CarComplaints.com Notes: The Saturn Ion was a compact bundle of hurt wrapped up in a cheap, plastic shell. With so many defective components and a safety rating that a bicycle would be ashamed of, it’s a blessing this car only lasted five model years.
The 2003 (and 2004) Ion was cursed with GM’s flawed attempt at a continuously variable transmission, known as the VTi. It had such a high failure rate that a class-action lawsuit was filed against GM, eventually prompting a settlement and a warranty extension. GM discontinued the VTi for the 2005 model year – surprise, surprise.
The 2003 Ion was also part of one of the largest and most controversial recalls of all-time. A defective ignition switch in millions of GM vehicles could accidentally turn the car off and disable important safety components like the power steering and airbags. The problem resulted in at least 13 deaths, but what made it worse was that GM knew about the issue for 10 years before doing anything about it.
So was the transmission warranty extended? Yeah. Was the ignition switch recalled? Eventually. Is this car safe to drive? Not really. Honestly, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
10.0
really awful- Typical Repair Cost:
- No data
- Average Mileage:
- 200,000 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 1 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
- not sure (1 reports)
cooling system problem
Helpful websites
- No one has added a helpful site for this 2003 Ion problem yet. Be the first!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I no longer own this vehicle. Noticed check engine light came on, and AC stopped working and coolant needle started moving up towards H. Checked under hood and check wiring for engine cooling fan and it was very hot to touch. Fuse never tripped.Can hear relay trying to kick fan on, but nothing. Took to shop and mechanic told me cooling fan wiring shorted out and melted connectors to fan motor and fan motor itself was fried. This was the 4th time this has happened. First time happened at 151,000 miles, then again about 10K miles later, and 3rd time at 177,000. Car did overheat once during it. First time it was $400 for new fan, and new wiring. 2nd and 3rd time were warrantied, but 4th time was another $400 dollars, which at that point, I refused the repair due to car having 199,978 miles on it, and also had a blown strut. So glad I got rid of that car. After 150,000 miles (if it makes it) these and many GM cars become money pits.
- t.b, Philadelphia, PA, US