“The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated while exiting a driveway and making a turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir and there was power steering fluid in the reservoir. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 90,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 20, 2023 at 90,000 miles
“I put my car in reverse and the power steering warning light came on. I also pulled forward and the warning light stayed on. I waited about 20 min's and started my car back up and the power steering light didn't come back on. While the warning light was on it was very hard for me to turn the wheel. I was in a parking lot. I will be taking my car to a dealership in the morning.”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 4, 2018 at 128,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the steeringRecall (red: the steering)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2006 Ion peaked in 2010, with 282 filed that year. Owners had filed 421 complaints about the steering before the first recall that covers it, 14V153000 in March 2014; 79 more have come in since. In 2025 owners filed 1 so far.
Defect. 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.
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.
Remedy. 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).
Defect. 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.
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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Mar 31, 20141,373,177 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC
Defect. 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.
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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Feb 10, 20142,190,934 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC
Defect. 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.
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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Oct 29, 200969,139 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA AND NEVADA; AND MODEL YEAR 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT, PONTIAC G5 AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, NEVADA AND TEXAS. THE PLASTIC SUPPLY OR RETURN PORT ON THE MODULAR RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. IF EITHER OF THESE PORTS DEVELOPS A CRACK, FUEL WILL LEAK FROM THE AREA. IF THE CRACK BECOMES LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY BE OBSERVED DRIPPING ONTO THE GROUND AND VEHICLE PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. A SPECIAL COVERAGE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME FOR MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE AND TEXAS AND MODEL YEAR 2007 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN: ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND TENNESSEE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Defect. 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.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. 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.
All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2006 Ion.
Electric Power Steering FailureEngineering analysis EA11014Closed
Opened Sep 29, 2011Closed Apr 15, 2014Led to recall 14V153000steering
On March 31, 2014, General Motors Company (GM) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist in approximately 1,340,447 model year (MY) 2004 through 2010 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS), including 334,728 MY 2004 through 2007 Saturn ION vehicles that are the subject of EA11-014.GM has assigned the recall number N140115.The NHTSA recall number is 14V-153.According to the DIR, if power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center and a chime sounds …
Electric Power Steering FailureRecall query RQ10004Closed
Opened Dec 15, 2010Closed Oct 5, 2011steering
ODI has received 846 complaints and GM identified 3,489 reports alleging sudden loss of steering power assist in model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Saturn Ion vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).Sixteen of these complaints alleged that the EPS warning lamp had illuminated before or during the loss of steering assist and the increased steering effort contributed to a crash. Two of the GM crash claims indicated that the driver was injured in the crash. In a previous Preliminary Evaluation PE10-005, ODI investigated the sudden loss of power steering assist in MY 2005 …
Technical service bulletins
739 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2006 Ion. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
equipment 277electrical system 136engine 100fuel system 30transmission 28equipment adaptive/mobility 28wheels 25visibility 22
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system
Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …
PIT5236GService campaignMar 31, 2016electrical system
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the …
Showing the newest 6 of 18 bulletins about the steering, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Mar 20, 202585,200 milesCA
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the instrument panel and radio were intermittently inoperable. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed to turn to the OFF position as needed intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and turning the steering wheel to the right to make a right turn, the steering was significantly wobbly. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V171000 (Electrical System) and 14V153000 (Steering). Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to the Subaru dealer, where it was purchased. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown Chevrolet dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that unknown recalls were previously performed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 85,200.
Engine
Filed Feb 7, 2024TX
Airbags
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Aug 3, 2023100,764 milesTX
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the key was stuck in the ignition switch. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the ignition lock cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the parts to do the repair were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,764.
Steering
Filed Jan 20, 202390,000 milesNH
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated while exiting a driveway and making a turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir and there was power steering fluid in the reservoir. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 15, 202284,000 milesMN
The contact's mother owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that after driving the vehicle to his residence and parking the vehicle in the garage, he observed that a puddle of gasoline had accumulated overnight underneath the vehicle from the fuel tank by the driver's side rear wheel. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure might be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V419000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 1, 2021NY
Fuel and evap line rusted out inside heat wrap for exhaust pipe near rear drivers tire. Pumped out fuel onto street.
Power Train
Filed Nov 2, 2021195,000 milesOR
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that upon switching gears to reverse, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound. The contact stated that she was unable to shift gears and continued to drive the vehicle in third gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the clutch was fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to their location in two weeks for diagnosis. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.
Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Oct 16, 2021LA
The year, make, and model of my car has a factory recall for the fuel pump failing. I went to the dealership and they informed me my Vin # wasn't included and their was nothing they could do about it. My vehicle started leaking fuel last week so I dropped the tank and removed the fuel pump. I have done my homework on this including watching several videos on YouTube concerning this issue and I'm 100% positive this fuel pump has failed in the exact location that all the other recalls have and yet my Vin number isn't on the recall according to this GMC service department manager. I am going to have to put a fuel pump in at my expense today because it's my transportation for work but I'm very upset about this situation and GMCs failure to have my vehicle included and having to replace their defected fuel pump. It's very frustrating knowing I'm putting my time and money towards it because I have my hands full trying to replace the house that Hurricane Ida destroyed about a month ago. We need help with this situation because our money is very tight and don't really have it to fix GMCs mistake. I will keep the fuel pump that came out of it along with the receipt for it so anyone can clearly see that I'm not only correct but being shafted on the recall. Thanks have a nice day I'll be eagerly awaiting your response
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 26, 2021IN
The car is leaking gas from the gas tank. I see recalls from this year, make and model from this vehicle yet when I put my VIN in it says 0 recalls.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 16, 202190,000 milesTX
The contact owned a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated while driving at 50 mph and there was a stopped vehicle in the middle of the road, in order to avoid crashing the contact veered to the right lane but crashed into the rear of a truck. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed. The contact sustained neck, shoulder, arm, and chest injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 14V047000 (Air bags, Electrical system). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact to file for the class action lawsuit. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Steering
Filed Jul 14, 2021MN
We purchased this vehicle recently. 1 week later we discovered loss of power steering assist while attempting to parallel park. We spoke with the seller (repair shop) and they discovered the Recall Notice 14V153000: Loss of Power Steering Assist. When I attempted to schedule a recall service at a GM dealership it was shown that this vehicle already had this particular recall service performed on the vehicle. 1. Power steering Assist 2. Loss of control of steering. 3. No (issue is intermittent) 4. No (original recall was performed though; it is happening again) 5. No warnings.
Power Train › Manual Transmission › Internal › Gears
Filed Jul 2, 2021CA
2006 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE SHIFTER SWITCH SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO TO TURN OFF. THE CONSUMER HAD TO JIGGLE THE KEY TO GET THE VEHICLE TO POWER OFF. THIS OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. REPAIR ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE BUT, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REIMBURSED THE CONSUMER FOR THE REPAIR.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 11, 2021154,123 milesAL
THE RPMS JUMP AROUND AND THE A/C MAKES NOISE AND LIGHTS FLICKER AT TIMES. THE CAR WILL JUST STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION OR WHEN I'M TURNING ONTO ANOTHER ROAD. IT'S QUITE SCARY WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR. MY MAIN CONCERN IS A LARGE SUV PUT IT IN REVERSE AND HIT THE FRONT OF MY CAR BEFORE ENDING UP ON THE HOOD NEAR THE WINDSHIELD. SHE WAS GOING PRETTY FAST AND PUSHED MY CAR PRETTY FAR BUT NO AIRBAG! THEN ON A SEPARATE OCCASION I WAS DOING 55 MILES WHEN A LARGE ANIMAL DARTED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. MY FRONT END AND RADIATOR AND FRONT END WERE SHOT. EVEN SPLIT MY PASSENGER SIDE DASH OPEN AND HAD TO BE TOWED OFF BUT NO AIRBAGS!! EXACTLY HOW DO I HAVE TO BE GOING FOR ME TO HAVE PROTECTION????
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Feb 8, 2021156,000 milesIA
I HAD CLEARED MY WINDOWS OF SNOW AND TURNED ON MY REAR DEFROST WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP AND DISCOVERED MY REAR WINDOW HAD IMPLODED.. I WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Oct 27, 2020154,917 milesRI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED BY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FUEL LEAK AND NEEDED THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL TANK TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 154,917.
Steering
Filed Oct 7, 2020125,000 milesNJ
DIFFICULT TO STEER OR TURN STEERING WHEEL.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 7, 2020109,000 milesMD
STILL HAVING IGN. KEY PROBLEMS NOT TURNING AND CAN NOT REMOVE, AN ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM LIGHT COME ON WHEN STARTING AND HARD TO STEER. BOTH PROBLEMS ARE INTERMITTENT AND DEALER CAN'T REPAIR UNLESS THEY SEE IT
Electrical System
Filed Jul 24, 202068,804 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARK, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE RESTARTED OR THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE TURNED TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E021000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,804
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 17, 2020123,456 milesIA
I STARTED SMELLING GAS WHEN GETTING OUT OF CAR. THEN IT GOT PROGRESSIVELY STRONGER GAS SMELL THAT LINGERED ON STRONG AN HOUR AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING. SO I CHECKED FOR GAS LEAK ON EXTERIOR OF GAS TANK AND FOUND EXTREME AMOUNT OF GAS COMING FROM BOTH OF THE FUEL LINES OF THE FUEL MODULE ON TOP OF TANK. THIS DIDN'T START UNTIL THE WEATHER HAS BECOME WARM IN THE 80 S AND 90S. *TR
Steering
Filed Jan 2, 202070,000 milesTX
STEERING ERRORS
Steering
Filed Dec 19, 2019140,000 milesWA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN ION. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE POWER STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 14, 2019CA
AIR BAG IF IS A RE CALL I WILL LIKE TO KNOW IF I HAVE TO TAKE MY CAR WHERE TO.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 30, 2019CA
LATELY HAVE BEEN NOTICING BY MYSELF AND OTHERS, STRONG FUEL SMELL AROUND CAR. WHILE CLEANING OUT VARIOUS PAPERWORK, I FOUND A RECALL LETTER DATED 8/2015 REGARDING CRACKED FUEL TANK INLET CONTROL VALVE. I REALLY NEED THIS PROBLEM LOOKED INTO AS I AM HESITANT TO DRIVE WITH THE HORRID GAS SMELL. PLEASE ADVISE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 1, 201972,401 milesTX
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND CAR WON'T START. UNABLE TO RETRIEVE KEY FROM IGNITION SWITCH. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 24, 2019135,000 milesIN
FUEL LEAK
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 24, 2019IN
THE CAR IS HAVING THE SAME DIFFICULTIES AS THE OTHER CARS COVERED BY THE RECALL. IT WAS MADE IN TENNESSEE. THE MANUFACTURER IS REFUSING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND STATES THE CAR IS NOT COVER UNDER THE RECALL. CAR CAN'T BE DRIVEN DUE TO SMELL OF GAS AND DUE TO THE INFORMATION I HAVE RESEARCHED IT MAY START A FIRE. I WOULD LIKE THEM TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
Electrical System
Filed May 22, 2019244,000 milesTX
I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 10 IN SAN ANTONIO TEXAS IN 5 P.M. TRAFFIC WHEN MY CAR LOST POWER STEERING CONTROL LIGHTS BLINK IN THE DASH AND I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I WAS ON THE LEFT SIDE SHOULDER FOR 2 HOURS WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED IN 2014 WHEN THE CAR WAS RECALLED FOR THE POWER STEERING ISSUE AND FIXED FOR FREE IN 2014
Structure › Body › Trunk Lid
Filed Apr 26, 201961,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BAR FRACTURED THAT HELD THE TRUNK OPEN. AS A RESULT, THE TRUNK LID STRUCK THE CONTACT IN THE HEAD AND RIGHT HAND TWICE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
Steering
Filed Apr 16, 201965,000 milesIL
THE SAME EXACT ISSUE WITH THE STEERING CREATING THE 2014 RECALL HAS OCCURRED AGAIN WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT HAS VERY LOW MILEAGE AND IS NOT DRIVEN THAT MUCH. SO THE FACT THAT THE RECALLED PART THAT WAS REPLACED BY GM IS ONCE AGAIN HAVING ISSUES IS DISTRESSING. THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT DURING A LOCAL DRIVE, LESS THAN 5 MILES. THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2014. RECALL NUMBER: 14V153000. RECALL DATE: 03/31/2014. COMPONENT: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. THIS SHOULD BE MONITORED TO DETERMINE IF THE REPLACEMENT PART IS ALSO DEFECTIVE.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 10, 201945,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT SMELLED FUEL FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. GOLD STAR BUICK GMC (1980 N DAVIS RD, SALINAS, CA 93907, (831) 240-4859) DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AND THE CONTACT WAS STILL REQUIRED TO MAKE A PARTIAL PAYMENT. THE CONTACT ASKED FOR A RENTAL VEHICLE, BUT HER REQUEST WAS DENIED. THE CONTACT HAD TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME WITH IT LEAKING FUEL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY. THE DEALER MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS SPECIAL COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN PARTS UNDER A WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT DISCLOSE A LOT OF INFORMATION DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CONTACT WAS SPEAKING WITH HER ATTORNEY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 29, 2019100,121 milesWA
LEAKING FUEL AND FUEL SMELL.
Steering
Filed Mar 6, 2019165,000 milesIL
MY VEHICLE HAD A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 50 MPH. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO VEHICLES AROUND ME AND I WAS ABLE TO MANUAL STEER IT TO THE SHOULDER. THE STEERING POWER ASSIST HAS COMPLETELY FAILED. I CONTACTED SATURN WHO LOOKED UP THE VIN # ON MY VEHICLE. SATURN SAID THERE IS NO OPEN RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. I LOOKED ON YOUR WEBSITE AND THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM ON 2004-2007 SATURN ION'S AND I HAVE A 2006 SATURN ION. I MENTIONED THIS TO SATURN AND THEY SAID THAT THERE IS A RECALL BUT IT'S VIN # SPECIFIC. I SAID HOW CAN THIS BE WHEN MY CAR (WHICH FALLS UNDER THE SAME MODEL AND YEARS RECALLED) IS HAVING THE SAME FAILURE? THEY DIDN'T CARE ABOUT MY QUESTION AND SIMPLY SAID IT'S NOT COVERED AND I CAN TAKE IT UP WITH THE NHTSA. THE FAILURE IS THE ELECTRIC STEERING MOTOR. THEY USE THE SAME ELECTRIC MOTOR (EXACT SAME OEM PART NUMBER) IN ALL THE SATURN ION MODELS AND THE CHEVY COBALT. IS THERE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN OFFER ME? I REALLY DO NOT HAVE $1000 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AND I ALREADY HAVE PUT QUITE A BIT OF MONEY IN THIS VEHICLE. I HAD PLANNED ON KEEPING IT. NOW I CAN'T EVEN SELL IT.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 14, 2019TN
KEY IGNITION LOCKED UP KEY WON'T TURN AT ALL AND THERE'S A RECALL ON IT AND TOOK IT TO DEALER SHIP FOR THEM TO FIX IT AND THERE WANTING TO CHARGE ME TO FIX IT AND THERE SUPPOSE TO DO IT FOR FREE SENSE IT'S A RECALL
Steering
Filed Jan 7, 2019204,678 milesMN
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE WENT TO TURN THE CORNER ON TO I90 WEST FROM HIGHWAY 56 SOUTH AND IT WAS VARY HARD TO PULL OIT OF THE TURN LIKE IT LOCKED UP ALMOST PUT ME INTO THE DITCH
Steering
Filed Dec 3, 2018145,000 milesUT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THAT THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 145,000.
Engine
Filed Nov 5, 2018113,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VANDERGRIFF CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 1200 W INTERSTATE 20, ARLINGTON, TX 76017, (682) 323-2486) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Steering
Filed Aug 23, 2018VA
2006 SATURN ION. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING. *LD *JS
Steering
Filed Aug 7, 2018180,000 milesTX
POWER STEERING GOES OUT THEN WHEN SITTING FOR A PERIOD, IT WILL RESET AND START WORKING THEN THE PROBLEM REPEATS ITSELF AND I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING WHERE IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN, SOMETIMES ON THE HIGHWAY, HARD TO PULL OFF ROAD. FIRST TIME IT WAS STATIONARY WITH "POWER STR" ON DASHBOARD, SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS IN MOTION DOWN THE STREET OR ROADWAY.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 1, 2018185,000 milesDE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND WAS TAKEN TO CHEVROLET OF DOVER (1450 S DUPONT HWY, DOVER, DE 19901, (302) 760-9956), BUT THE DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
Steering
Filed Jul 24, 201814,000 milesOR
ON JULY 21,2018, I STARTED MY SATURN ION 2006 IN THE MORNING , I SAW THERE IS A MESSAGE "PWR STR", AND THEN I FOUND THE CAR LOST THE POWER STEERING, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE CAR ON THE ROAD, WHEN I FINNALLY DRIVE IT INTO A CHEVROLET DEALER, THEY SAID THE CAR HAD ALREADY BEEN FIXED IN A 2004 RECALL AND THEY DECLINE TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING FOR FREE.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jul 20, 201857,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE FUEL TANK OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANDREW CHEVROLET (1500 W SILVER SPRING DRIVE, MILWAUKEE, WI 53209, 1-414-228-6200) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Steering
Filed Jun 6, 2018200,000 milesTN
THE POWER STEERING KEEPS GOING OUT SOMETIMES WHEN YOU START THE CAR IT WILL NOT HAVE POWER STEERING AND SOMETIMES WHEN YOUR DRIVING IT WILL GO OUT AND IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE
Steering
Filed Jun 4, 2018128,000 milesSC
I PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I ALSO PULLED FORWARD AND THE WARNING LIGHT STAYED ON. I WAITED ABOUT 20 MIN'S AND STARTED MY CAR BACK UP AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT DIDN'T COME BACK ON. WHILE THE WARNING LIGHT WAS ON IT WAS VERY HARD FOR ME TO TURN THE WHEEL. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT. I WILL BE TAKING MY CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IN THE MORNING. MY CAR WAS PART OF THE POWER STEERING RECALL IN 2014. THAT RECALL NUMBER WAS N140115.
Steering
Filed May 28, 2018176,000 milesRI
POWER STEERING LOST WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING. VERY HARD TO STEER. IT CAME BACK THEN 5 MINUTES LATER I LOST IT AGAIN. SCARY. NO INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON. SATURN SAID IT'S SAFE TO DRIVE. SATURN SAID THERE IS NO RECALL.
Steering
Filed May 25, 201813,000 milesPA
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING GETS VERY HARD AND THEN CANT STEER WE HAVE TO TRY TO PULL OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN RESTART IT TO GO.
Unknown or Other
Filed May 22, 2018IL
MY IGNITION WILL NOT TURN 'OFF'. IT WILL GET STUCK AND THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS TO PUT SHIFTER INTO REVERSE AND BACK INTO PARK THEN TRY TO TURN THE SWITCH OFF . ALSO THE MUFFLER IS NOT COMPLETELY STABLIZED TO THE CAR WITHOUT TAMPERING.
Steering
Filed Apr 27, 2018137,778 milesMN
I WAS HIGHWAY 56 TURNING ONTO INTERSTATE 90 AND THE CAR WAS VARY HARD TO CORRECT BACK FROM THE TURN IT WANTED TO STAY IN THE TUUN AND ALMOST OUT ME IN THE DITCH IN MINNESOTA
Engine
Filed Dec 11, 201780,000 milesIL
TAKATA RECALL THE ENGINE IS ON. WHEN I TURN THE KEY TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF, THE KEY DOESN'T GO IN THE OFF POSITION. I HAVE TO TURN THE ENGINE ON AGAIN AND THEN TRY TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF.SOMETIMES 2 OR 3 TIMES I HAVE TO TURN THE ENGINE ON AND THEN TRY TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF. THE CAR IS PARKED.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 9, 2017170,820 milesVA
THE CAR DIED WHILE IN MOTION MOVING DOWN A CITY STREET AND FAILED TO RESTART. THERE'S A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE AND IT APPEARS TO BE LEAKING FUEL FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR.
Structure › Body › Door
Filed Nov 30, 201780,000 milesAZ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN ION. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH, A BEEPING SOUND WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT HAD TO CLOSE THE DOORS IN ORDER FOR THE BEEPING SOUND TO STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FAILED TO LOCK WITH THE REMOTE. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANUALLY LOCK THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER (O'RIELLY CHEVROLET INC., 6160 E BROADWAY BLVD, TUCSON, AZ 85711) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-553-6000 AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL NHTSA. A CASE NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Complaints 1-50 of 1,235, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Ion years to avoid. Owners filed 1,235 complaints, against about 876 for a typical Ion year. The most common complaint is about the steering (40%).
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Saturn Ion?
The steering: 500 of the 1,235 complaints (40%) are about it. Owners most often say it sets off warning lights on the dash (29%), loses steering assist or the wheel locks (26%) and loses power (15%). The typical report comes at 64,181 miles.
How many recalls does the 2006 Saturn Ion have?
6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Apr 30, 2014. The largest, 14V171000, covered 2,191,014 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2006 Saturn Ion problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 66,926 miles. For the steering the midpoint is 64,181 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2006 Saturn Ion?
Yes, 2 times. The latest, EA11014 ("Electric Power Steering Failure"), was opened Sep 29, 2011 and closed Apr 15, 2014.
Are there service bulletins for the 2006 Saturn Ion?
The manufacturer filed 739 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (136), the engine (100) and the fuel system (30). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Apr 30, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.