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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2003–2008

Saturn Ion recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 4,343 owner complaints for the Saturn Ion, covering model years 2003 to 2008. The 2006 model year drew the most complaints (1,235), and Steering is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Saturn Ion VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 10 recall campaigns on file
  • 4,343 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 6 model years with data (2003–2008)
  • most complaints: 2006 (1,235 for that model year)
  • top component: Steering (1,701 complaints)
  • latest recall 14V171000 (reported Apr 10, 2014)
  • 208 complaints reporting a crash (4.8%)
  • 20 complaints reporting a fire (0.5%)
  • 112 complaints reporting an injury (2.6%)
  • 3 complaints reporting a death (0.1%)

Saturn Ion complaints by model year

6 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2006 model year has the most complaints: 1,235 of 4,343, or 28.4%. Next come 2004 (898) and 2007 (876). The fewest are for 2008, with 4 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Saturn Ion owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2003–2008Column chart of 4,343 complaints across 6 model years. The highest is 2006 with 1,235. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2003: 757 complaints75720032004: 898 complaints89820042005: 573 complaints57320052006: 1,235 complaints1,23520062007: 876 complaints87620072008: 4 complaints42008
Saturn Ion complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Saturn Ion complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
2003757434220
2004898514292
2005573314130
20061,235447231
2007876380240
200841110
All model years4,343208201123

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Saturn Ion components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Steering is the component named most often, in 1,701 complaints (39.2% of all 4,343), followed by Electrical System (1,548) and Fuel/Propulsion System (317).

Components named most often in Saturn Ion complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Saturn Ion complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Steering1,70139.2%
Electrical System1,54835.6%
Fuel/Propulsion System3177.3%
Air Bags2626.0%
Fuel System, Gasoline2405.5%
Power Train1984.6%
Engine and Engine Cooling1453.3%
Engine1413.2%
Vehicle Speed Control1162.7%
Unknown or Other1002.3%
Exterior Lighting972.2%
Structure751.7%
Visibility661.5%
Suspension651.5%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)380.9%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Saturn Ion recalls

10 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Ion, newest first. The 10 campaigns cover model years 2003 to 2007. The 2004 model year appears in the most campaigns (8).

  • 10 recall campaigns
Saturn Ion recall campaigns covering each model year
2003: 5 campaigns2004: 8 campaigns2005: 3 campaigns2006: 4 campaigns2007: 5 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 14V171000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition

    Model years 2003–2007

    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, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 14V153000

    Reported

    Steering › Electric Power Assist System

    Model years 2004–2007

    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 come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 14V047000

    Reported

    Air Bags; Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model years 2003–2007

    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 year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

    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 later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 12V459000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model year 2007

    General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, or Texas; model year 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona; and model year 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, or Texas. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could cause a fuel leak.

    Consequence:
    Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Notification to owners began on November 21, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles in for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 09V419000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2006–2007

    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 port on the modular reservoir assembly may crack. If either of these ports develops a crack, fuel will leak from the area. If the crack becomes large enough, fuel may be observed dripping onto the ground and vehicle performance may be affected.

    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, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas and model year 2007 vehicles registered in: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before February 4, 2010. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-972-8876 and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 04V547000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal

    Model years 2003–2004

    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 04V281000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model year 2004

    Certain vehicles equipped with supercharged 2.0L 4-cylinder (LSJ) engine were built with a fuel feed pipe that could crack and leak fuel near the fuel rail. If fuel leaks from the fuel feed pipe, there would be a noticeable fuel odor around the vehicle.

    Consequence:
    Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the fuel feed pipe assembly. Owner notification began on June 9, 2004. Owners should contact Saturn at 1-800-972-8876.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 04V002000

    Reported

    Structure › Body › Bumpers

    Model year 2004

    On certain passenger vehicles, some welds between the passenger's side motor rail and the front bumper bracket do not meet engineering specifications.

    Consequence:
    Long term durability of the joint may be reduced and separation of the bumper from the frame on the passenger's side of the vehicle may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    All vehicles are still in dealer's possessions.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 04V004000

    Reported

    Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls

    Model years 2003–2004

    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 04V003000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline

    Model years 2003–2004

    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Saturn Ion questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Saturn Ion have?

NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recall campaigns for the Saturn Ion, covering model years 2003 to 2008. The most recent, 14V171000, was reported on April 10, 2014 and is filed under “Electrical system”. The 2004 model year is covered by the most campaigns (8).

Which Saturn Ion model year has the most complaints?

The 2006 model year, with 1,235 of the 4,343 complaints in NHTSA’s file (28.4%). The next are 2004 (898) and 2007 (876). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Saturn Ion complaint?

Steering is the component named most often: 1,701 complaints, or 39.2% of all 4,343. Electrical System (1,548) and Fuel/Propulsion System (317) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Saturn Ion?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Saturn dealer.

How many Saturn Ion complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 4,343 complaints, 208 report a crash, 20 a fire, 112 at least one injury and 3 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Saturn models

8 models · most complaints first

The Saturn models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Saturn VIN decoder with every Saturn model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Saturn Vue 2002–2010 · 7 recalls · 2,351 complaints
  • Saturn SL 1995–2002 · 12 recalls · 1,605 complaints
  • Saturn LS 2000–2004 · 12 recalls · 1,458 complaints
  • Saturn Aura 2000–2010 · 5 recalls · 1,439 complaints
  • Saturn Outlook 2007–2010 · 10 recalls · 1,352 complaints
  • Saturn Sky 2007–2010 · 5 recalls · 516 complaints
  • Saturn SC1 1995–2001 · 6 recalls · 252 complaints
  • Saturn SC 1995–2002 · 12 recalls · 201 complaints

All Saturn models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.