2003 Saturn ION from North America - Comments

The only thing that eases my pain, is knowing I am not alone. I leased my first car in June 2003. After much research I chose a Saturn Ion for 2 reasons. The first being the great prices and the second being the wonderful customer service I had heard so much about. I went with a Demo car and the price was right, although the money I saved has gone directly toward the purchase of Ibuprofen to relieve the headaches from the customer service (or lack thereof) I have received.

Since June 2003 I have had a recurring rattle/clunk in my front end. This has always been a suspension problem, either suspension bushings or sway bar links. Since June 2003, this problem has been corrected 6 times. That's right...6!!! The 6th time I took it in to be repaired, which was Jan. 07, my warranty was up. They charged me $234.00. Of course I explained to them that this has been fixed 5 times before and that perhaps it may be a problem with the car.

Since this is a forum about CARS and not dealerships, I thought you might be interested in what 2 Saturn Service Men had to say about Saturn Cars.

"Suspension systems are not built to last"

"A lot of these parts are just throw away parts"

"They are not built for Canadian Roads"

"To have to replace both sway bar links in 3 1/2 years is not unusual"

Wow...I'm sold!! On a Honda!!

Attention Saturn Ion Owners

Summary of issues of my 2003 Saturn Ion.

Suspension: Bushings or Sway Bar Links (6 replacements)

Interior: Hood Latch Broken Twice, CD Player Not Functioning, Seats Stain From Rain Water!!, Passenger Side Door Lock Fell Into Door Casing (hardly used)

Ignition: Internal Problem in Ignition Switch. a.k.a Car Won't Start.

I'm sure there are many great Saturn Cars out there. In my opinion, the measure of a great car company is not solely based on how many great cars they make, but how they deal with the mistakes. More importantly, how they deal with the customer that have paid for their mistake. Saturn has failed in this department. Instead of admitting and fixing the problems, they have dismissed them, and me as a customer. They are willing to let a customer with a life-time of car buying ahead of her to walk away. It's a disgrace and they should be ashamed.

I have the same issue on my car that is won't start. I usually have to wait 15 min exactly and the car will start up. It's sort of a pain because when I'm really to go I have to wait and hope my car will start. In the winter time it did it a lot and now that it's a little warmer outside it still does it. I don't think that it is fair that Saturn won't fix this issue when you give your hard earn money for their cars you would think they would want to treat you right. I guess that is just part of Saturn selfish ways. Saturn has offically lost me as a customer for future purchase of a car. Alaina, Wixom, MI

Looking at an earlier report in May I too found the "Side Door Lock Fell Into Door Casing (hardly used) " I have remote door entry and thought someone may have tried to break in, but no, the hardware just fell off. Can't wait till winter to see if the ignition parts changed in January works longer than a year. Last week, I had the problem again at 63 degrees, but only once...

I have had a ton of issue with both of my 2003 Saturn Vehicles:

2003 Saturn ION - bushings (3 replacements), rear brakes failed, crappy CD Radio, Ignition switch replacement (would not start in cold weather).

2003 Saturn VUE - bushings (replaced 3 time), rear liftgate lock broken, hubcap fell off, hardware replacement (some type of circuit), and front driver handle not functioning (twice).

Great! I bought a used '03 Ion 3 for my wife 6 months ago. So far I've had the same problem with the faulty ignition switch. The dealership replaced it and, as a "courtesy", only charged me half. It's going back in because the key keeps sticking in the ignition when the car is shut off.

CD's skip, transmission shifts are quirky, and now at 60000 km the front end is rattling like a can of marbles. I love driving this car, but if so many people have the same problems and Saturn won't address them, I think I'd be pretty stupid to buy another.

I wish I had purchased the Elantra I was originally looking at. What use is a car that looks good for 20 years, but lasts for 5?

I have a 2004 ion 3 all winter I had the passlock problem... iam not paying the 250 bucks to get it fixed... I will make saturn pay for this problem.

It is almost funny that my 2004 Saturn Ion II sedan has had all of the same problems: a 'clunking' since new (due to worn out sway bar links), a broken hood latch cable, an ignition switch replaced because it would not start, seats that stain if rain drops get inside, dash cover peeling.

And all along I thought it was just me.

I also have a 2004 Saturn with many of the same problems.

All the noises and rattles I can handle, but within the past week I have been having a problem with my hood latch. It will not latch properly, and my hood is "eternally popped". I called the dealership, and it looks like they are going to want at least $200 to fix a problem that should not have occurred... if so many people are having these same problems, then why won't Saturn/GM issue a recall?

I have a 2004 Saturn ION3 as well and having the problem getting the car to start when the temp hits freezing. I had the same problem two years ago and they replaced the starter which apparently did not fix the problem. I usually have to wait ten minutes and then the car will start with out a problem. What makes it really hard for is I am a volunteer firefighter and this problem makes it very difficult to respond to calls. I am looking into getting a remote starter installed which might fix the problem, because it should bypass the pass-lock system which is causing the problem.

I wanted to comment on my 2003 Saturn Ion which I have read/researched several problems relating to the faulty ignition switch and front end suspension. I am thoroughly disgusted with the car as these problems with the rattle in the front end and the ignition switch being replaced really baffled me as to why Saturn claims to be a leader with customer service. These problems are definitely issues as to why I will never again by another Saturn - the customer service is very overrated and Saturn refuses to correct the problems...you by a cheap car, you get a cheap car.

My daughter's 2003 Ion not only won't start sometimes when it's cold, but now, even when she stops for gas, it may not start. Same symbol, and need to wait 10-15 minutes. My mechanic says he's had this problem solved by the temp coolant sensor replacement; anyone else find this? I got the sensor, but can't find where it is to replace. Any help here? If I need to do the ignition switch, is this something I can do myself to save the labor cost. Thanks in advance for the help.

I glad to have found this site. I have the no start problem ~4 times last Feb/Mar and took it to the dealership. They said everything was fine. I didn't have the no start problem until today. I got them to tow it since I'm almost over warranty. They gladly provided me with a courtesy vehicle. After reading all the comments, I'm keeping the courtesy vehicle until they fix the ignition.

I have just bought a 2003 Ion and seem to have the same problem starting the car. I have read some of the comments from others and really scares me I trust this car for my wifes transpotation. I would like to know if using a remote start might be a quick fix instead. I am not a big beleiver in dealership repairs..

Yup trouble just started this morning 30 degrees outside. 04 Saturn ion 21K miles (very low). Came home in the afternoon and it started right up (44 degrees). Thanks for the comments, I will pursue the proper action to get it fixed and will not purchase another Saturn.

I am so glad to have found this site. This 2003 Saturn Ion belongs to my 17 year old daughter. It's the first car she ever owned and guaranteed it will be the last Saturn product she while ever purchase.

GM/Saturn should be ashamed for their lack of commitment to stand behind their product. There are at least 3 dozen customer complaints on this web-site with testimonials about this defective ignition switch. What is it going to take for GM/Saturn to recall these defective ignition switches? Possibly the death of some frozen teenager that was out of cell phone coverage might bring some attention to this problem.

GM/Saturns' redesigned ignition switch is admission to their faulty design.