGINE, ARE NOT REQUIRED UNLESS THE CUSTOMER DESIRES ADDITIVES TO PREVENT FUEL CONCERNS DEPENDING ON FUEL OR TEMPERATURE RELATED CONDITIONS.
00-06-01-026G — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This informational bulletin provides information to technicians regarding intake manifold inspection/replacement after severe internal engine damage.
14728A — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
14728A - SPECIAL COVERAGE (REVISED PART INFORMATION). CERTAIN 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT, PONTIAC PURSUIT, PONTIAC G4, AND SATURN ION VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT, PONTIAC G5, AND SATURN ION VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2008 CHEVROLET COBALT AND PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CRACKED FUEL TANK INLET CONTROL VALVE. VEHICLES THAT...
12191B — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
12191B - SPECIAL COVERAGE (REVISED PARTS). SOME 2006 MODEL YEAR PONTIAC PURSUIT, 2006-2007 MODEL YEAR SATURN ION, 2006-2009 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET COBALT, 2007-2009 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET EQUINOX, PONTIAC G5, AND TORRENT, AND 2008-2009 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET UPLANDER AND PONTIAC MONTANA SV6 VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE PLASTIC...
SB-09275 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SATURN/PONTIAC/CHEVROLET: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT; FUEL ODOR OR SPOTTING ON GROUND; REPLACE FUEL PUMP MODULE. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH PLASTIC SUPPLY OR RETURN PORT ON MODULAR RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY (MRA) MAY CRACK. MODELS 2006-07 COBALT, G4, ION, 2007 G5. *PE UPDATED...
14632 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Special Coverage Adjustment ? Unable to Remove Ignition Key
PIT5264B — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are travelling from Canada to the United States. While in the United States they are unable to receive Turn-by-Turn directions. Due to the existing cellular provider not having roaming agreements in areas outside of Canada to support transmitting...
PIP3333C — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent engine misfire and a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P0300, P0301, and/or P0304. Technician will need to follow published Service Information diagnostics first. If the Service Information diagnostics...
03-06-03-004M — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
This warranty bulletin explains how to use the EL-50313 Midtronic GR8 Battery tester to test a battery and determin if it is warranty or not.
14133 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Replace Ignition Key
Showing 10 of 32 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2006 SATURN ION
NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2006 SATURN ION.
Investigation EA11014 — 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 — 755 complaints
- 2006 SATURN ION (current)
- 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