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:
83,900 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
2004 Saturn Ion steering problems

steering problem

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2004 Saturn Ion Owner Comments

problem #2

Apr 012015

Ion Redline Sedan 2.0L

  • Manual transmission
  • 62,137 miles

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

Power steering has always failed on the car since I've had it. Around 95,000km. One associated crash where the power steering failed, at the same time that the steering rack broke. GM has finally just fixed the power steering, yet I will need to purchase a 3rd steering rack at my own cost, and they are billing me for part of the rental in order to fix the power steering. Even though I brought it into them once, and they refused to fix it. They didn't refuse to fix other things that they could bill me for though.

- Jonathan M., Victoria, BC, Canada

problem #1

May 012015

Ion Redline Sedan 2.0L

  • Manual transmission
  • 105,633 miles

My car has had many steering problems. After the steering rack failed and caused me to drive off the road, I replaced the rack and pinion. Now my car requires yet another rack and pinion. Apparently it is unrelated to the power steering recall that went unfixed for many years.

- Jonathan M., Victoria, BC, Canada

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