SATURN ION · model year

2005 SATURN ION

755 NHTSA complaints, 49 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2005SATURNION carries 755 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 49 crashes, 5 fires, 29 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2005 ION is steering with 255 filings, followed by electrical system (173) and electrical system:ignition (38). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 14 investigation files overlapping the 2005 ION. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

755
Complaints
49
Crashes
5
Fires
29
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

755 filings

Crashes Reported

49 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING255
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM173
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION38
AIR BAGS29
EXTERIOR LIGHTING23
ENGINE22
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM21
UNKNOWN OR OTHER20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH13
POWER TRAIN13
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL12
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING9
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION7
STRUCTURE:BODY6

Recalls (5)

14V15300031/03/2014

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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

14E02100030/04/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

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

14V17100010/04/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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 ignitio

14V04700010/02/2014

AIR BAGS

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

09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

Recent Complaints

20251115ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20251115EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

20251115STEERING

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.

20250721ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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.

Mileage: 167,000

20250313FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My key is stuck in the I can take it out the o2 seners not reading

20250313ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My key is stuck in the I can take it out the o2 seners not reading

20250313EXTERIOR LIGHTING

My key is stuck in the I can take it out the o2 seners not reading

20241021UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 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.

20230405AIR BAGS

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.

20230109ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20230109FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

20221227ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20221227STEERING

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.

20221221EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Headlights are to deem even on high beems.cant see anything coming or the on coming traffic can't see me coming.

20220321ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20220321EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

20220226UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 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!

20220218ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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.

20210924STEERING

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 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 w

20210924UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 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 w

Compare 2005SATURNION to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2005 SATURN ION have?
The 2005 SATURN ION has 755 NHTSA complaints, 49 crashes, 5 fires, 29 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2005 SATURN ION?
Yes, the 2005 SATURN ION has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 SATURN ION?
The most-complained component for the 2005 SATURN ION is STEERING with 255 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION.
Is the 2005 SATURN ION safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.