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.

9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
63,650 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace the electric powersteering motor (2 reports)
2006 Saturn Ion steering problems

steering problem

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2006 Saturn Ion Owner Comments

problem #2

May 162013

Ion 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

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

While driving the power steering light comes on and then immediately followed with my steering wheel locking while i was driving. I pulled off to the side which by the way was very hard to do and turned off the car and waited then turned i back on and it went away. it has done this about 5 times since. I don't understand why there is not a recall on this. Everyone I talked to that owns this car has had the same problem. It needs to be recalled before somebody gets into a serious accident.

- Merritt K., Davenport, IA, US

problem #1

Jun 082010

Ion 4 Door 2.24L

  • Manual transmission
  • 51,226 miles

Just bought the car on June 8,2010, the powersteering light was on and the the powersteering didn't work, the dealer I am working through called Saturn and found out that the powersteering motor needed to be replaced, so they sent for a new motor and installed it, but that didn't fix the problem. I called a Saturn Service center and they said that I would need to bring it in and have them look at it, I am really upset at this issue because like others this is a very real problem with the 2006 Ions and theres nothing we can do about it but pump more money into the problem and hope they can fix it, where is the recall on this issue. The Chev. Cobalt was recalled for the same problem why is it that Saturn won't do the same. This is my only transportation and I live in a small town and have to drive at least 350 miles to a Saturn Service Center with no powersteering, I feel that the manhandeling of the steering wheel is uncalled for, no one should have to go to this much trouble to steer a car.

- Marianne B., Moab, UT, US

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