- The problem
- UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
- The risk
- If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
- The fix
- UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
Vehicle safety record
2003 Saturn Ion Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 768 complaints about the 2003 Saturn Ion with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (386) and the steering (139). Those complaints describe 44 crashes, 4 fires and 37 injuries. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in April 2014 for the switch. For comparison, the 2004 has 898.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Ion year, for its age
#13 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 768
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 44
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 37
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Saturn Ion problems
Share of all 768 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Saturn Ion recalls 7
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
- The risk
- If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
- The fix
- General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
- The problem
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
- The risk
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- The fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
- The problem
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
- The problem
- Certain passenger vehicles have a condition in which the turn signal lamp and daytime running lamp (drl) on either front side can stop working because of loss of contact between the bulb and socket.
- The risk
- If a front turn signal lamp is inoperative, others may react more slowly to a turning vehicle and a crash could occur.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the drl/turn signal bulb on both the left and right front side and inspect for and add a drl jumper kit if not present. The recall began november 17, 2004. Owners should contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
- The problem
- Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 118, "Power-operated window, partition, and roof panel systems." The power windows and/or sunroof may be operable after the ignition has been turned to the "off" position and the front passenger door is opened.
- The risk
- If unsupervised children are left unattended in the vehicle and operate the power windows or sunroof, there is an increased risk of injury to the child.
- The fix
- Dealers will upgrade the body control module (bcm) calibration. Owner notification began on december 30, 2003. Owners should contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
- The problem
- Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.2L 4-cylinder (l61) engines were built with a fuel filter that could corrode prematurely on the exterior surface.
- The risk
- If corrosion on the exterior surface of the fuel filter progresses to the point of creating a hole in the shell, fuel droplets could form and drop to the ground. If an ignition source is present, a fire could result.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel filter assembly. Owner notification began on december 30, 2003. Owners should contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
What owners say
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
768 complaints about the 2003 Saturn Ion
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 31.
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System); however, the recall repair failed to prevent the failure from occurring shortly after. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff, the speedometer failed to display the accurate velocity, the fog lights would not deactivate, and several other electrical features failed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
I took my 2003 Saturn ion to my local Chevrolet dealership in Lincoln Illinois and they refused to complete the recall issues (2) both are to do with the ignition and keys.thwy told me it was not fixable it needed a whole steering column that would cost me they said around $800.so it has now been 2 weeks my car has been there at Graue Chevrolet Dealership unfixed and they refused to fix please help me it's my only means of transportation and I have health issues that I have to go to Dr appointments quite frequently.
After I did the recall several years ago, the problem came back. The key will not come out of the ignition. It's happened many times.
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that less than a minute after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality, with the power steering failure message was displayed. The contact stated that after shifting to park(P), the contact would wiggle the key around in the ignition before being able to remove the key from the ignition switch. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,350.
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that occasionally the key failed to turn while in the ignition. The vehicle was slow to start. The contact had to avoid bumps in the roadway while driving. The lock symbol was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V171000 (Electrical System) and 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted....
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The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who declined to service the recall repairs due to an insurance issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another unknown local dealer, who informed the contact to place the vehicle in park(P) and restart the vehicle, and the symbol turned off. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a claim and informed the contact that a technician would be sent to the residence, but the technician failed to show up. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
I have the power steering column issue that still needs to be fixed as advised by GMC of Port Richey, FL where I was promised my replacement vehicle even 10 or 20 yrs later if I bought another one. If on my walking tape recorders and contact lens, I pull off my brake peddle flat lining at least twice without crashing however he would grant me whatever 2 vehicles on the lots I chose as long as I had insurance. However, I do not have the money for the tow and corporates to include the police will not listen too....
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Please, contact me immediately for a more rapid communication please at [[redacted]] or [[redacted]] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The contact restarted the vehicle to correct the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.
2003 Saturn ion, consumer writes in regards to broken timing chain. The consumer stated while driving the timing chain broke, nearly causing a crash in the middle of an intersection.
Rack and pinion is going bad, my mechanic said it's a common issue in these vehicles. When going around a corner it will want to float the opposite way, the steering will eventually get tight my mechanic said until I loose all steering. I am a single mother and have already replaced the whole front end on this vehicle pretty much. I know I've read so many others experiencing the same issues with their Saturn Ion, so I wanted to make it aware that this should be a recall and fixed before someone who knows nothing...
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about vehicles ends up in a severe accident due to this big issue. Also the Key don't want to come out most of the time. An there is an issue with the car not wanting to come out of park sometimes. Not to mention it eats ball joints like crazy every other month I'm replacing the ball joints in this car. If I could afford another vehicle trust me I would but I can't even save for a new car due to all the repairs I've made. It's just frustrating that so many people are having this issue and no mechanic wants to do the rack and pinion job with out charging a fortune.
My power steering kept cutting out. (Been doing this for about 2 years now) while I was driving today the worst situation happened. I went to turn at an intersection and mid turn the power steering message appeared and my steering wheel tightened and straightened back out a little bit. I was trying to get into the turn lane but to avoid an accident I sped up to merge with the farthest lane and unfortunately I popped a tire and bent the rim. This needs to be addressed before someone gets killed. To be honest im scared to drive my own car after today.
Intermittent electric power steering loss during driving, causing major safety issue as well as damage to steering column. Vehicle lost power steering while I was driving and the steering shaft snapped causing complete loss of control.
My ignition was recalled but the mechanics at gm crestview didn't know how to reset the computer so all my lights stayed on for check engine. Now my ignition is acting up and my car won't turn on. Is it still covered under the recall?
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that the key remained seized in the ignition when the vehicle was shifted into park. The contact stated that the key seized midway while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle lost electrical power and took 15 to 20 minutes before starting. The contact stated that there was a click before the key was released. The battery and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic...
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testing. The contact called saturn of memphis (2420 covington pike, memphis, tn 38128) and informed the dealer of the failure. The contact was informed to take the vehicle to jim keras automotive (2000 covington pike, memphis, tn 38128). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, when the vehicle began to stall and another vehicle rear ended her. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained a concussion and back injuries. The contact was taken by an ambulance to seek medical attention and also seek physical therapy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to repair shop and was not repaired at that moment....
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The contact stated the vehicle had the battery was replaced prior to the accident. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that the key seized in the ignition. The contact called a locksmith who removed the key and stated that the vehicle was subjected to an unknown recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired in 2014 for an unknown recall, for a similar failure, at the weseloh chevrolet dealer located at 5335 paseo del norte, carlsbad, ca 92008. The contact called the same dealer and was informed that the recall was expired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000.
My key switch doesn't allow me to remove my key when I'm in parked and my transmission strands at times and my car doesn't start all the time when I try to start it I have to sit and wait awhile before it starts again I could be sitting in the drive thru on parked waiting to travel again on th he main roadway
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under gm recall number: 14632 (special coverage adjustment-unable to remove key from ignition), nhtsa campaign number: (n/a), in december of 2013 at serra chevrolet saginaw located at 4200 bay rd, saginaw, mi 48603, (989) 790-0800 however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to mcdonald gmc located at 5155 state st, saginaw, mi 48603, (989) 319-4136, where the vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that the ignition lock cylinder, housing and keys needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving at 10 mph, another vehicle in the opposite direction drove head first into his vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. A police report was filed at the scene. The contact and his son were treated for injuries at the scene and were transported to a local hospital. The contact was treated for chest, neck and back injuries. The contact 's son sustained injuries to his neck and his back. The whereabouts of the other driver were...
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unknown. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an independent tow yard. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 138,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. While driving at low speeds and parking the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The contact also mentioned that the key would not eject out of the ignition. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired per an unknown recall and the recalled part would not be repaired again. The failure mileage was 138,000.
Key sticks in ignition, wont come out. Key comes out in neutral and drive sometimes. Have to keep starting and going forward and back thru gears until it releases keys concerned about wear/damage on all componts involed. Was told to disconnect battery to release keys. Keys come out when batty is dead. Battery in trunk, trunk full. Was told and shown videos about ignition/ignition lock cylinder and gear shift area repair recall. Need recall info, letter and recall code numbers. My vehicle is stationary when...
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ignition not releaaing. I bought the car 8/2018. The previous owener told me about this malfunction. It strands me sometimes and I need a jump start. Tired of messing with it. It is extremely inconvenient.
THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. While driving approximately 30 mph, the power steering operated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to paddock chevrolet (located at 3232 delaware ave, kenmore, ny 14217, (716) 941-4093) where it was diagnosed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.
Power steering goes out randomly while in motion. Sometimes it lasts 5 minutes sometimes up to 25-30 minutes. Goes out everyday on my way to work (26 mile commute). Extremely dangerous when trying to park or turn from a light and I don't realize that the assist is out. Obviously on highway not as much of an issue but when driving at slower speeds it is difficult.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 saturn ion. While driving 65 mph, the steering seized and the steering wheel could not be turned at all. The contact pulled the vehicle over and waited for awhile. Afterward, the steering returned to normal. There were no warning indicators illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted, but could not repair the vehicle because they did not have the equipment to repair electric vehicles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was 152,000.
Takata recall, my 2003 saturn ion has recalls on the ignition switch and cylinder which is causing my car to be impossible to drive. This recall is causing the system to have a short with all my electrical. For example, windows don't roll down/up, wipers don't work, heater doesn't work, blinkers don't work, dash lights stay on causing battery to constantly be dead. All because there are recalls that need to be fixed.
Saturn Ion: every year compared
All Ion years2003 Saturn Ion vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Saturn Ion | 768 | 7 | C | |
| 2003 Saturn Vue | 632 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Saturn L-Series | 192 | 0 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Saturn Ion
Does the 2003 Saturn Ion have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2003 Saturn Ion: switch (April 2014); ignition (April 2014); air bags (February 2014); exterior lighting (April 2009) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Saturn Ion?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (386), steering (139), engine & cooling (79).
How many complaints has the 2003 Saturn Ion had?
768 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 26, 2003 and the latest on October 14, 2026. Of these, 44 describe a crash and 4 a fire, and together they report 37 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Saturn Ion a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 51 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Saturn Ion year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Saturn Ion years have the most complaints?
2006 (1,235), 2004 (898), 2007 (876). See every Saturn Ion year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Saturn Ion has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data