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2005 Saturn Ion

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Saturn Ion do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 816.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

466 reports with mileage · 107 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 265 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 227 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

31 crash reports4 fire reports13 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

227 reports
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8,000 miles · Apr 1, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE KEY HAD BEEN DIFFICULT TO REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM MORE THAN ONCE. THE FAILURE STILL RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAK…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE KEY HAD BEEN DIFFICULT TO REMOVE FROM THE IGNITION ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM MORE THAN ONCE. THE FAILURE STILL RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING IGNITION LOCK HOUSING CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND RECODED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE KEY WAS LOCKED IN THE IGNITION AND THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT UNTIL SHE HEARD A CLICKING NOISE IN ORDER TO RELEASE THE KEY ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. THE CONTACT WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:14V047000 (AIR BAGS AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE YEARS AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8000. UPDATED 11/14/14*CN

NHTSA ODI #10576209

108,000 miles · Mar 31, 2014
Electrical System

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY DID RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE AND EXPERIENCED THE NOTED IGNITION ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL TECHNICIAN AND NO DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS WERE DONE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000 MILES AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000 MILES. THE LOCAL D…

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TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY DID RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE AND EXPERIENCED THE NOTED IGNITION ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL TECHNICIAN AND NO DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS WERE DONE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000 MILES AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000 MILES. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A LOANER VEHICLE AND THEY WANTED TO MAKE A COMPLAINT AGAINST THE MANUFACTURE. I REFERRED THEM TO THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION FOR THAT COMPLAINT.SR

NHTSA ODI #10575954

Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE STALLING ISSUE …

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

NHTSA ODI #10575942

53,000 miles · Mar 26, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO ERRONEOUSLY USE HER KEY TO OPEN ANOTHER VEHICLE OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V047000 (AIR B…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO ERRONEOUSLY USE HER KEY TO OPEN ANOTHER VEHICLE OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT DO NOT CONFIRM IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE ALL OF THE SAME YEAR SATURN IONS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH THE EXACT SAME KEY CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

NHTSA ODI #10574884

49,000 miles · Mar 20, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED WHICH LOCATED A FAILURE CODE AT THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WAS REPLAC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED WHICH LOCATED A FAILURE CODE AT THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10573730

40,000 miles · Mar 18, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL PERTAINING TO THE IGNITION SWITCH BUT HAD NOT YET RECEIVED THE RECALL REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #10573210

144,000 miles · Mar 16, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

ON OCTOBER 31, AND NOVEMBER 1 OF 2013 I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND IN NEARLY THE SAME SPOT THE SATURN LOST COMPLETE POWER AND DIED. BOTH TIMES I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD. AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT WE HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE WHERE THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY. I DID NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN AND CURRENTLY IT IS IN STORAGE …

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ON OCTOBER 31, AND NOVEMBER 1 OF 2013 I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND IN NEARLY THE SAME SPOT THE SATURN LOST COMPLETE POWER AND DIED. BOTH TIMES I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD. AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT WE HAD IT TOWED TO A GARAGE WHERE THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY. I DID NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN AND CURRENTLY IT IS IN STORAGE AS I PURCHASED A NEW CAR. I DRIVE 350 MILES A WEEK TO WORK AND NEED DEPENDABLE TRANSPORTATION. WHEN THE RECALL CAME OUT WE REALIZED WE MAY HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH FOR UP TO 2 YEARS. THERE WOULD BE TIMES WE WOULD SHUT THE CAR OFF BUT WOULD BE UNABLE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT. IT WOULD TAKE UP TO A MINUTE BEFORE CLICKING AND WE COULD REMOVE THE KEY. THAT WAS WHEN IT WAS IN THE OFF POSITION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10572611

58,000 miles · Mar 14, 2014
Electrical SystemCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AS THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A CONCRETE STREET DIVIDER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AS THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A CONCRETE STREET DIVIDER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT DURING THE CRASH, THE RADIATOR AND CONDENSER WERE DAMAGED AND BOTH WERE REPLACED BY THE MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED IN REFERENCE TO THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

NHTSA ODI #10569470

123,903 miles · Mar 14, 2014
Electrical System

I CHECKED ELECTRICAL ABOVE, FOR AFFECTED PARTS, BUT I AM NOT SURE IF THAT IS CORRECT. IT WAS THE IGNITION. I WAS DRIVING ON WHITNEY AVE. (TOWARDS NEW HAVEN) IN HAMDEN, CT. TRAFFIC WAS MODERATE DUE TO THE TIME OF DAY (3:00 P.M.) SUDDENLY, AND WITH NO WARNING OTHER THAN THE DASH LIGHTING UP WITH ENGINE LIGHTS, MY CAR STOPPED…

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I CHECKED ELECTRICAL ABOVE, FOR AFFECTED PARTS, BUT I AM NOT SURE IF THAT IS CORRECT. IT WAS THE IGNITION. I WAS DRIVING ON WHITNEY AVE. (TOWARDS NEW HAVEN) IN HAMDEN, CT. TRAFFIC WAS MODERATE DUE TO THE TIME OF DAY (3:00 P.M.) SUDDENLY, AND WITH NO WARNING OTHER THAN THE DASH LIGHTING UP WITH ENGINE LIGHTS, MY CAR STOPPED. THERE WAS ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO TURN IT INTO THE POST OFFICE DRIVEWAY. BRAKES AND STEERING DID NOT WORK. FORTUNATELY, THE CARS COMING UP BEHIND ME WERE ABLE TO SWERVE TO AVOID HITTING ME. THE INCIDENT CAUSED A TRAFFIC JAM AND A MESS IN THE POST OFFICE. A VERY KIND MAN OFFERED TO HELP PUSH THE CAR OUT OF THE INCOMING DRIVEWAY. HE PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND PUSHED IT OUT OF THE WAY. I HAVE AAA SERVICE. THE CALL WAS MADE AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO FIRESTONE ON DIXWELL AVE., SINCE I LIVE IN THE VICINITY AND COULD WALK HOME. I HAVE THE RECEIPT FOR WORK DONE BY FIRESTONE. THE JOB COST ME $262.82. I WAS ON MY WAY TO I-91. I DREAD TO THINK OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED, IF THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED IN 65 MILE AN HOUR TRAFFIC. (I JEST, SINCE TRUCKS REGULARLY PASS GOING WELL OVER 70!) I WISH TO SEND MY BILL TO GM, BUT NO ADDRESS IS PROVIDED ON THE RECALL LETTER. PLEASE ADVISE. IF I DO NOT HEAR FROM YOU, I WILL GO TO VALENTI MOTORS IN WALLINGFORD TO ASK FOR ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING AN ADDRESS TO SEND MY BILL. I EXPECT FULL COMPENSATION FOR THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS INCIDENT, AND WILL PROVIDE THE FIRESTONE INVOICE. IN A SEPARATE RECENT INCIDENT, AGAIN, ON MY WAY TO AN INTERSTATE, THE CAR WENT DEAD AGAIN. THIS TIME, I CAME TO REST UP AGAINST A BARRIER BETWEEN THE ROAD AND A SALT MARSH! IN THIS CASE IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR. THE CAR WAS TOWED AGAIN TO FIRESTONE, WHERE THEY REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AND THE BATTERY. I WRITE THIS, JUST IN CASE GM HAS IGNORED ANOTHER PROBLEM. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10569248

51,274 miles · Mar 13, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering

AS I WAS DRIVING, SUDDENLY I HEARD THE CHIME IN THE CAR GO OFF A FEW TIMES RAPIDLY, AND AT THE SAME TIME THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ('PWR STR') CAME ON ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. I PROCEEDED TO GO STRAIGHT, THEN I HAD TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. AT THIS TIME I REALIZED THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING IN THE CAR, AND IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO…

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AS I WAS DRIVING, SUDDENLY I HEARD THE CHIME IN THE CAR GO OFF A FEW TIMES RAPIDLY, AND AT THE SAME TIME THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ('PWR STR') CAME ON ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. I PROCEEDED TO GO STRAIGHT, THEN I HAD TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. AT THIS TIME I REALIZED THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING IN THE CAR, AND IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I CONTINUED TO HAVE A PROBLEM STEERING THE VEHICLE, AND I HAD TO FIND AN EMPTY AREA TO PARK THE VEHICLE. IT WAS A SCARY EXPERIENCE, AND AN UNSAFE SITUATION AS WELL. AFTER I PARKED THE CAR AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, I STARTED IT AGAIN, AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WAS OFF. STEERING AFTER THAT WAS NORMAL. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN, COMPROMISING MY SAFETY AND OTHER VEHICLE OPERATORS IN MY VICINITY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10569208

Official recalls

3

14V171000 · Electrical System:ignition

Apr 10, 2014

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 ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

14V153000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Mar 31, 2014

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 steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.

14V047000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:switch

Feb 10, 2014

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 on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Additional source detail variants (2)

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 on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Electrical System:ignition:switch

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 on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA11014 · Electric Power Steering Failure

Opened Sep 29, 2011 · Closed Apr 15, 2014

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System

On March 31, 2014, General Motors Company (GM) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist in approximately 1,340,447 model year (MY) 2004 through 2010 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS), including 334,728 MY 2004 through 2007 Saturn ION vehicles that are the subject of EA11-014.GM has assigned the recall number N140115.The NHTSA recall number is 14V-153.According to the DIR, if power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center and a chime sounds to inform the driver.GM indicated that steering control can be maintained in manual (unassisted) steering mode, but would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash.Sudden loss of power steering assist can occur in the subject vehicles if the system loses electrical power or whenever the system detects a fault that requires it to enter fail-safe operation mode, removing power from the EPS motor.GM?s DIR identifies three basic conditions that may result in loss of power steering assist in the recalled vehicles:power steering motor faults, torque sensor assembly faults, and power steering motor controller unit faults.GM will issue four service bulletins providing different repair procedures for recalled vehicles.Bulletin 14115 will provide repair instructions for replacing the power steering motor in MY 2004-2007 Saturn ION, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and vehicles repaired in recall 10V-073 that received repairs prior to May 31, 2010.Bulletin 14116 will provide repair instructions for replacing the torque sensor assembly in MY 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura vehicles built from March 1, 2008 through June 27, 2008.Bulletin 14117 will provide repair instructions for replacing the torque sensor assembly and power steering motor controller unit in MY 2008 Malibu, G6 and Aura vehicles built from February 1, 2008 through February 28, 2008.Bulletin 14118 will provide repair instructions for replacing the power steering motor controller unit in MY 2008 Malibu, G6 and Aura vehicles built from October 1, 2007 through January 31, 2008.Analysis of information from all sources identified a total of 4,787 complaints and 30,560 warranty claims related to loss of power steering assist while driving in the MY 2004 through 2007 Saturn ION vehicles, resulting in a complaint rate of 14.3 incidents per thousand vehicles and a warranty claim rate of 9.1 percent.ODI?s analysis of alleged steering related crashes identified 12 with evidence indicating the incident was related to a loss of power steering assist. Two of the crash allegations involved low-speed curb impacts and are excluded from the resume crash count.Three incidents occurred in parking lots, six occurred while turning at street intersections, and one occurred on a highway exit ramp.The crashes in parking lots or intersections all occurred at speeds less than 30 mph.The crash on the highway exit ramp involved impact into a guard rail at approximately 35 mph.Two of the crashes resulted in injuries to the drivers.This investigation is closed.All ODI complaints associated with this closing resume are listed in the attachment pages.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering:electric Power Assist System

On March 31, 2014, General Motors Company (GM) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist in approximately 1,340,447 model year (MY) 2004 through 2010 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS), including 334,728 MY 2004 through 2007 Saturn ION vehicles that are the subject of EA11-014.GM has assigned the recall number N140115.The NHTSA recall number is 14V-153.According to the DIR, if power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center and a chime sounds to inform the driver.GM indicated that steering control can be maintained in manual (unassisted) steering mode, but would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash.Sudden loss of power steering assist can occur in the subject vehicles if the system loses electrical power or whenever the system detects a fault that requires it to enter fail-safe operation mode, removing power from the EPS motor.GM?s DIR identifies three basic conditions that may result in loss of power steering assist in the recalled vehicles:power steering motor faults, torque sensor assembly faults, and power steering motor controller unit faults.GM will issue four service bulletins providing different repair procedures for recalled vehicles.Bulletin 14115 will provide repair instructions for replacing the power steering motor in MY 2004-2007 Saturn ION, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and vehicles repaired in recall 10V-073 that received repairs prior to May 31, 2010.Bulletin 14116 will provide repair instructions for replacing the torque sensor assembly in MY 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura vehicles built from March 1, 2008 through June 27, 2008.Bulletin 14117 will provide repair instructions for replacing the torque sensor assembly and power steering motor controller unit in MY 2008 Malibu, G6 and Aura vehicles built from February 1, 2008 through February 28, 2008.Bulletin 14118 will provide repair instructions for replacing the power steering motor controller unit in MY 2008 Malibu, G6 and Aura vehicles built from October 1, 2007 through January 31, 2008.Analysis of information from all sources identified a total of 4,787 complaints and 30,560 warranty claims related to loss of power steering assist while driving in the MY 2004 through 2007 Saturn ION vehicles, resulting in a complaint rate of 14.3 incidents per thousand vehicles and a warranty claim rate of 9.1 percent.ODI?s analysis of alleged steering related crashes identified 12 with evidence indicating the incident was related to a loss of power steering assist. Two of the crash allegations involved low-speed curb impacts and are excluded from the resume crash count.Three incidents occurred in parking lots, six occurred while turning at street intersections, and one occurred on a highway exit ramp.The crashes in parking lots or intersections all occurred at speeds less than 30 mph.The crash on the highway exit ramp involved impact into a guard rail at approximately 35 mph.Two of the crashes resulted in injuries to the drivers.This investigation is closed.All ODI complaints associated with this closing resume are listed in the attachment pages.

Steering:electric Power Assist System

On March 31, 2014, General Motors Company (GM) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist in approximately 1,340,447 model year (MY) 2004 through 2010 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS), including 334,728 MY 2004 through 2007 Saturn ION vehicles that are the subject of EA11-014.GM has assigned the recall number N140115.The NHTSA recall number is 14V-153.According to the DIR, if power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center and a chime sounds to inform the driver.GM indicated that steering control can be maintained in manual (unassisted) steering mode, but would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash.Sudden loss of power steering assist can occur in the subject vehicles if the system loses electrical power or whenever the system detects a fault that requires it to enter fail-safe operation mode, removing power from the EPS motor.GM?s DIR identifies three basic conditions that may result in loss of power steering assist in the recalled vehicles:power steering motor faults, torque sensor assembly faults, and power steering motor controller unit faults.GM will issue four service bulletins providing different repair procedures for recalled vehicles.Bulletin 14115 will provide repair instructions for replacing the power steering motor in MY 2004-2007 Saturn ION, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and vehicles repaired in recall 10V-073 that received repairs prior to May 31, 2010.Bulletin 14116 will provide repair instructions for replacing the torque sensor assembly in MY 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura vehicles built from March 1, 2008 through June 27, 2008.Bulletin 14117 will provide repair instructions for replacing the torque sensor assembly and power steering motor controller unit in MY 2008 Malibu, G6 and Aura vehicles built from February 1, 2008 through February 28, 2008.Bulletin 14118 will provide repair instructions for replacing the power steering motor controller unit in MY 2008 Malibu, G6 and Aura vehicles built from October 1, 2007 through January 31, 2008.Analysis of information from all sources identified a total of 4,787 complaints and 30,560 warranty claims related to loss of power steering assist while driving in the MY 2004 through 2007 Saturn ION vehicles, resulting in a complaint rate of 14.3 incidents per thousand vehicles and a warranty claim rate of 9.1 percent.ODI?s analysis of alleged steering related crashes identified 12 with evidence indicating the incident was related to a loss of power steering assist. Two of the crash allegations involved low-speed curb impacts and are excluded from the resume crash count.Three incidents occurred in parking lots, six occurred while turning at street intersections, and one occurred on a highway exit ramp.The crashes in parking lots or intersections all occurred at speeds less than 30 mph.The crash on the highway exit ramp involved impact into a guard rail at approximately 35 mph.Two of the crashes resulted in injuries to the drivers.This investigation is closed.All ODI complaints associated with this closing resume are listed in the attachment pages.

RQ10004 · Electric Power Steering Failure

Opened Dec 15, 2010 · Closed Oct 5, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:electric Power Assist System

ODI has received 846 complaints and GM identified 3,489 reports alleging sudden loss of steering power assist in model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Saturn Ion vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).Sixteen of these complaints alleged that the EPS warning lamp had illuminated before or during the loss of steering assist and the increased steering effort contributed to a crash. Two of the GM crash claims indicated that the driver was injured in the crash. In a previous Preliminary Evaluation PE10-005, ODI investigated the sudden loss of power steering assist in MY 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles. In May 2011, in response to an ODI information request letter for RQ10-004, GM provided ODI with complaint, warranty and EPS system information related to EPS loss of assist for the Saturn ION and Peer vehicles Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Malibu. In that response, GM indicated that the EPS system used in the subject vehicles was the same as that used in the MY2005 to 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5. In March 2010, GM recalled approximately 1.05 million Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles (NHTSA recall no. 10V-073) to correct a defect with the EPS assist motor. The defect identified was described as a buildup of brush debris mixed with oily material on the EPS electric motor armature which causes the motor to stop functioning; the same problem identified in the current subject vehicles.ODI has duplicated this failure in both a Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion previously tested at the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC). In the defect notification letter for the previously recalled Cobalt and G5 vehicles, GM stated that the vehicles may experience a sudden loss of assist that could occur at any time while driving and that if power steering was lost the vehicle would revert to manual steering mode and would require increased steering effort from the driver.ODI believes that, depending on driving circumstances this increase in steering effort could result in some loss of control and a crash.This investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (EA11-014) to further assess the frequency, scope and safety consequences of a sudden loss of steering assist in the subject vehicles.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering:electric Power Assist System

ODI has received 846 complaints and GM identified 3,489 reports alleging sudden loss of steering power assist in model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Saturn Ion vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).Sixteen of these complaints alleged that the EPS warning lamp had illuminated before or during the loss of steering assist and the increased steering effort contributed to a crash. Two of the GM crash claims indicated that the driver was injured in the crash. In a previous Preliminary Evaluation PE10-005, ODI investigated the sudden loss of power steering assist in MY 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles. In May 2011, in response to an ODI information request letter for RQ10-004, GM provided ODI with complaint, warranty and EPS system information related to EPS loss of assist for the Saturn ION and Peer vehicles Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Malibu. In that response, GM indicated that the EPS system used in the subject vehicles was the same as that used in the MY2005 to 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5. In March 2010, GM recalled approximately 1.05 million Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles (NHTSA recall no. 10V-073) to correct a defect with the EPS assist motor. The defect identified was described as a buildup of brush debris mixed with oily material on the EPS electric motor armature which causes the motor to stop functioning; the same problem identified in the current subject vehicles.ODI has duplicated this failure in both a Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion previously tested at the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC). In the defect notification letter for the previously recalled Cobalt and G5 vehicles, GM stated that the vehicles may experience a sudden loss of assist that could occur at any time while driving and that if power steering was lost the vehicle would revert to manual steering mode and would require increased steering effort from the driver.ODI believes that, depending on driving circumstances this increase in steering effort could result in some loss of control and a crash.This investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (EA11-014) to further assess the frequency, scope and safety consequences of a sudden loss of steering assist in the subject vehicles.

Steering

ODI has received 846 complaints and GM identified 3,489 reports alleging sudden loss of steering power assist in model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Saturn Ion vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).Sixteen of these complaints alleged that the EPS warning lamp had illuminated before or during the loss of steering assist and the increased steering effort contributed to a crash. Two of the GM crash claims indicated that the driver was injured in the crash. In a previous Preliminary Evaluation PE10-005, ODI investigated the sudden loss of power steering assist in MY 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles. In May 2011, in response to an ODI information request letter for RQ10-004, GM provided ODI with complaint, warranty and EPS system information related to EPS loss of assist for the Saturn ION and Peer vehicles Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Malibu. In that response, GM indicated that the EPS system used in the subject vehicles was the same as that used in the MY2005 to 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5. In March 2010, GM recalled approximately 1.05 million Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles (NHTSA recall no. 10V-073) to correct a defect with the EPS assist motor. The defect identified was described as a buildup of brush debris mixed with oily material on the EPS electric motor armature which causes the motor to stop functioning; the same problem identified in the current subject vehicles.ODI has duplicated this failure in both a Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion previously tested at the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC). In the defect notification letter for the previously recalled Cobalt and G5 vehicles, GM stated that the vehicles may experience a sudden loss of assist that could occur at any time while driving and that if power steering was lost the vehicle would revert to manual steering mode and would require increased steering effort from the driver.ODI believes that, depending on driving circumstances this increase in steering effort could result in some loss of control and a crash.This investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (EA11-014) to further assess the frequency, scope and safety consequences of a sudden loss of steering assist in the subject vehicles.