Ignition Switch Faulty, No Crank/No Start

CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2005 Ion still had power steering issues and a defective ignition switch leftover from previous model years, but hey – at least Saturn improved some of its safety rating to marginal, right? Baby steps.

If you had to buy a Saturn Ion – and I would question why anyone would even consider it – I suppose the 2005 could be considered the best of a bad bunch? I mean, GM did finally get rid of that awful VTi transmission, and both the power steering problems and ignition switch defect that plagued owners were recalled. The problem is they waited 10 years to recall the ignition and let over 30,000 warranty claims get filed before they bothered to fix the power steering. So you kind of have to wonder, is GM making these fixes to keep owners safe or just to keep government lawyers from taking all their money? You be the judge.

8.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$550
Average Mileage:
62,200 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
  2. replace the ignition switch (3 reports)
2005 Saturn Ion accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2005 Saturn Ion Owner Comments

problem #9

Jun 142012

Ion 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

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

turns off while driving loss of control of car

THIS PROBLEMS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND WONDERED IF SOME DAY THIS WOULD CAUSE A ACCIDENT OR INJURY, THIS REALLY PISSES ME OFF

- gothbutterfly.013, Independence, MO, US

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problem #8

Dec 252013

Ion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 133,556 miles

Christmas morning, car would not start, new battery! Ignition issue like everyone else...

Never made it to my destination for Brunch.

- patrea, Ocoee, FL, US

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problem #7

Feb 172012

Ion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

MY DAUGHTER HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM FOR A WHILE NOW, WELL NOW TODAY THE /?$$#@& CAR WONT START, CANT MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT, WE CAN LISTEN TO THE RADIO AND TURN AN THE LIGHTS ETC... WE ARE THE OWNER OF THIS PIECE OF S*&^, THE ANTI THEFT WORKS WHEN NO ONE IS TRYING TO STEAL IT... SO WHY SHOULD WE HAVE TO PAY AGAIN FOR THEIR MESS UPS ( IS THAT WHY WE HAD TO BAIL THEM OUT WITH OUR TAX MONEY BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING) THIS CAME WITH PROBLEMS FROM THE START OF CAR FOR SO MANY PEOPLE AND THEY ARE PUTTING US OUT OF MONEY AGAIN.... FESS UP YOU ALL CORRECT ALL YOUR MESS UPS WE FIXED THEM ONCE FOR YOU DO US A FAVOR AND DO THE RIGHT THING

- Tammy L., Independence, MO, US

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problem #6

Sep 242009

Ion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,826 miles

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

GM refses to admit this problem, yet almost every Saturn ION owner I have spoken with has this problem. When the weather gets cold, the car won't start. Basically, the ignition switch oil freezes and sends a message to the security passlock that the car is being stolen, thus not allowing the car to stat. My solution to this is to hold a hot hair dryer on the ignition switch for 5-10 mins... This solves the issue 100% of the time, but a big PAIN!!

- kontario, Cornwall, Ontario, canada

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problem #5

Apr 012011

Ion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

For all of you that refer to the ignition problem, no-start and wait for ex number of minutes, this is NOT just a 'cold-problem' .... Year around we are experiencing the same problem in South Central Florida. Wait 10 minutes, wait 10 more etc. and this can go on to as many as 4 attempts before starting. This week may be good, last week was not etc. Out of a dozen ION's 3 or 4 have had this specific problem. After the vehicles start, they typically will 're-start' throughout the day!

Changing the ignition switch may help, or it may not - so where is the problem?

It is stunning that GM is NOT recognizing this as a problem. They must NOT want our continued business (forget the GM dealers - they do not have a clue) ... so out they go, the ION's that is and replacing them with an 'imported' brand rather than a GM product.

- Lars E., Sarasota, FL, US

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problem #4

Jan 012010

Ion 2.2L

  • Manual transmission
  • 69,995 miles

If it's cold outside, I can count on a 10 minute delay before the car will start. I turn the key, push the clutch, and nothing! Except - of course - the "security" light flashing on-and-off once every second.

It's exactly 10 minutes, every time it happens, funny really. What could be the issue? Does something need to warm up for 10 minutes? Really - truly - madly - deeply - aggrivating.

- gsgmxm2, Durham, NC, US

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problem #3

Apr 082009

Ion

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,000 miles

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

My 2005 Saturn sometimes decides it isn't going to start. Mostly when I have my baby granddaughter or 87 year old mother with me. You turn the key and everything goes except the engine. All the lights come on, it just won't start. After about 15 min. it usually starts. I've taken it to a couple of local places to be put on the machine to check for electrical problems, but they are unable to read the computer because the "check engine light" doe'snt stay on long enough. I've called Saturn and they have no idea. The nearest dealership is over a 100 miles away. What a pain.

- Linda S., Dakota City,, NE, US

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problem #2

May 032008

Ion 3.0L

  • Manual transmission
  • 49,000 miles

We have had this problem 3 times ,first was covered by warranty. The 2nd time we had to pay a mechanic to have it fixed. The problem seems to be in the fuse box circuit board, least that is what Saturn and the mechanic replaced. You would have no crank, no radio or gauges or emergency lights either.Now it has happened for a 3 rd time,we don't feel like we can rely on the car any more.

- Arnold F., Newark, OH, US

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problem #1

Aug 272007

(reported on)

Ion 3.0L

  • Manual transmission
  • 20,000 miles

I have a 2005 saturn ION and i have a recurring problem with the car not starting. I try to start it and there is nothing, no crank no click from the starter, nothing. I have found that if I wait 10 minutes it usually starts, however lately it has been 20 - 120 minutes before it will turn over. I have read up a bit on the internet and this seems to be a fairly common problem with saturns. Most of the cases I have seen have something to do with the cold weather, but I am in Utah and it is 90-100 degrees right now. How many cases are necesary for Saturn to issue a recal?

- Josh G., Salt Lake City, UT, US

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