NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
265 reportsClear category filter45,360 miles · Dec 11, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering
I OWN A 2005 SATURN ION WITH ABOUT 46,000 MILES ON IT. I LOVE MY LITTLE CAR AND HAD HOPES OF OWNING IT FOR YEARS TO COME. HOWEVER, MY HOPES OF BEING A HAPPY SATURN OWNER IS QUICKLY FADING AS I CONTINUALLY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY STEERING COLUMN. FIRST IT WAS THE IGNITION, WHICH I HAVE REPLACED TWICE, AND NOW THE POWER STEERING …
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I OWN A 2005 SATURN ION WITH ABOUT 46,000 MILES ON IT. I LOVE MY LITTLE CAR AND HAD HOPES OF OWNING IT FOR YEARS TO COME. HOWEVER, MY HOPES OF BEING A HAPPY SATURN OWNER IS QUICKLY FADING AS I CONTINUALLY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY STEERING COLUMN. FIRST IT WAS THE IGNITION, WHICH I HAVE REPLACED TWICE, AND NOW THE POWER STEERING IS TURNING OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND IT ALSO NOT UNCOMMON AS I'VE FOUND OUT BY SEARCHING THE INTERNET ON THIS VERY PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10295418
26,100 miles · Dec 8, 2009
Steering
POWER STEERING WENT OUT. AT THE REPAIR SHOP NOW. THE WHOLE COMPONENT NEEDS REPLACED (YOU CAN'T ORDER SEPARATE PARTS) I WILL HAVE THE REPAIR SHOP SAVE THE OLD PART. IT WILL COST CLOSE TO 900.00 TO HAVE IT FIXED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS THE SAME PRICE. THE CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD WITH 26,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10294967
40,000 miles · Dec 6, 2009
Steering
THE POWER STEERING IN MY 2005 ION SATURN QUITS WORKING. I'VE RESEARCHED THE WEB AND IT IS HAPPENING TO NUMEROUS PEOPLE. I PULL OVER SHUT THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND IT WORKS AGAIN. IT WAS HAPPENING ABOUT ONCE A MONTH NOW IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY CAR. NOW I CAN'T EVEN PULL OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10294654
61,000 miles · Nov 18, 2009
Power TrainSteering
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
NHTSA ODI #10292753
61,939 miles · Oct 29, 2009
Steering
THE IGNITION SWITCH IS FAULTY ON MY 2005 SATURN ION, I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR ON 10/26/2009 TODAY'S DATE IS 10/29/2009 I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHER SATURN OWNERS HAVE HAD OR HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THEIR CARS ALSO. THIS NEEDS TO BE A REALLY ON SATURNS PART FOR THESE DEFECTED ITEMS THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT HAVE TO P…
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THE IGNITION SWITCH IS FAULTY ON MY 2005 SATURN ION, I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR ON 10/26/2009 TODAY'S DATE IS 10/29/2009 I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHER SATURN OWNERS HAVE HAD OR HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THEIR CARS ALSO. THIS NEEDS TO BE A REALLY ON SATURNS PART FOR THESE DEFECTED ITEMS THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THEIR GREEDINESS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10290237
Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2009
Steering
NOTHING LED UP TO THE FAILURE. CAR WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION. POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. WILL STAY ON FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN SHUT OFF AGAIN WHENEVER CAR IS IN MOTION. MAKES IT VERY HARD TO TURN AND MANEUVER THE CAR ESPECIALLY AROUND OTHER CARS AND PEOPLE. I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SWERVE TO AVOID…
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NOTHING LED UP TO THE FAILURE. CAR WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION. POWER STEERING JUST WENT OUT AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. WILL STAY ON FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN SHUT OFF AGAIN WHENEVER CAR IS IN MOTION. MAKES IT VERY HARD TO TURN AND MANEUVER THE CAR ESPECIALLY AROUND OTHER CARS AND PEOPLE. I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SWERVE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE NOT GOT THIS REPAIRED YET BECAUSE THE SATURN DEALERSHIP QUOTED ME ALMOST $1000 TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN. I ASKED IF THEY HAVE DONE THIS BEFORE AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE FOUND THE PROBLEM BEFORE IN SEVERAL ION MODELS. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I FOUND NUMEROUS CONSUMER COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10289521
25,000 miles · Sep 29, 2009
Steering
WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 SATURN ION3 THE POWER STEERING WENT DEAD. I HAD TO FIGHT THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WITH MANUAL STEERING. VERY HARD TO DO. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 8 TIMES. THE DEALER SAID THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL TO HAVE THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING CONTROL BOX REPLACED BUT THEY AGREE IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I…
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WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 SATURN ION3 THE POWER STEERING WENT DEAD. I HAD TO FIGHT THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WITH MANUAL STEERING. VERY HARD TO DO. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 8 TIMES. THE DEALER SAID THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL TO HAVE THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING CONTROL BOX REPLACED BUT THEY AGREE IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IT COST ME $2200.00 TO HAVE IT REPLACED. VERY SCARY WHEN MAKING A TURN AND THE POWER STEERING GOES TO MANUAL. STOPPING AND STARTING THE VEHICLE RESETS IT ONLY TO HAVE IT GO OUT AGAIN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10285700
51,506 miles · Sep 23, 2009
Steering
ON JUNE 15, 2009 PURCHASED USED SATURN ION 2 WITH 45625 MILES FOR MY 17 YEAR OLD. CAME WITH 3 MONTH WARRANTY/3000 MILES. IN SEPT. CAR STARTED STALLING, TOOK TO DEALER WHERE PURCHASED ON SEPT. 17 AND THEY SAID DIRTY FUEL INJECTOR, CHARGED $245.69. DROVE CAR ON TURNPIKE 100 MILES AT 65MPH AND CAR STALLED 2 TIMES!!!! ON WAY BACK, …
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ON JUNE 15, 2009 PURCHASED USED SATURN ION 2 WITH 45625 MILES FOR MY 17 YEAR OLD. CAME WITH 3 MONTH WARRANTY/3000 MILES. IN SEPT. CAR STARTED STALLING, TOOK TO DEALER WHERE PURCHASED ON SEPT. 17 AND THEY SAID DIRTY FUEL INJECTOR, CHARGED $245.69. DROVE CAR ON TURNPIKE 100 MILES AT 65MPH AND CAR STALLED 2 TIMES!!!! ON WAY BACK, AGAIN ON TURNPIKE DOING SPEED LIMIT 65MPH CAR STALLED 1 TIME. YOU GET CHIMES AND THE PWR STR LIGHT COMES ON. CAR STALLS AN AVERAGE OF 4 TIMES A DAY! CAR RIGHT NOW AT DEALER FOR THEM TO TRY AND FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG. IT IS NOT RIGHT, I PAID 9369.67 + TAX FOR CAR AND 1635. FOR GMPP WARRANTY THAT THEY TELL ME IS NOT COVERED! I DO NOT HAVE THIS KIND OF MONEY. THIS IS SUCH A SAFETY ISSUE, I CANNOT BELIEVE THE NHTSA HAS NOT FORCED SATURN OR GM TO RECALL THIS CAR. LOOK AT THE INTERNET OR YOUR OWN SITE FOR THE COMPLAINTS YOU HAVE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. IT IS A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THERE IS A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF CAR SHUTTING DOWN AND LOSING STEERING!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10285070
Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2009
Power TrainSteering
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
NHTSA ODI #10284408
31,000 miles · Sep 5, 2009
Steering
WAS DRIVING TO PICK UP MY SON FROM WORK. HEARD A LITTLE BEEP-BEEP GO OFF, AND WHEN I LOOKED AT THE DASH-BOARD IT SAID "PWR STR" I HAD LOST THE POWER STEERING IN MY 2005 SATURN ION. I HAD TO GET THE CAR TO DRIFT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THEN I TURNED IT OFF FOR A MINUTE BECAUSE I GOT REALLY NERVOUS AS TO WHAT WOULD HAPPEN NEX…
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WAS DRIVING TO PICK UP MY SON FROM WORK. HEARD A LITTLE BEEP-BEEP GO OFF, AND WHEN I LOOKED AT THE DASH-BOARD IT SAID "PWR STR" I HAD LOST THE POWER STEERING IN MY 2005 SATURN ION. I HAD TO GET THE CAR TO DRIFT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THEN I TURNED IT OFF FOR A MINUTE BECAUSE I GOT REALLY NERVOUS AS TO WHAT WOULD HAPPEN NEXT. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND THE LIGHT HAD GONE OUT AND THE STEERING SEEMED TO BE BACK TO NORMAL. I CALLED THE SATURN DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING MONDAY (AUG. 31) TO BRING IN THE CAR TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. MIND YOU I HAVE 31,000 MILES ON MY CAR AND MY CAR IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND IS ALWAYS MAINTAINED. SATURN TOLD ME AFTER A "DIAGNOSTIC TEST" IT WAS THE POWER STEERING MODULE MOTOR AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR $1200.00 DOLLARS!! THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL CAR IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET!! GM REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECT AND HAS THE NERVE TO CHARGE CUSTOMERS FOR WHAT IS THEIR FAULT TO BEGIN WITH. NEEDLESS TO SAY I AM GETTING RID OF MY CAR AND I WILL NEVER EVER BUY ANOTHER SATURN OR GM CAR AGAIN!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10282974
Official recalls
3Apr 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.
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.
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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