Comments: 1-15, 16-20
About 6 months into the ownership the car developed a 'clicking' sound in the front end. Dealer claimed they couldn't duplicate and didn't know what it was. Finally one year later the dealer duplicated the noise. Turns out these cars have a known problem with the sway bars. So the sway bar bushings and linkages were replaced under the (extended) warranty.
When the car was about a year and a half old, I had my mechanic give it a good once over in anticipation of my warranty expiring. The mechanic found that the rear shocks and front struts were leaking. These two items are excluded from the GM warranty. Beware!
A spot weld holding the muffler shield in place is broken.
In 2003 these cars had great reviews and a good price. However, my personal experience has been poor. The suspension items that required replacing should not be worn out with normal use after a year and a half of driving. In particular I find it shocking that the sway bar bushings and linkages required replacement 6 months after I purchased the car. I also believe that Saturn is using low quality parts for its cars. It is unheard of for a car this young to require new shocks and struts. The fact that these items are excluded from the GM warranty makes me think that the manufacturer is aware of the problem with its components.
The accelleration for this car is relatively good. However, I find that the shifter does not want to go into a gear when the car is first started in the morning. This has been a problem ever since the car was purchased.
The trunk in this car is really large. The split rear seats add to its size even more.
I own a 2004 Ion2 (the sedan, not the "Quad Coupe"). I have owned it for 1 1/2 years now, and I, too have noticed the poor suspension handling, especially at higher speeds. Granted, I have 40k miles on it, the suspension on most cars last 80k+ miles. My sway bar bushings are heavily cracked, and since its first winter (4 months after purchase), I have had a clunking in the front end over bumps, even more so when it is cold out. The car has been wonderful to me, no check engine light coming on or anything, but the suspension is less than great. I also have an oil leak as well, that the dealership can't figure out yet. Great car, great price, but some things aren't what they seem to be.
I own a 2003 Ion 2 Sedan. I am just about to hit 29k mileage. I replaced the factory tires today. Did you know the factory only puts 35k tires on the vehicle to begin with? That's lame. National Tire and Battery will meet any price and I recommend them highly! I found killer deals at www.discounttiredirect.com and they met the $63/per tire for BFG's!
I was just told my rear shocks are blown and leaking. I was also told I need new front stabilizer links. I was inquiring if the 'sway bar' you mentioned has any similar tie to that and if the links would be covered under warranty. Thanks!
2004 Ion - very low mileage (under 18k, under 2 yrs)
History of problems
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First Year/First Six Months (or less)
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Rear window defrost not working
EGR recovery cansister leaking (caused check engine light)
Transmission makes loud thumping sound when cold (under 40 degrees F when shifted from reverse to forward)
CD player when warm will play CDs, however a lot of static is added, this is especially bad at low volumes)
Front shocks make thud noise going over minor bumps in the road at low speeds (noise goes away after car-wash)
Between 12 months and 24 months
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DRL/turn signal went out (warranty/recall notice covered)
Swag bar/bushing (this may be the cause of a front
shock noise problem, car wash now makes front wheel
noise worse)
Transmission makes loud thumping sound when cold, problem continues. Dealer advise is let the warm car up first, which seems to help, although 40 degree F is not that cold.
Transmission fluid leak.
We purchased our 2003 Ion 2 in June of 2003. In April, 2006, at only 42,200 miles and out of warranty, we noticed a rattling noise coming from the front so we had it checked at the Saturn dealership where it was purchased. The Service Manager there stated the sway bar bushings were bad as were the stabilizer links, they should be replaced even though neither were representative of safety issues... just noise issues, and would cost $400+ to correct. In addition, we were told the tires were 'cupping' meaning a wheel alignment was in order -- for another $95.00. We were both surprised to learn of the bushings/links problem at only 42k miles because these were never a problem with any of our other cars (either Toyota or Honda). We did not elect at that time to have the Dealer make these repairs. I took the car to a mechanic friend who explained to me what tire cupping is. He said the tires were fine. He also asked if the car was 'pulling' to the left or right while driving; and I said "no". Having heard that, he told me an alignment was not necessary. Another $95 saved!
Today, April 28, 2006, the car would not start at all from the "get go". After tapping what we thought was the starter, the engined turned over and we took it to our mechanic friend. He checked the starter and determined a solenoid was bad -- already-- and that only the left front stabilizer link was bad and the bushings were OK. Since we only have this one car, we told our mechanic friend (not the dealership) to get replace the entire starter rather than just the solenoid to just to play it safe. We also told our friend to replace the one stabilizer link. It is just our luck the car is now out of warranty -- but that's not saying the starter would have been covered anyways by the warranty.
I also noticed this past week that the Cruise Control is now making a funny noise when it is engaged and disengaged. From a posting on www.complaints.com, I learned from a 2004 Saturn Ion 2 owner that his Cruise started making a funny noise in September 2004 (he had just bought the car in January, 2004), the dealer said the Cruise was OK at that time, but then by April 2005 the cruise had to be replaced.
Needless to say, we are both EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED with the poor quality of the Saturn's components. It seems too many things are going bad too soon or will be going bad way before they should. We purchased the Saturn in lieu of a Japanese car in an attempt to support American car manufacturing. This was the first and only American car I purchased since 1976 and it will probably be the last.
I have a 2003 Saturn Ion quad coupe. Now, I am a heavy mileage user, however it's been primarily highway commuting, not so bad on a car. With this Ion, I am on my THIRD set of bushings, 2nd set of struts, the trunk release broke under warranty, but wouldn't be replaced as I was told it would cost on one trip (under warranty) and then that it was covered (after the warranty expired). But, this is the topper - the BCU chip went (which can be a freaky thing when driving down the highway!). I had this replaced - the car was working fine except that the odometer had zeroed out. Given that this is illegal, I took it back again for a second chip to be installed - same problem reoccurred, only this time, when the dealership gave it back, the key fob didn't work and the in-car trunk release didn't work. Within 5 months - over $2000 in repairs to a 3 year old car.
I love the look of this car, the suicide doors and peppy engine, but I will never ever again go near a Saturn, and indeed, I'm giving it back ahead of the lease expiry, just because I'm terrified of the additional bills! Oh, and one more thing - watch the seat belt guides attached to the headrest. They break very easily!
I purchased my 2003 Ion 3 in Rhode Island in January of 2003. Within the first week of ownership, a tire was blown out. I had the car towed to Saturn of Warwick, RI and they were gracious and replaced the tire.
In March 2003 I moved to Florida. I have maintained the car and did all necessary maintenance to keep the car in top running performance.
At 23,000 miles, I had to replace the tires because they were bald. I cannot get over a brand new car needing new tires after such a short period of travel. At 25,000 miles, I brought the car in for alignment and was told the Stabilizer Bushings were gone, I needed new Ceramic brake pads, and all four tires needed to be aligned. I was shocked when I was handed a bill for just shy of $1,000.
Needless to say, I doubt I will be purchasing another Saturn. I must say it has never been a problem to get it started and has never stalled, but the repairs for a car only 4 years old, and only having 25,000 miles on it, is unacceptable.
I have a 2004 Saturn Ion3 which I purchased in August 2003. I have close to 72K miles on the car and it is currently at the dealer in need of an entire power steering column replacement. In the last month my power steering stopped working three times while driving. I have also had the same clunking noise over bumps and in cold weather that others have mentioned and also found out today that I had to have my sway bar bushings and links replaced at the tune of $430.00...mind you this clunking noise has been going on for a good two years. I urge people to call the 1-800 customer service number. My power steering replacement was going to cost me 1100.00 but they made a deal with me that they would pay for the 900.00 part if I would soak up the labor..270.00 is better than 1096.00. Also there is a bulletin out for the power steering so they know that this is an issue. This is my second saturn and probably my last.
After reading many posts about Saturn ION I have to put my two cents in. We have a 2005 Ion2. The best MPG we have achieved is 26 on the highway and we get 15-16 mpg in city. Saturn keeps saying that the computer says we are getting 37mpg, but then again they are not putting in the gas. Two problems since new. 1. Left side headlight leaked and was replaced 3 times before it was waterproof. 2. Ignition switch broke. Oops, 3. Driver window (power) motor went out. How do I get Saturn to take this seriously and the guarantee is up in April 2008. I have mileage logs to prove poor gas mileage.
Larry Benfield.
n6nsd@hotmail.com
I have a 2004 Saturn Ion with bushing problems too. I've needed to have them replaced at 20,000 and, just recently, 60,000 miles. Not only that, when I took my car in to have the bushings checked, the dealer picked up a whining noise in the transmission. Luckily, Saturn extended the warranty on it and fixed it for free. But since I bought the car based on Saturn's supposed reliability, it does make me start to question my decision.
Purchased a 2004 Ion Coupe in October of 2004. The car was delivered with nicks and scratches all over the bumpers. The car had less than 100 miles on it. Warning sign number 1... However, the dealer was very nice, and said they could paint the bumper in two weeks. Two weeks later I dropped my car off, and the dealer gave me a brand new (also <100miles) 2004 sedan to drive. I immediately pulled out of the parking lot and realized that the sedan shifted better than mine (both were 5 speed). The dealer insisted that nothing was wrong with my clutch. 1 year later (and 5 visits about 'noisy clutching') the dealer replaced the clutch assembly and clutch master cylinder. And that was only when, with the windows and doors closed, the person at the service desk could hear my clutch "whine" as I pulled into the service station.
Third, I needed a new started at 20k miles.
Fourth, Some how the factory forgot to wire in the anti-theft device. One day I got into my car and it wouldn't start - just beeped and said "SERVICE REQUIRED".
Fifth - I hit 37K (by the way I have been told I drive like the elderly) and I'm paying for new sway bar linkage. The car has already had 2 alignments, and front end work. They claim its normal wear and tear.
Sixth - My car hit 47K - Gas mileage went from 34mpg to 28mpg almost overnight. Last year in Feb - the coldest month - I got 32mpg. The dealer says it's my new air filter (which they put in 2 months ago). I think they are ignoring another problem.
Seventh - I've decided I will never buy a Saturn again.
I have also had POWER STEERING problems with my 2004 Saturn Ion. Here are some other links that I have found regarding this. I'm taking mine in to the dealership today.
Http://www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_74816.html.
Http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX?14@@.f1137a7/20#20.
Http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_could_lead_to_the_failure_of_the_power_steering_on_2004_Saturn_Ion.
Http://www.my3cents.com/showReview.cgi?id=18552.
Http://www.2carpros.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=161866.
I made the above comment. I took my car in. The dealership called today and wants me to pay $920 dollars to replace the steering column. Same as the viewers comment back in September; Wow, you buy a car and then end up paying more for manufacturers' defects. Why has this not been recalled?
I own a 2004 Saturn ION - In early 2007 it started making the clunking noises when I would go over a small bump, even louder if I were braking at the time. In early 2008 my wife finally made me bring it in to Saturn as she feared something was going to fall off. I brought it in and they told me the sway bar bushings were bad and had to be replaced. After reading all the other comments I am guessing the techs were not very surprised at all. It was after the three year warranty so it cost me $250 for replacement. Saturn of Danbury, CT - Brewster, NY resident. Maybe my lost Saturn?
I have a 2004 Ion 3 automatic and it has been one of the best cars I've ever had! It currently has 89,000 miles on it and other than normal maintenance and items repaired under recall, I've not had any issues with it. I've driven several other GM cars which have had multiple problems from day one.
The one thing I don't like is the frequency of scheduled service such as transmission and brake fluid changes at 50k rather than the typical 100k for other vehicles.
My 2004 Ion 1 has 33,000 miles. It wouldn't start this winter. They checked the alternator & electricals, and said it needed a new battery. The day after the 155.00 new battery, same problem - would turn over once and then not at all, but if I left it for 15 minutes or so it would start right up.
I don't have the problem now with spring here, but have a new problem. Mileage dropped like a lead balloon, and my engine light is on. I'm self employed and hurting in this economy, and need my car for business. Anyone out there got any ideas? The Saturn dealership says just to CHECK on the battery issue will cost me 290.00 for a diagnosis! Neighborhood gas station says they work on only on smaller issues. Got some advice for me?