2004 Saturn ION 2 from North America - Comments

Starting problems.

Seats stain easily.

Drive this car a lot and never had problems. Got me from A to B in relative comfort and with good mileage. Intermittent starting problems for the last few weeks. Absolutely no rhyme or reason, no indicator lights or warning messages displayed. Car will start after 15-20 minutes of trying. Today, took to mechanic... of course it started... he thinks the alternator is overcharging the battery. At 41K miles I need a new alternator and battery?!? He has the car overnight and hopefully can replicate. Glad I purchased the extended warranty... I hope!

Just thought I'd comment to you about your review and say that My 04 Ion is not starting as well, been to the dealership 3 times in 2 months! They, too, cannot seem to figure out why it isn't starting, but it seems to me it happens when it gets very cold overnight. Glad to hear I am not the only one with this problem!

I brought my car to the mechanic the other week to have the same problem addressed. When my mechanic looked at it, they couldn't find the problem (battery tested well, nothing wrong with the alternator or starter). When I brought it there the day after (after spending $1100 on general maintenance that needed to get done anyway) he got in the car and it wouldn't start for him. The next course of action was to look at the idiot lights and there was a security breach flashing on the dashboard. Saturn doesn't know of any security feature on the ION and neither do I. My mechanic looked at the diagrams and we both reviewed them. There are a couple of unexplained modules on the diagrams that could be security checkpoints (incase the radio is removed, unauthorized entry, etc). I had a new key made (no problems for a couple of days). Now the problem is back and Saturn is saying that it is the ignition switch. Let's see what happens now!

My '04 Ion 2 is also having problems starting. It's usually in the morning (when it's cold), but not always then. I've had the battery replaced, the intake throttle cleaned out twice, and the fuel filter changed. Now I'm advised the the starter may have corroded, so I'll get that checked next. Of course my mechanic can't re-create the problem. And of course, my 35K-mile warranty just expired. Really, I just want to get my car started without trouble in the morning to get to work on time!

Here is a link that my daughter found when she started to research this very same problem with her 2004 Saturn Ion... I think that Saturn is turning a blind eye to this one -

http://www.autobytel.com/content/research/forums/index.cfm/action/Posts/fid/5610.

I own a 2004 Ion 2 sport coupe. I am on my third ignition switch. Both times I needed to replace it, it was a damp day (once rain, once snow), and both times, the engine would not start for around 30 minutes. Fortunately, the second time I needed to replace the switch, that part was under warranty though my car was no longer, as the part itself had the 12,000 mile/12 month warranty covering it.

I also own a 2004 Ion. Last winter I had problem with cold mornings getting it started. Now that we are in a cold spell again, it doesn't want to start. If I put 'Heat' in and wait a few minutes it starts fine. My husband thinks there is some condensation in the engine. I was checking on line to see if others are having problems and found this site. I hope I can find some help somewhere. Looks like this model has some issues.

I have been looking around to find info about Ions. I am actually thinking about buying a 2004 Ion 2, with 50k on it, and reading these comments is scary! I live in a place where it's cold, freezing, for months. Don't know what to do!

We also own a 2004 Saturn Ion, that on random occasions does not start. Wait a few minutes and then it does. This has happened to us in both warm and cold days. It's been in for service several times and service techs can't seem to locate the problem. When this first started, with only about 10 000 kl, the car did noting no lights, radio etc., completely dead. Also the key was stuck in the ignition and the car had to be towed into the dealership for service. After the dealer ship fought to get the key out, the car started working fine again for about six months, then the starting problems began again.

I own a 2004 Saturn ION. I know what the problem is and I’m sorry that some of you have spent so much $$ to resolve your car problems. In the past three years I have had the PASS LOCK SENSOR replaced twice. What is the PASS LOCK SENSOR? If it is cold outside your car does not recognize your key and therefore, the PASS LOCK SENSOR thinks your car is being stolen! If you warm up your key then your car will start! The PASS LOCK SENSOR is covered under warranty and if you are lucky under extended warranty!

I hope you are right, I just started having the problem of my car not starting in the morning randomly... and it stinks!! I like my ion, but I need it to start reliably and I can't afford to replace all sorts of switches and starters on a wild goose chase.

There appears to be numerous (!!!) cold weather ignition switch related issues regarding the 200x IONx. Fortunately, for some as myself, have thankfully not experienced these issues ('04 ION3, 57000 kms) and I often start-up in -35 to -40C (-40F) temperatures (Canada). Not once has the car failed to start on the first cold (or wet weather) crank. I am wondering if a certain batch of U.S. bound IONs were affected only. However, I find this hard to believe since all of the IONs were made in Springhill, TN. In addition to the colder winter region, there is heavy road salt spray which is hell on electrical systems. So far (fingers crossed), no such electrical issues have been experienced on my ION.

My '04 Ion all of a sudden has been making a ticking noise which appears to be coming from the left dashboard area right in front of the steering wheel. Also, the gauges flash on and off when this ticking noise is going on. Car has 43K miles and other than this it is great!

I have a 2004 Saturn Ion...and it does not start in the winter. I have called the Saturn Dealer and the have advised me that the ignition switch needed to be replaced and it was a recurring problem in a lot of ions. I asked if this is such a widespread problem, why is there not a recall. It became very frustrating trying to get places on time. Some mornings it would fire up fine, get to the gas station, and I would be stranded at the gas station. If I parked it in the garage, then it would be perfectly fine. I purchased mine with 23,000 miles on it in 2005. I have put quite a few miles on it and now the cruise control has selective cooperation and only works on rare occasions. I am very unpleased with everything this car is cracked up to be.

CAR NOT STARTING IN COLD WEATHER: I own a 2004 Saturn ION. I know what the problem is, in the past three years I have had the PASS LOCK SENSOR replaced twice. What is the PASS LOCK SENSOR? If it is cold outside your car does not recognize your key and therefore, the PASS LOCK SENSOR thinks your car is being stolen! If you warm up your key then your car will start! The PASS LOCK SENSOR is covered under warranty and if you are lucky under extended warranty!

Seats do stain easily. Gas cap not tight, had to replace 2x because loose cap meant "check engine" light came on, freaked me out the first time. Key not working, as if it's worn down - have to put key in EXACTLY the right position or it won't turn. Only 80,000 on car. Weather stripping around doors coming off, had to reglue. Other than that, mine has been very reliable.