2004 Saturn ION 2 from North America - Comments

I own a 2004 saturn ion 2. my car has given me more problem's than any other vehicle I've ever had. I live in florida so the cold is not and issue, but I have had the ignition replaced. The key just wouldn't turn! I would have to wiggle the key, push the brake, wiggle the steering wheel and eventually it would turn. I have had my car in the shop numerous times for front end suspension problems (over 4 times!). All I want to do is get rid of this car, but when I go to trade it in they don't want to give me any thing for it. the interior looks horrible! it looks as if I have had animals running around in my car. I'm happy to know that some one knows about the water spot problem, most people don't. I can't even steam clean them!

I too have a 2006 Saturn Ion 2. I purchased the car with 1,000 miles, and currently the car has 77,000. Not an easy trip though!

I have had the entire fuel system changed. I too had trouble starting the car at times (I had the ignition changed), at this moment the ignition is stuck in the on position and my key was stuck, but I managed to get it out. I have to unplug my ignition to get the car to shut off, almost half of my engine has been replaced, and also my power steering went out while I was driving. This car is falling apart.

I have so many miles because I drive far, a lot of highway miles. This car is garbage; I wish I would have went with a Honda!

Hi... I own a 2004 Ion2 Saturn.. yes the key gets stuck halfway at times.. But the motor shuts off that's the main thing...

I just lock up the car doors.. And come back to it sometimes 8 hours later... I get into my car.. start it up like normal... then I get to wherever I am going... then it works fine again... I never did anything about it... So it became normal for the car LOL...

But overall.. I think it's a great car... it's not like everyday this happens.. Just once a month LOL... Just accept that little flaw... It won"t burn your battery out... just make sure your radio and stuff like that is turned off... There is a flaw for sure.. But don"t spend any money if you don"t have too...

And as for the water stains on the seats.. Buy thick seat covers to further protect your seats.. Your car will look fancy inside LOL. All we can do is think positive people.

I have a 2005 Saturn Ion series 2, and the car won't start once a week. I wait 10 minutes and then go back and it starts. The Saturn dealer wants $300.00 for a new Pass Lock Sensor. I don't have the $300.00, so I guess I will have to just not ever be in a hurry. I am looking at trying to bypass the pass lock sensor. I know my next car won't be a Saturn. They really need to add this to the recall list.

I own a 2003 Saturn Ion 2, I have had a lot of trouble starting my car in the winter. It will barely crank at first, and then it will start after about 10 minutes, but dies out if I don't slam on the gas and keep the rpm up for about 10 seconds! With all these posts that I have read in just the past few days, this is major problem. I can't believe that GM has not made a recall on this issue.

I was stumbling through the web and I found this site. I am frustrated with my 2004 Saturn Ion lvl 2. I also have a starter problem and can't figure it out. I tried to find a pattern in the start up behavior but as you could see no success. I am in the military and arriving at work early has been an issue and I have receive punishment several times for this. I also have had an issue with the seats. I spill a little bit of water and the seats look as if someone urinated on them. I've tried numerous cleaning products with no success. Why oh why did I buy this car? I'm just glad I'm not the only Saturn owner going through the same issues. If anyone knows how to fix these problems please help me out! Please send an e-mail. Email me at hobohero06@gmail.com.

An angry Saturn owner,

Jacob Larman.

I too own a 2004 Saturn Ion 3 and have been experiencing many problems with this car including the starting issue. I wouldn't advise anyone to even look at a Saturn much less purchase one.

I own a 2007 Saturn. Bought it brand-new, never had a problem with it until about a month ago, when it wouldn't start. I towed it to the dealership and they replaced the ignition switch. It ran fine, for TWO days, and then did the same thing again. Back to the dealership, a new ignition switch. It worked for three days, and then it happened again.

On the FOURTH visit to the dealership, they told me there was nothing wrong with the car. They claim they had no problem starting it, therefore, there is no problem.

I am beyond frustrated. Fortunately, it is still under warranty so at least I don't have to pay them to look at it each time. Not that it does me any good since they haven't fixed the problem.

I also own a 2003 Saturn Ion and I had a problem starting the car a few times last winter but now its happening every morning the temp goes below 50 degrees. I had the ignition switch replaced a few years ago, but now Saturn wants to charge me $700! Ridiculous!

I read somewhere that a remote starter can permanently bypass the passlock problem. Is this true? Can someone else comment?

I'm the owner of a 2004 Ion 3. I too have experienced the ignition problem in very cold weather. Called for a tow and tried again to start the car. It started after multiple times trying. Called to cancel the towing. This happened several times in February. Has not happened since. It is September now. I'm waiting to see if it happens again this winter. I will have to remember to start the car early and warm it up so my son is not late for high school in the event it won't start for 10-30 minutes.

Now I'm having the clutch master cylinder replaced. I've been quoted $293 at a service garage. I hope that goes well. The car is not drivable at the moment.

I also had the power windows fixed. I was told four wires were broken. Why would this happen?

Other things I notice are wrong include rattling under the car when I drive over bumpy roads. Sounds like a broken strut or something. I can't afford to repair it now so drive it anyway. My tires seem to wear out fast, not sure if this is why. I hope to get this fixed next.

I own a 2004 Saturn Ion and I have all the really good problems:

1. Key is stuck, won't turn all the way off, but on all Ions there is a button in the steering column. If I push the button while turning the key, it comes out.

2. My Ion takes about 10-20 minutes to start on cold (less than 55 degrees) mornings. The engine turns and all the electrical stuff comes on, but it won't crank all the way for about 10 or 15 minutes.

3. Lifted up my windshield wipers to wash windshield; now the mechanic tells me the wiper transmission is out and will cost about $200 to replace.

4. I have to drive 30 miles to the nearest Wal-mart or grocery store. Round trip cost between $12-15 because this car has terrible gas mileage. But what can I do; the deals done, contract signed, lesson learned.

I have recently bought a Saturn ion 2 and it was running fine until it got cold. the ignition starts and the cars seems to be normal but then it suddenly dies... I can't understand it the battery is charged the oil has just been changed.. and everything seems to be fine yet the F****** thing won't stay running for too long. it just dies! I've taken it to the dealership but they say they don't know. they won't even help anymore. can anyone help me out here?

I have a 2004 Saturn Ion 3. Same problem when it gets cold. I read on another forum that a guy bought a remote starter and hasn't had any problem since. I also saw someone else had asked about it on this forum. I'm tired of being late to class and the professor saying I have to reschedule my test for being late just because my stupid car won't start. Other than that I love this car, great power for it's engine size, decent not great gas mileage, and with the two rear suicide doors, I can say I have something most cars don't have. But back to what I was saying, I'm going to try the remote starter fix and I'll repost after I do it and let everyone know. I found a cheap remote starter AND the GM passlock interface for a combined $50. This beats paying $150+ to get Saturn to "temporarily fix it" by replacing the faulty ignition switch with another faulty ignition switch.

Like everyone else, my Saturn doesn't start in some cold weather, and it gets worse as the cold weather season progresses. I finally figures out that it *is* the passlock system -- a security device. If you leave the car alone for 10 minutes (time it!) and come back, it starts fine.

Not an ideal system, but better than dropping money for a new ignition switch - starter - doohickey - whatever.

Can Saturn disable the passlock system? Does anyone know?

Has anyone had trouble opening the trunk?

I bought my Saturn Ion in 2005, and I did not have any problems until last winter. The car would not start at all in the cold. I turn the key, nothing, wait 10 minutes, turn the key, still nothing. This fall has been the worst so far, it's in the 40's outside and takes about 30 minutes to start. I am shocked that so many people are having the same problems with the ignition switch! This problem is so frustrating and I wish Saturn would have helped in a way, at least letting buyers know that this could happen. I'm tired of sitting in my car for 30mins with no heat and being late for work almost every day, and yes I do go out early to try and start it.