SATURN ION · model year

2006 SATURN ION

1537 NHTSA complaints, 72 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2006SATURNION carries 1537 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 72 crashes, 7 fires, 46 injuries, and 1 fatality. 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 2006 ION is steering with 524 filings, followed by electrical system (310) and fuel/propulsion system (111). 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 6 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 2006 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.

1537
Complaints
72
Crashes
7
Fires
46
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

1537 filings

Crashes Reported

72 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING524
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM310
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM111
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE93
AIR BAGS57
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION56
ENGINE41
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP40
UNKNOWN OR OTHER26
POWER TRAIN24
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH18
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL15
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM13
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)11

Recalls (6)

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

09V41900029/10/2009

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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 STAT

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

20250320ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 85,200

20250320STEERING

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.

Mileage: 85,200

20240207ENGINE

Airbags

20240207FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Airbags

20240207VISIBILITY/WIPER

Airbags

20230803ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

 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.

Mileage: 100,764

20230120STEERING

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.

Mileage: 90,000

20220415FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

Mileage: 84,000

20211201FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel and evap line rusted out inside heat wrap for exhaust pipe near rear drivers tire. Pumped out fuel onto street.

20211102POWER TRAIN

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.

Mileage: 195,000

20211016FireFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 ne

20210726FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

20210716CrashAIR BAGS

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.

Mileage: 90,000

20210716CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 90,000

20210714STEERING

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.

20210702POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:GEARS

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.

20210311CrashAIR BAGS

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????

Mileage: 154,123

20210311CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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????

Mileage: 154,123

20210311CrashFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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????

Mileage: 154,123

20210208VISIBILITY/WIPER

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

Mileage: 156,000

Compare 2006SATURNION to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2006 SATURN ION have?
The 2006 SATURN ION has 1537 NHTSA complaints, 72 crashes, 7 fires, 46 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2006 SATURN ION?
Yes, the 2006 SATURN ION has 6 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 2006 SATURN ION?
The most-complained component for the 2006 SATURN ION is STEERING with 524 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Is the 2006 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.