CarComplaints.com Notes: Ahh, the 2004 Saturn Ion: defective transmission, deadly ignition switch, temperamental power steering and a cheap plastic exterior that won’t protect you in a crash. What more could you want?

The 2004 Ion was part of GM’s massive ignition switch recall where it was revealed they waited 10 years – and let 13 people die – before doing anything about it. It also features GM’s now infamous VTi continuously variable transmission. Let me tell you, the only thing the VTi did continuously was fail on its owners. GM scrapped it after only two model years.

9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
113,500 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (1 reports)
  2. replace clutch pedal, master cylinder (1 reports)
2004 Saturn Ion clutch problems

clutch problem

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2004 Saturn Ion Owner Comments

problem #2

Sep 112015

Ion Redline

  • Manual transmission
  • 107,000 miles

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

I've noticed the issue recently where my clutch pedal will NOT stay down. The plastic ball that connects to the back of the pedal is no longer staying in place. There have been a couple of times where my foot would miss the pedal since it is a good 4"+ raised higher than it should. I have tried home remedies (I.e. glue/tape/etc) and nothing is seeming to work. I am going in on Wednesday to have a mechanic take a look at it and get it replaced/repaired.

- nickolas h, Battle Creek, MI, US

problem #1

Nov 012009

Ion Quad Coupe 2.2L

  • Manual transmission
  • 120,000 miles

CLUTCH WONT RELEASE INTERMITTANTLY,WILL NOT SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR INTERMITANTLY, IM A WELL ROUNDED PRO MECHANIC PLEASE READ THIS AND LOOK CLOSELY TO YOUR CAR IF YOU HAVE THE PROBLEMS ABOVE. THE CLUTCH PEDAL FEEL A LITTLE SOFT TO YOU? HEAR OR FEEL A VERY WEEK POP NOISE WHEN YOU STAB THE CLUTCH PEDAL WITH YOUR FOOT? GET ON YOUR BACK UNDER THE DASH AND LOOK UP AT THE CLUTCH PEDAL TO MASTER CYLINDER ROD CONNECTION. WHERE THE ROD GOES INTO THE CLUTCH PEDAL. IF YOU CAN FORCE THE ROD OUT OF THE CLUTCH PEDAL BY HAND OR SEE THE END OF THE ROD OUT OF ITS SOCKET YOU FOUND THE PROBLEM I HAD. THE JOINT CONNECTION "ROD TO PEDAL" IS ALL PLASTIC, THERE IS A PLASTIC CLIP THAT HOLDS THE MASTER CYLINDER ROD INTO THE PEDAL. THE END OF THE ROD IS A PLASTIC MOLDED BALL WIDGIT WITH GROOVES TO RETAIN PLASTIC CLIP TO PLASTIC PEDAL. ALL THAT CRAPASS SIT CAN AND WILL FAIL IN DUE TIME. CAN SOMEONE PAY ME FOR THIS CSI SPECIAL NEEDS SERIES? THIS PROBLEM WAS CREATED BY A WELL PAID ENGINEER, IM HAPPY THIS TOOL OR TEAM OF TOOLS HAVE SAVED GM SO MUCH MONEY IN PRODUCTION, PROVIDED SO MANY JOBS OUTSIDE THE US AND FILLED MY LOCAL LAND FILL WITH MY DONATED TIME, MONEY, WIFE AND CHILDREN. when you cant take the car out of gear......well i hope your maker blessed you with brain cells and quick reaction time! im not blessed with spelling sue me!

- bendonewrong, Naugatuck, CT, US

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