2004 Saturn ION problems
Owners have filed 1,124 complaints about the 2004 Saturn ION with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 31.4% of them, narrowly the most common, ahead of steering at 31.1%.
Complaints1,124
Crashes78
Fires6
Injuries45
Deaths4
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 31.4% · 353
Steering 31.1% · 350
Power train 5.3% · 60
Air bags 4.6% · 52
Fuel/propulsion system 3.2% · 36
Engine and engine cooling 3.0% · 34
Vehicle speed control 2.4% · 27
Exterior lighting 2.3% · 26
Severity
Of those complaints, 78 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire, 45 report an injury and 4 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the Saturn ION in this data, 2004 ranks 2nd by complaint volume; 2006 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 24 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 70,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The vehicle in question does not start on cold mornings and many mornings missed at work, and other appointments. Money has been spent on starters and batteries but many owners of this similar vehicle have had the same problem, but Saturn is refusing to fix the problem. This could be a potential safety hazard when the car does not start in extreme cold temperatures and the vehicle has young children and elderly. Electrical system · reported at 70,000 miles
My 2004 ION has the intermittent starting issue as well. It first happened when the car had 42000 miles (currently at 80000). The display on the dash reads "service engine" and turning the key results in nothing. Repeat attempts in 10 minute increments usually fixes it right up, after 2 or 3 tries. Saturn should really be held accountable as this seems to be the rule more so than the exception with these ions. Electrical system · reported at 42,000 miles
He Saturn ION will not start in cold weather. After 10 minutes the car will start again when the security system has reset. Problem is in the grease in the ignition system of 2004 Saturn ION. Car runs fine until it gets cold out and then the problem returns. Very dangerous -- can strand driver in frigid temperatures. Saturn has been aware of the issue for 4+ years but continues to risk the lives of drivers. Electrical system · reported at 24,341 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…