PASSLOCK LIGHT BLINKING VEHICLE WILL NOT START IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE BELOW 30 F REPRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE EGRESS IS NEEDED FROM AREA. *TR
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Ion years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
Power Train complaints
28 reportsIN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 29 DEGREES, MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. PASSLOCK LIGHT WAS BLINKING FOR 10 MINUTES AND THEN STOPPED. AFTER THAT, I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE. *TR
WHEN I WOULD TRY TO TURN MY CAR OFF I COULD ONLY TURN THE KEY HALF AND WOULD TAKE A WHILE BEFORE I COULD GET THE CAR TURNED COMPLETELY OFF AND THE KEY OUT. ON APRIL 17TH I WENT TO MY NIGHT JOB IT TOOK 3 TO 4 HRS FOR THE KEY TO FINALLY COME LOOSE AFTER TRYING TO SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN I GOT HOME THAT EVENING AROUND 10:30 PM IT …
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WHEN I WOULD TRY TO TURN MY CAR OFF I COULD ONLY TURN THE KEY HALF AND WOULD TAKE A WHILE BEFORE I COULD GET THE CAR TURNED COMPLETELY OFF AND THE KEY OUT. ON APRIL 17TH I WENT TO MY NIGHT JOB IT TOOK 3 TO 4 HRS FOR THE KEY TO FINALLY COME LOOSE AFTER TRYING TO SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN I GOT HOME THAT EVENING AROUND 10:30 PM IT TOOK TILL 4:30AM TO FINALLY GET MY KEY OUT. ON COMSUMERAFFAIRS.COM THERE IS 47 PAGES OF COMPLAINTS JUST LIKE MINE STARTING BACK FROM 4-8-2006 AND THE LAST ONE WAS REPORTED ON 8-11-2010. WHY HASN'T GM STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE AND RECALLED AND REPLACED THIS ISSUE. I HAD TO SPEND $442.65 FOR A NEW SHIFTER AND CABLE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO ABNORMALLY JERK AND WOULD INDEPENDENTLY SLIP OUT OF GEAR. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE DEALER WOULD NOT RE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO ABNORMALLY JERK AND WOULD INDEPENDENTLY SLIP OUT OF GEAR. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE DUE TO A MISDIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
MY CAR KEY GETS STUCK IN MY SATURN ION 2005 AFTER I HAVE SHUT IT OFF, ALSO WHEN I TRY TO TURN THE KEY IT WILL NOT TURN, I HAVE TO TURN THE WHEEL AND JIGGLE THE KEY TO GET IT TO START. LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THE SATURN IONS. ALSO THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT IN MY CAR, BUT ONCE I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND ON THE …
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MY CAR KEY GETS STUCK IN MY SATURN ION 2005 AFTER I HAVE SHUT IT OFF, ALSO WHEN I TRY TO TURN THE KEY IT WILL NOT TURN, I HAVE TO TURN THE WHEEL AND JIGGLE THE KEY TO GET IT TO START. LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THE SATURN IONS. ALSO THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT IN MY CAR, BUT ONCE I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND ON THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM GOES AWAY BUT AFTER ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES GIVE OR TAKE THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON AND I LOSE POWER STEERING. SOMETIMES THIS PROBLEM WILL GO AWAY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, BUT IT COMES BACK. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS IT IS HARD FOR ME TO MAKE SHARP TURNS. TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE SHOP TODAY, LUCKILY STILL ON WARRANTY, BUT SHAME ON SATURN BECAUSE AFTER DOING RESEARCH ONLINE, THESE ARE VERY VERY COMMON PROBLEMS WITH SATURN. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER SATURN! OH AND MY TRANSMISSION LIGHT WILL COME ON AND I CAN'T DRIVE FAST. THAT HAPPENED FOR A WEEK AND THEN WENT AWAY FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS NOW IT IS BACK. I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND COULD ONLY GO 35 MPH. THANK GOD IT WASN'T RUSH HOUR. THAT IS BEING FIXED ALSO... *TR
AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND PUTTING IT IN DRIVE, THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. THE ENGINE IDLES NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU PRESS THE PEDAL. THIS VEHICLE HAS A ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY (NO MECHANICAL LINKAGE) SO THE PROBLEM IS ELECTRICAL.. TODAY WAS THE THIRD TIME IN THAT PAST MONTH THIS HAS HAPPENED. FOR THE RECORD, THIS CAR HAS BEEN …
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AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND PUTTING IT IN DRIVE, THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. THE ENGINE IDLES NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU PRESS THE PEDAL. THIS VEHICLE HAS A ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY (NO MECHANICAL LINKAGE) SO THE PROBLEM IS ELECTRICAL.. TODAY WAS THE THIRD TIME IN THAT PAST MONTH THIS HAS HAPPENED. FOR THE RECORD, THIS CAR HAS BEEN INTO THE DEALER NO LESS THAN 9 TIMES FOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES (A FEW BODY CONTROL MODULES, A COUPLE IGNITION SWITCHES, ABS MODULES, TRANS CONTROL MODULES, RADIOS, INSTRUMENT PANELS, ETC, ETC.) BUT THIS IS THE FIRST ONE I THINK MAY CAUSE INJURY. GETTING REAR-ENDED AT A GREEN LIGHT OR HAVING A CAR RUN INTO THE DRIVER SIDE IS A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY WHEN THE CAR 'ALL OF A SUDDEN' WON'T ACCELERATE. GM HAS REPAIRED EVERY PROBLEM THIS CAR HAS HAD TO DATE, BUT WILL NOT ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I AM NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
I OWN A 2005 SATURN ION AND THE POWER STEERING WAS GOING. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THE STEERING MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, NOW THEY REPLACED IT FOR FREE, BUT MADE ME WAIT A WEEK AND SENT ME BACK OUT ON THE ROAD WITH A CAR THAT HAD POWER STEERING THAT WORKED SOMETIMES AND NOT OTHER TIMES. THEN TWO WEEKS LATER …
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I OWN A 2005 SATURN ION AND THE POWER STEERING WAS GOING. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THE STEERING MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, NOW THEY REPLACED IT FOR FREE, BUT MADE ME WAIT A WEEK AND SENT ME BACK OUT ON THE ROAD WITH A CAR THAT HAD POWER STEERING THAT WORKED SOMETIMES AND NOT OTHER TIMES. THEN TWO WEEKS LATER THE ENTIRE CAR STARTED TO FAIL. THE SPEEDOMETER, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SWITCH GEARS, THE POWER STEERING WENT AGAIN, AND THE BREAKS WHERE PRETTY MUCH GONE. SO AFTER CAUSING A BIG SCENE THE CAR WAS LOOKED AT AND FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION MODULE WENT ON THE CAR. SO THEY REPLACED THE PART AFTER MAKING ME WAIT TWO DAYS TO GET MY CAR BACK. MY CONCERN IS WHY IS A CAR THAT WILL BE TURNING 5 YEARS OLD NEXT MONTH AND ONLY HAS ABOUT 27,900 MILES ON IT IS HAVING ALL THESE BIG PROBLEMS. IN THE MATTER OF ONE MOUTH I HAVE HAS A NEW BRAIN PUT INTO THE CAR. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS AWFUL AND RUDE. THEY ALL TRY TO BLAME EACH OTHER. WHEN I WENT TO PICK THE CAR UP THE SERVICE PEOPLE WOULD NOT EVEN TALK TO ME THEY TOLD ME TO SEE THE CASHIER SHE HAS MY KEYS. I SAID I AM NOT LEAVING HERE UNTIL I TEST DRIVE IT, SHE SAID OK, IT'S PARK IN THE LOT ON THE SIDE SOMEWHERE. I WAS LIKE NICE, YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE MY CAR IS ON YOUR LOT. SO IN THE MATTER OF ONE MONTH I HAVE THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE TRANSMISSION MODULE REPLACED. *TR
2-02-07 KEY STUCK IN IGNITION...CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF.... IGNITION REPLACED 33,316 MILES 01-14-08 TRANSMISSION REPLACED 50,728 MILES 12-20-08 CAR WOULDN'T START...CLUTCH SWITCH REPLACED 50,728 MILES 8-26-08 SUN ROOF DRAIN CLOGGED $199.88 59,893 MILES 8-10-09 CAR WOULD NOT START..REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH 2ND TIME 72,…
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2-02-07 KEY STUCK IN IGNITION...CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF.... IGNITION REPLACED 33,316 MILES 01-14-08 TRANSMISSION REPLACED 50,728 MILES 12-20-08 CAR WOULDN'T START...CLUTCH SWITCH REPLACED 50,728 MILES 8-26-08 SUN ROOF DRAIN CLOGGED $199.88 59,893 MILES 8-10-09 CAR WOULD NOT START..REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH 2ND TIME 72,615 MILES CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW OFF LOT IN 2005... TOWED 4 TIMES IN 4YEARS! *TR
3-16-2005 CAR LEAKING RED FLUID: DIAGNOSIS-AXLE NOT SEATED, NEW PARTS ORDERED, CAR REPAIRED 4-7-2005 CAR MAKING THUD SOUND WHEN SHIFTING: DIAGNOSIS-NOT DUPLICATED (NEVER CHECKED TRANSMISSION-JUST DROVE CAR) 9-29-2005 CAR NOT GOING INTO 1ST AND 2ND GEARS SMOOTHLY, CAR NOT STARTING WHEN KEY IN IGNITION, INTERNAL CAR GAUGES NOT W…
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3-16-2005 CAR LEAKING RED FLUID: DIAGNOSIS-AXLE NOT SEATED, NEW PARTS ORDERED, CAR REPAIRED 4-7-2005 CAR MAKING THUD SOUND WHEN SHIFTING: DIAGNOSIS-NOT DUPLICATED (NEVER CHECKED TRANSMISSION-JUST DROVE CAR) 9-29-2005 CAR NOT GOING INTO 1ST AND 2ND GEARS SMOOTHLY, CAR NOT STARTING WHEN KEY IN IGNITION, INTERNAL CAR GAUGES NOT WORKING: DIAGNOSIS-INTERNAL COMPUTER PARTS FIXED-COULD NOT DUPLICATE GEAR ISSUES (AGAIN-DID REMOVE TRANSMISSION AND INVESTIGATE) 3-24-2008 PREVIOUS GEAR PROBLEMS PERSISTED, CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO 1ST GEAR; TOOK CAR TO DEALER, DEALER WOULD NOT LOOK AT BECAUSE OUT OF WARRANTY DUE TO MILEAGE ALTHOUGH PROBLEM WAS REPORTED PRIOR UNLESS I PAID 9-1-2008 CAR WILL NOT GO INTO 1ST OR 2ND; DIAGNOSIS (PAID FOR AT MY EXPENSE)-TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED (AT MY EXPENSE) 9-11-2008 CAR REPAIRED AND WHILE DRIVING HOME CAR WOULD NOT GO IN ANY GEARS: RETURNED TO DEALER AND FOUND RED FLUID LEAKING FROM VEHICLE: DIAGNOSIS-ADDITIONAL PART IN TRANSMISSION LOOSE. *TR
PASSENGER FRONT WHEEL OF A 2005 SATURN ION 3, STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY WITH 27,000 MILES, LOCKED UP ON DEC 22, 2007 CAUSING A SINGLE CAR COLLISION. AN ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC LOOKED THE CAR OVER AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO MY RESIDENCE AND SAW THAT THE SPINDLE WAS BROKEN, BUT THERE WAS NO SIGN OF OTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE T…
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PASSENGER FRONT WHEEL OF A 2005 SATURN ION 3, STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY WITH 27,000 MILES, LOCKED UP ON DEC 22, 2007 CAUSING A SINGLE CAR COLLISION. AN ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC LOOKED THE CAR OVER AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO MY RESIDENCE AND SAW THAT THE SPINDLE WAS BROKEN, BUT THERE WAS NO SIGN OF OTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE THAT WOULD CAUSE ENOUGH FORCE TO BREAK THE SPINDLE. HIS OPINION IS THAT THE SPINDLE (CAST ALUMINUM) WAS OVER-TIGHTENED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD A DEFECT/HAIRLINE CRACK THAT FINALLY FAILED. THE FAILURE HAPPENED AT 60 MILES PER HOUR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SLAM INTO THE GUARDRAIL, THEN SPIN INTO A DITCH. WHEN THE SPINDLE FAILED AND THE VEHICLE PULLED SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT, I ATTEMPTED TO HIT THE BRAKES WHICH WENT TO THE FLOOR AND DID NOTHING. INSURANCE HAS REFUSED TO COVER THE DAMAGE, AND DECLARED THE DAMAGE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. *TR
Official recalls
314V171000 · 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. GMs 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. GMs 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. GMs 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
2EA11014 · 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.
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