- 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
2005 Saturn Ion Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 573 complaints about the 2005 Saturn Ion with NHTSA, most often about the steering (265) and the electrical system (227). Those complaints describe 31 crashes, 4 fires and 19 injuries. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in April 2014 for the switch. For comparison, the 2004 has 898 and the 2006 has 1,235.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Ion year, for its age
#29 most complained-about 2005 vehicle
- Complaints
- 573
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 31
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 19
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2005 Saturn Ion problems
Share of all 573 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2005 Saturn Ion recalls 5
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
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
- The risk
- If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
- 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.
What owners say
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573 complaints about the 2005 Saturn Ion
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 23.
This vehicle has an electrical issue from time to time seemingly out of nowhere. There is no power steering it just shuts off sometimes it'll stay off for an hour sometimes it'll stay off for weeks and I can't figure out how to fix it. It randomly fixes itself same can be said for the air conditioning And the driver side, headlight all of these electrical functions, seemingly turn themselves up or down for no apparent reason.
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the ignition key was stuck inside the ignition key slot, and the vehicle failed to start. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The dealer was not contacted regarding the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 167,000.
My key is stuck in the I can take it out the o2 seners not reading
The ignition cylinder was replaced in my vehicle because the key would not turn in the ignition to start the car. It is actually, the fourth time this has happened. I understand that there have been two recalls on this issue in the past. The reason it was recalled is because the ignition has turned to the off position killing the car's engine while the driver is driving on the road which has caused serious accidents. I was lucky not to get into an accident from this. The last replacement has lasted almost ten...
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years. However, my issue is that General Motors apparently keeps manufacturing a defective part. This is unacceptable because I had to pay $585.02 to have this work done due to the fact that the dealerships apparently are not required to replaced it at no charge to the vehicle owner. It could also be a potential safety issue again.
Hello I am reaching out to complain about Courtesy Chevrolet - San Diego. I've been trying to get my car serviced in order to fIx the recalls. Unfortunately I have not been successful. I called the dealer to make an appointment but the dealer told me that the car has been discontinued and they can't find the parts. The suggested to call somewhere else.
When pressing the gas pedal 2/3 of the way down the pedal got stuck causing the engine to rev high while driving forward. I had to put the car in neutral, shut the engine off and manually get the gas pedal unstuck by reaching down to the floor and pulling the pedal upwards with my hands. Also I had no floor mats in my car for the pedal to get stuck on. This has happened on multiple occasions.
Power steering intermittently fails at random and steering wheel suddenly becomes immovable nearly causing serious accidents and endangerment to myself, my family, and others drivers on the roads.
Headlights are to deem even on high beems.cant see anything coming or the on coming traffic can't see me coming.
I turn my turn signals on and nonthing happens in the Frontline bulbs are brand new doesn't matter back turn signal work,front turn signal dont.this has been happening since forever my inlaws didn't know we didn't know until they gave car.so don't know how long seems like forever
My 2015 Saturn ION was on a Recalled Warranty issued and concerning faulty ignition Switch problem. I have brought my car in (5) times since (2014) and it has occurred again in (2021) and G,M, dealer Mauer Chevrolet has refused to honor warranty recall stating that Gm has sent them letter to not service any more Saturn's ION with this problem due to cost. they refused to take my car in with key stuck ignition switch. I have filed complaint with MN. Attorney General office Consumer Division and they agreed that my...
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consumer rights had been violated but Mauer Chevrolet still refuse's to fix my problem. My car has been sitting for over (3) months due to this problem. I need your assistance and hope you intervene as this has caused stress ,hardship and depression being without a car. Car dealer is Mauer Chevrolet located inInver Grove Heights, MN. 1055 50th Street, 55075. (651-455-6283). Mauer Chevrolet has retained their attorney to assist them, so I need help, also. Please HELP!
2005 Saturn ion. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch problem. The consumer stated the key would frequently become stuck in the ignition. The dealer made multiple repair attempts but, the failure recurred. The consumer requested to have the vehicle repaired under recall.
It says I have 0 I repaired recalls. I have had the powers steering fail 2x. More importantly, the ignition cylinder locks up and I can't get my keys out. I have to wait most times after turning the car off - for 3-5 minutes through a series of clicking noises in the ignition before the key will release. It is concerning because sometimes I have to get out immediately and the keys don't release. The car automatically locks itself and if I don't roll the window down- I become locked out. It yesterday had a...
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issue with ignition all together and I wonder if it's related. I was made aware again there were many recalls on this issue and hoped to get it repaired. However it now states there are none unrepaired. I'm wondering if it is a ongoing problem with the vehicle, it's repair parts etc and if it's just not been addressed because it's so old that so few are left on the road. Thank you. This is a increasing problem and a daily or every time I drive it issue now. I worry too the power steering will just go out in the interstate.
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the power steering message was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (Steering) but the failure occurred. The failure mileage was 167,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the loss motive power without warning. The contact stated that steering assist and gauges were in operable. The contact coasted to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that several of the electrical functions returned however, the electrical functions failed intermittently. The power steering assist warning light illuminated intermittently when the power steering assist was inoperable....
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Ocean crest chevrolet buick gmc cadillac (855 alternate hwy 101, warrenton, or 97146, (866)607-2902) was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer suggested that the vehicle be taken in to be diagnosed which was still pending. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Dash lights go out and all systems are you functioning property
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saturn ion. The contact stated that upon activation of the headlights, the headlights were dim causing poor forward visibility while driving at night or in low light conditions. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered nhtsa campaign number: 09e012000 (exterior lighting) however, the vin was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. During the crash the passenger side of the vehicle was severely damaged but no air bags had deployed. The driver sustained an injured neck and was transported to the hosipital. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 174,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saturn ion. The contact stated that the steering wheel would move uncontrollable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (glenn h. Wright, bs 1517 w garvey ave n, west covina, ca 91706 (626) 962-6061) by roadside assistance and left at the dealer for 6 days. There was no diagnostic testing performed and the vehicle was not repaired. However, the failure recurred and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact mentioned nhtsa campaign number: 14v153000 (steering) as a possible solution to...
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the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but no further assistance was taken the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 saturn ion. The contact's son observed an orange glare coming from the back of their house. The family ran outside together and discovered that the son's vehicle was on fire. The fire department was down the street, but took twenty minutes to arrive at the scene. The contact's nineteen year old son extinguished the fire with water from the house. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was totaled. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 217,000.
Daytime running light turn signal dont work for the passenger side which can cause a safety problem to other drivers
Vehicle was stationary when problem occurred. Fuel intake and return lines in front of the rear drivers side wheel flaking badly and rusted through, about an 8 inch section of line was flaking and rusted through. Fuel line was rubbed when putting on new oem exhast and broke through the lines. Gas was leaking bad enough that it was deemed not safe to drive as these lines are about 5 inches away from the exhaust.
Driver lights will not work switched bulb and checked fuses
12-13-2018. Took my daughter to school. Shut the car off went into the school and came out and started the car from parked position turned the car around was on a side street to cross highway 13 was ready to turn onto highway 13 and no power steering, this was part of a recall that gm issued and this new part didn't even last 38,000 miles. T
"Takata recall" I put my key in the ignition. The car stalled for a quick second then came on gully. As I reversed out of my driveway and went to make a slight left I noticed my steering wheel had locked up. I was able to slow turn the wheel as I had to manually steer. I pulled over and parked. This is not safe.
I had the recall fixed in 2015. The same issues that I had before have returned. When driving and the tank is full, I will get a service engine light and the tank gauge will read empty. It was fine when I began driving . Upon restarting the car the error goes away. When I put my car in park and try to turn off my ignition I have to put he shiftier in park several times before I can remove my key. Today car ran great when trying to move my car after starting my car my power steering was gone. Again upon turning...
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off my car and restarting it , the power steering returned. I called the gm recall number and a case was created but I was told that there were not any current recalls on my car. The service number is 8-4833918801. But was told that all repairs are my responseability.
Saturn Ion: every year compared
All Ion years2005 Saturn Ion vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Saturn Ion | 573 | 5 | B | |
| 2005 Saturn Vue | 170 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 2005 Saturn Relay | 91 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2005 Saturn L-Series | 26 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2005 Saturn Aura | 5 | 0 | A | 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 2005 Saturn Ion
Does the 2005 Saturn Ion have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2005 Saturn Ion: switch (April 2014); ignition (April 2014); electric power assist system (March 2014); air bags (February 2014) 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 2005 Saturn Ion?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the steering (265), electrical system (227), engine & cooling (37).
How many complaints has the 2005 Saturn Ion had?
573 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 7, 2005 and the latest on November 15, 2025. Of these, 31 describe a crash and 4 a fire, and together they report 19 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2005 Saturn Ion a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 63 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than 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 2005 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