NHTSA — Fuel/Propulsion System Problems

2006 Saturn Ion (Page 4 of 6)

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CarComplaints.com Notes: When it comes to the 2006 Ion, the biggest questions are: what big problem is going to pop up next? And how long until GM chooses to address it?

The 2006 Ion has a defective ignition switch that gave owners fits. Their keys would get stuck in the ignition, the engine wouldn’t shut off or in some cases it would shut off at the most dangerous time. The ignition was eventually recalled as part of one of the largest recalls of all-time , but it took GM 10 years to do it. Then there’s this car’s temperamental power steering which is prone to stop working randomly while driving. It too was eventually recalled, even if GM took their sweet time about it.

Lastly, it turns out a car built with plastic doors, fenders and bumpers – while fun for a game of “shopping cart bocce” – is horrible for safety.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
88,898 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.

2006 Saturn Ion fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2006 Saturn Ion Owner Comments (Page 4 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #51

Jan 152014

Ion

  • 40,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact smelled a strong fuel odor outside the vehicle. The contact discovered fuel leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was a fuel leak. The vehicle was repaired, but the repairs were unknown. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

- Monroe, LA, USA

problem #50

Aug 012014

Ion

  • 86,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. While driving approximately 30 mph, the contact smelled fuel. The odor was detected on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

- Lawrence, KS, USA

problem #49

Mar 162011

Ion 4-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
One day upon exiting the vehicle I experienced a very strong odor of gasoline. I lived in the country at the time and also in Texas. I shrugged it off thinking I maybe got some on the side of the car or my clothes. Later I entered the vehicle and attempted to start it. Turns over 6 times after a single bump of the key but this time the car did not start. I then remembered that earlier I smelled fuel. I thought maybe I have a leak in the lines. I cycled the key 3 times then tried to start it again. After the first turn it cranked right up. When I returned home that afternoon I researched a little and found that its been notorious for developing a crack in the lines right off of the pump. I looked for a recall but found nothing. Nothing but complaints that is. www.rockauto.com saved me $200 from the price that O'reillys wanted me to pay but regardless this is an issue that needs to be addressed.

- Savoy, TX, USA

problem #48

Jun 092014

Ion

  • 69,000 miles

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

Car loses power, begins to smell of gas and can be hard to restart. Smells of gas after starting or driving for any period of time now.

- Boise, ID, USA

problem #47

Jun 232014

Ion

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that it took numerous attempts to start the vehicle. Once the vehicle was started, fuel fumes were present inside the cabin. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure occurred after the vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system). The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

- Allen, TX, USA

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problem #46

Aug 142014

Ion

  • 64,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that fuel fumes were emitted in and around the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was park and when she returned the next day the vehicle had caught on fire. The vehicle was not diagnose or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.

- Columbus, GA, USA

problem #45

Aug 072014

Ion

  • miles

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

My Ion is leaking gas and the ignition is sticking and can turn off by itself.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #44

May 012014

Ion

  • 115,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the odor of fuel was present outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered a fuel line crack near the rear driver side wheel. The mechanic also stated that the fuel tank was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 115,000.

- Brockton, MA, USA

problem #43

Jun 012012

Ion

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that a gasoline fuel odor was present inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer, who diagnosed that there was a fuel leak in the fuel line. The fuel pump was replaced to remedy the defect. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 70,000.

- Imperial Beach , CA, USA

problem #42

Oct 132013

Ion

  • 157,000 miles
Driving home on a paved road at 25 mph when sudden overwhelming smell of gas filled the car. For more details see service request [xxx]. GM has put me thru extreme stress and endangered my life and others for a 42 dollar part. As I type the emotional impact has returned. I fear for others ///please review the records, towed to dealership....special coverage part was not installed...mechanic claims gas line under car is leaking. Gas is pooling on top of motor..last remarks as I left the dealer" I wouldn't drive it...don't smoke" nothing but excuses...car is sitting in my driveway and has been ever since, ,,,2006 Saturn Ions are dangerous fire hazards and GM sees recalls as ways to make money on repairs...this is the second time that I have experienced free repair = 400 or more to fix...they do not abide by the recall orders at all!!!!!!!!!!! information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Rogers City,, MI, USA

problem #41

Jul 182013

Ion

  • 65,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that she smelled gasoline smell inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where the contact was informed that the fuel pump module was leaking. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 65,000.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #40

Jul 152013

Ion 4-cyl

  • 101,124 miles
I was driving back from school all of a sudden the low fuel came up so I filled up my gas tank and then it went empty by the time I got home from griffin. When I cut the car off I got out and saw gas leaking from under my car and saw the long trail of gas that I had trailed into my driveway.

- Jonesboro, GA, USA

problem #39

Jun 032013

Ion

  • 98,000 miles
I have a severe gas leak in my car. The gas smell was faint at first. Then I started having problems starting my car in mornings or evenings. Then the gas became unbearable & you could see a constant drip of gasoline coming from the back passenger side of my car. I felt so scared to drive it that I took it to the nearest place. They diagnosed it as the fuel pump. I called Saturn & they said they would have to charge me $100 to see if it's the actual "special policy" that's on my car.

- Shreveport, LA, USA

problem #38

Jun 092013

Ion

  • 100,000 miles
In August of 2008 at appx 37000 miles, the ignition switch locked in the 'run' position. Since the car was a manual, I stalled it out and called a locksmith, who could not remove or turn the key either. He disconnected the car from the battery so that it would not drain due to the accessories still being active. He told me how to reconnect the battery so that I could drive in for repairs. I have not had any more problems until yesterday (June 2013) at appx 100000 miles. The ignition would not turn beyond the accessories position. After several attempts, key positions, clutch positions, I was able to start the car and immediately drove it to a repair center. I have seen numerous similar complaints on this website and yet there are no recalls for this faulty ignition problem. I have had the issue from both sides (couldn't turn off and couldn't turn on).

- Knoxville, TN, USA

problem #37

Nov 012012

Ion 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn ion3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a strong fuel odor emitted inside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that there was a fuel leak. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000. Updated 02/14/13

- Dunfries, VA, USA

problem #36

Nov 052012

Ion 4-cyl

  • miles
Noticed a strong fuel odor after driving and when parked coming from the rear of my vehicle. Took it to a GM dealer. Dealer found a fracture in the plastic hose of the fuel pump, causing a fuel leak. Found out there was a recall for this exact problem in other states but my state was not included. I feel it should be. A fuel leak is a safety hazard.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

problem #35

Nov 262012

Ion

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. While parked, the contact noticed an overpowering gasoline fuel smell. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic advised that the fuel pump was leaking and would have to be replaced. There was a recall for the failure under NHTSA campaign id number: 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump) that could have been related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

- Miamisburg, OH, USA

problem #34

Oct 082012

Ion

  • miles
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that fuel fumes were emitted in and around the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnose that there was a fuel leak on the top of the fuel tank. The contact asked the manufacturer about NHTSA recall campaign id number: 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump), but was told the vehicle was not included. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 100,300.

- Gadsden, AL, USA

problem #33

Nov 012012

Ion 4-cyl

  • 137,125 miles
After smelling gas I parked my car and discovered gasoline leaking from my car. Saturn admitted that the faulty part was their fault, but informed me that I had gone over the warranty mileage and claimed they were not responsible at that time. If their part was defective as they stated I feel they are responsible no matter what! I also feel that the lives of me and my family were in danger!!

- Madison, AL, USA

problem #32

Oct 312012

Ion 4-cyl

  • 42,181 miles
My daughter's car started to leak fuel. We took it to a Chevrolet dealer and were told it is a "frequent" problem with the fuel pumps on Saturn. The pump was replaced which remedied the problem. Upon a "google" search I found an existing recall but only for certain states"??" we live in Pennsylvania and were not a state that is covered by the recall. Obviously the problem is a national problem and the recall should be revised to such.

- York Haven, PA, USA

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