NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
573 reports30,000 miles · Jun 1, 2009
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WOULD NOT COME OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SHUT ALL THE WAY OFF AT THE TIME AND CAUSED THE BATTERY TO BECOME DRAINED. THE VEHICLE HAS REMAINED PARKED FOR THREE MONTHS. THE DEALER ADVISED HER TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE FOR DIAGNO…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WOULD NOT COME OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SHUT ALL THE WAY OFF AT THE TIME AND CAUSED THE BATTERY TO BECOME DRAINED. THE VEHICLE HAS REMAINED PARKED FOR THREE MONTHS. THE DEALER ADVISED HER TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AT HER EXPENSE. THE CONTACT WILL CALL THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
NHTSA ODI #10272597
125,000 miles · Jun 1, 2009
Electrical System
I BOUGHT A 2005 SATURN ION LAST AUGUST 2008. ON NOVEMBER 2008, I EXPERIENCED A DIFFICULTY ON STARTING THE CAR. SO I BROUGHT IT TO SATURN DUBLIN FOR A CHECK UP AND REPAIR, AND THEY DID ALL THE TEST FOR THE CAR AND INFORMED THAT THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THE IGNITION OF THE CAR AS THIS IS THE FINDINGS OF THEIR MECHANIC.. I AGREED AS I…
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I BOUGHT A 2005 SATURN ION LAST AUGUST 2008. ON NOVEMBER 2008, I EXPERIENCED A DIFFICULTY ON STARTING THE CAR. SO I BROUGHT IT TO SATURN DUBLIN FOR A CHECK UP AND REPAIR, AND THEY DID ALL THE TEST FOR THE CAR AND INFORMED THAT THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THE IGNITION OF THE CAR AS THIS IS THE FINDINGS OF THEIR MECHANIC.. I AGREED AS I THOUGHT THIS WAS THE AUTHORIZED DEALER MECHANIC, I PAID FOR $700+, FOR REPAIR, LABOR AND PARTS.. BUT RECENTLY LAST WEEK, MAY 2009, MY CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN..I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND HAD IT CHECKED.. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, IT STARTED WHEN THEY CHECKED AND THEY ASKED ME TO PAY $130 FOR THE CHECK UP..WHICH I PAID. A FEW DAYS AFTER I WAS AT WORK, WHICH IS IN UNION CITY, 22 MILES AWAY FROM MY HOUSE AND WHEN I WAS ABOUT TO GO HOME,MY CAR WOULD NOT START GAIN.. SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE... HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED.. AS I RELAYED THIS TO MY BROTHER IN LAW... WE SEARCHED IN THE NET ON THE ISSUE AND CONCERNS AND FOUND OUT I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAD THESE PROBLEMS.. HUNDREDS OF US WERE VICTIMS OF THIS PROBLEM. NOW, I DID HAD A BAD JUDGMENT ON BUYING A SATURN CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10272475
29,853 miles · May 19, 2009
Steering
ON MY 2005 SATURN ION 3, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AFTER PULLING OVER AND RESTARTED AND IT CAME BACK. I READ THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL ON THIS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO LOSE POWER STEERING AT HIGH SPEED. POWER STEERING IS ELECTRICAL. ON MOST WEB SI…
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ON MY 2005 SATURN ION 3, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AFTER PULLING OVER AND RESTARTED AND IT CAME BACK. I READ THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL ON THIS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO LOSE POWER STEERING AT HIGH SPEED. POWER STEERING IS ELECTRICAL. ON MOST WEB SITES DISCUSSING THIS, IT SEEMS TO BE A REGULAR PROBLEM WITH SATURN OWNERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10269385
36,000 miles · May 13, 2009
Electrical System
WON'T START IN COLD WEATHER SECURITY SYSTEM KEEPS IT FROM STARTING. AND POWER STEERING GOES OUT CONTINUOUSLY. ON A 90 MILE TRIP IT GOES OUT 6 TO 10 TIMES. IT HAPPENS SO INCONSISTENTLY WITH DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND CONDITIONS *TR
NHTSA ODI #10268589
44,325 miles · Apr 23, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
UNABLE TO TURN KEY IN THE OFF POSITION OF MY 2005 SATURN ION WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. HAD TO EVENTUALLY UNHOOK THE BATTERY TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A SERVICE STATION WHERE THEY ENDED UP BREAKING THE KEY TO REMOVE IT FROM THE IGNITION AND THEN REPLACING THE ENTIRE IGNITION LOCK MECHANISM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10266512
68,000 miles · Apr 20, 2009
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE LETTERS "PWR STR" ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED LATER THAT DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT IT W…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE LETTERS "PWR STR" ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED LATER THAT DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT IT WOULD COST $1,300 TO REPAIR. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY STILL AT THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 68,000. UPDATED 05/08/09 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 05/12/09.*JB UPDATED 06/09/09.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10266117
63,000 miles · Mar 31, 2009
Electrical System
SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR, IT WILL NOT START IN COLD WEATHER. I HAVE TO WAIT ABOUT 10 MINS, TRY AGAIN AND IT WILL START RIGHT UP. WELL, ABOUT A WEEK AGO IT "SHUT DOWN" WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY STREET IN MY CITY. AFTER ABOUT 4 HOURS OF IT SITTING, I WENT BACK AND DROVE IT HOME WITH NO PROBLEMS. THEN, A FEW DAYS LATER IT DID…
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SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR, IT WILL NOT START IN COLD WEATHER. I HAVE TO WAIT ABOUT 10 MINS, TRY AGAIN AND IT WILL START RIGHT UP. WELL, ABOUT A WEEK AGO IT "SHUT DOWN" WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY STREET IN MY CITY. AFTER ABOUT 4 HOURS OF IT SITTING, I WENT BACK AND DROVE IT HOME WITH NO PROBLEMS. THEN, A FEW DAYS LATER IT DID THE SAME THING WHILE RETURNING TO WORK FROM A LUNCH BREAK. I HAD TO LEAVE IT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND GOT A RIDE. AFTER WORK, I PICKED IT UP AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE IT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP. WHILE DRIVING ON I-10 EAST, IT SHUT DOWN AGAIN. ON THE INTERSTATE!!!!! IT WAS RAINING OUTSIDE AND THE PERSON BEHIND ME ALMOST HIT ME. I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW I COASTED TO THE MEDIAN, EXCEPT GOD! MY CAR WOULD NOT DRIVE ANYMORE. I LEFT IT THERE AND GOT A RIDE HOME WITH SOMEONE BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO SIT IN THE RAIN ALONE ON THE INTERSTATE. WHEN I WENT BACK AT ABOUT 11:00 PM TO PICK MY CAR UP, IT WOULDN'T START. I WAITED 10 OR SO MINS AND IT STARTED UP. I DROVE IT STRAIGHT TO A FRIENDS HOUSE THAT WAS NEARBY AND LEFT IT THERE. I CONTACTED GM AND THEY ADVISED ME TO BRING IT TO SATURN, WHICH I HAVE DONE MANY TIMES BEFORE, SO I DID. THEY TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. SO, I TOLD THEM TO KEEP IT UNTIL THEY FIGURE IT OUT BECAUSE I WILL NOT PUT MY LIFE IN DANGER AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH GM AND SATURN AND NO ONE WILL TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. ITS RIDICULOUS THAT THIS CAR IS PUTTING MY LIFE IN DANGER. I REFUSE TO DRIVE IT AGAIN. AND NOW I AM PAYING A NOTE ON SOMETHING THAT I CANT DRIVE BECAUSE IT MAY STOP WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10263786
Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2009
Air BagsSeatsCrashInjury
I WAS REAR ENDED AND SHOVED INTO A PICKUP ON 03/23/09 IN MY 2005 SATURN ION AND AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, SEAT BROKE AND WENT ALL THE WAY BACK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10263217
15,556 miles · Feb 24, 2009
Electrical SystemSteering
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILURE IN 2005 SATURN ION IN LESS THAN 16000 MILES BUT 8 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY. POWER STEERING BECAME OPERATIONAL AFTER EACH RESTART, BUT FAILED AGAIN WITHIN 3-5 MINUTES OF DRIVING. VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER POSING A SAFETY HAZARD FOR MY WIFE. DEALER REPAIR REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF COMPLETE STEERING COLU…
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ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILURE IN 2005 SATURN ION IN LESS THAN 16000 MILES BUT 8 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY. POWER STEERING BECAME OPERATIONAL AFTER EACH RESTART, BUT FAILED AGAIN WITHIN 3-5 MINUTES OF DRIVING. VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER POSING A SAFETY HAZARD FOR MY WIFE. DEALER REPAIR REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF COMPLETE STEERING COLUMN APPROACHING $1000 IN REPAIR COST. IGNITION SWITCH HAS ALSO FAILED TO PERMIT CAR FROM STARTING ON TWO OCCASIONS. DEALER ALSO REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME. DEALER RETURNED BOTH PARTS TO ME. I HAVE LEARNED THAT BOTH ARE COMMON FAILURES WITH THIS CAR AND OTHER GM COMPACTS. SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF REPEATED FAILURES OF THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLS OR REIMBURSEMENT FOR THESE PREMATURE FAILURES. NO WONDER GM IS GOING BUST WITH A PRODUCT OF SUCH LOW RELIABILITY AND POOR DESIGN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10259843
45,000 miles · Feb 17, 2009
Electrical SystemEquipment
THE IGNITION KEY GETS STUCK AND WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE CAR. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME AFTER HAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED LAST YEAR. I TOOK IT BACK TO SATURN AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED ON THE NEW PART (OF COURSE) AND THEY KEPT IT OVERNIGHT TRYING TO GET IT TO FAIL. THEY GREASED THE KEY AND TOLD ME IT WAS FIXED, DID NOT REP…
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THE IGNITION KEY GETS STUCK AND WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE CAR. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME AFTER HAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED LAST YEAR. I TOOK IT BACK TO SATURN AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED ON THE NEW PART (OF COURSE) AND THEY KEPT IT OVERNIGHT TRYING TO GET IT TO FAIL. THEY GREASED THE KEY AND TOLD ME IT WAS FIXED, DID NOT REPLACE ANYTHING BUT BLAMED IT ON THE KEY WEARING DOWN... *TR
NHTSA ODI #10258936
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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