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.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$150
Average Mileage:
50,000 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace regulator and wiring harness (1 reports)
2003 Saturn Ion windows / windshield problems

windows / windshield problem

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2003 Saturn Ion Owner Comments

problem #1

Jul 062012

Ion L1

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I first replaced main switch. Did not solve problem. Took vehicle to repair shop and was told the drivers window regulator was off track and that the wiring harness needed to be replace. I declined replacement. The repair shop rigged the harness so that I could have a temporary fix! Never got the recommended replacement!

- Henry H., District Heights, MD, US

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