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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
10,833 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Saturn Ion suspension problems

suspension problem

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2005 Saturn Ion Owner Comments

problem #6

Mar 032014

Ion 4-cyl

  • 17,000 miles

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

I believe that the power steering issue (recalled recently and received letter) caused my vehicle to be very hard to control on a downslope hill at 12 mph coming up to red light. My car went from the right lane to the left land of 4 lane street and I hit car in front of me. Now, having received information today about the power steering recall, I have an appt. At my local dealership to check on the alignment/suspension and the piece of metal that I believe to be brake pad that a few hours later shot out and hit car next to me in a parking lot when I applied brakes and turned off vehicle ignition. I will know more of what happened once dealershjp runs diagnostics.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #5

Jul 012014

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
Copy of email letter to Ms. Barra (General Motors) regarding frustration of being a Saturn owner. 2005 Saturn Ion. The consumer stated she never came close, to getting the gas mileage as advertised. She also experienced problems with the suspension, and for a little over a year, she had problems with the vehicle not starting. On one occasion, when she inserted the key into the trunk, the entire trunk lock fell into the car. The consumer received a recall notice, regarding the ignition. However, the parts were not available.

- Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA

problem #4

Jun 022014

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
2005 Saturn Ion. Consumer writes in regards to several recall defects and requests reimbursement for vehicle repairs. The consumer stated the vehicle broke down and had to be towed to the nearest repair factuality, where there kept the vehicle for over two months. After the vehicle was returned, the problems continued. The engine light was on and there was a problem with the ignition switch. Also, the engine vales, timing chain and sway bar links were replaced.

- Rochester, PA, USA

problem #3

Mar 312014

Ion 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly stalled while traveling various speeds. The contact also stated that upon inspection, it was found that the control arms and bushings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was confirmed. The stalling issue was not diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Updated 06/10/14 the consumer stated the vehicle shut off multiple times in 2006. In 2007, the ignition cylinder binded up, engine light illuminated, headlights dimmed, and front end issues. In 2008, all 4 fuel injectors were replaced, noise came from the front end, and front passenger window would not roll up. Replaced both front end sway bushings, insulator and/or front stabilizer shaft a. in 2010, again there was noise coming from the front end. Both left and right hub assemblies, lower control arms and bushings were replaced. In 2013, there was a gas leak. Updated 06/17/2014

- Howell, MI, USA

problem #2

Jun 292006

Ion 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,000 miles
2005 Saturn Ion purchased 3,20,2005. Front-end makes noise when rolling over bumps and/or turning.

- Jennings, OK, USA

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problem #1

Jan 102007

Ion 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles
I sent a letter to GM it was passed to Saturn Corp. Ongoing problems never fixed.started at 19000 miles and continue with mileage at 31000. 2 different service depts. Still have the problems. Blown off by Saturn Corp. By rude customer service. First service visit after specifically making an appointment for this lemon resulted in a car wash. The noise tech was not in. I drove 40 miles for a car wash? never went back. Saturn sent a customer satisfaction survey and I replied; "call me". they instructed me to go to another dealer. I did and the service advisor told me it was my rotors making the noise. He then tried to charge me for the repair!!! the vehicle is under warranty. He then said that they will do it at no charge after I protested. I received the car back, said thank you and left. When I got about a mile from the dealership, the problems were still there (noise and vibration from the front passenger side of the vehicle). I called him from my cell phone and told him and he said ;"ok, we will get you in sometime during the week so we can spend more time with it". could you imagine how I would have felt if I had actually agreed to pay? I was very upset. Saturn Corp. Called me after about 2 weeks and asked me how it went and I told them it did not go well. They contacted the service manager and after a while, he called me. I told him that I would come back in after the holidays. I called him to set an appointment just after the new year. We set one up on a Saturday morning at the dealership. I showed up, he did not. I was taken care of by a service advisor. After checking the car out, he said that they needed to change the "rack". so, I had to come back again. I picked it up the next day. Here is the bottom line; now the car drifts, to the right to be exact, oh, and my vibration is still there along with the noise in the front end. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle. I believe it is a lemon or there is something else someone is not telling me!

- New Port Richey, FL, USA

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