← New search

2006 Saturn Ion

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Saturn Ion do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 816.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,073 reports with mileage · 162 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 544 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 392 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 127 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

44 crash reports7 fire reports23 injury reports

Steering complaints

544 reports
Clear category filter
30,000 miles · Mar 13, 2014
EngineSteeringCrash

MY DAUGHTER WAS GOING TO WORK - SHE BACKED OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY - PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE - STARTED FORWARD AND THE CAR ENGINE CUT OFF - SHE COULD NOT STEER THE CAR AND RAN INTO TWO OTHER CARS ON OUR STREET - HIT ONE IN THE SIDE AND THE OTHER VEHICLE IN THE FRONT ON ITS DRIVER SIDE - WE CALLED SATURN AND NOTIFIED THEM OF THE ISSUE -…

Read full complaint

MY DAUGHTER WAS GOING TO WORK - SHE BACKED OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY - PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE - STARTED FORWARD AND THE CAR ENGINE CUT OFF - SHE COULD NOT STEER THE CAR AND RAN INTO TWO OTHER CARS ON OUR STREET - HIT ONE IN THE SIDE AND THE OTHER VEHICLE IN THE FRONT ON ITS DRIVER SIDE - WE CALLED SATURN AND NOTIFIED THEM OF THE ISSUE - THEY SENT A TOW TRUCK AND TOOK IT 70 MILES TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP - THEY SAID THAT THEY HAD TO CALL IN A SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO CHECK IT OUT - HE CALLED US BACK AND SAID THAT HE COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING IN THE COMPUTER THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE ISSUE AND TOLD US TO COME BACK AND GET THE CAR (ABOUT A 140 MILE TRIP TO PICK UP A CAR WE WERE AFRAID OF WHICH WE PAID OVER $15000.00 FOR) THIS CAUSED OVER $2000.00 OF DAMAGE TO HER CAR IT CAUSED OUR INSURANCE COMPANY TO PAY OUT A UNKNOWN AMOUNT FOR THE DAMAGE TO THE OTHER 2 VEHICLES THE ISSUE ALSO WENT ON HER DRIVING RECORD AS HER FAULT (WHICH IT WAS NOT) AND CAUSED MY INSURANCE TO GO UP - WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR - ALWAYS WAIT UNTIL THERE IS NO ONE COMING BEFORE WE USE IT TO GO ANYWHERE BECAUSE IT HESITATES - LATER THE CAR STARTED SMELLING LIKE GAS - AND A MESSAGE (PWR STR) WOULD COME UP ON THE DASH - THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION AND YOU COULD NOT GET IT TO TURN OFF - ALSO ON COLD MORNINGS IT WOULD NOT EVEN START - ANY HELP OR INFORMATION ON THIS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANKS . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10569204

71,000 miles · Mar 13, 2014
Steering

EVERY FEW WEEKS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING MY POWER STEERING FAILS AND IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR UNTIL STOPPED. THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT NOTICE AND AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS, SOMETIMES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS SITTING AND OTHER TIMES WHEN DRIVING. WHEN MY GIRLFRIEND OWNED THE VEHICLE GM DID REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN THREE TIME…

Read full complaint

EVERY FEW WEEKS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING MY POWER STEERING FAILS AND IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR UNTIL STOPPED. THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT NOTICE AND AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS, SOMETIMES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS SITTING AND OTHER TIMES WHEN DRIVING. WHEN MY GIRLFRIEND OWNED THE VEHICLE GM DID REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN THREE TIMES. I'VE OWNED THE CAR FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS AND THIS PROBLEM IS STILL ONGOING AND IT'S VERY UNSAFE. NOW ALONG WITH THE IGNITION RECALL I FEEL THAT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT FIT FOR USE ON PUBLIC ROADS. IF THERE IS A SOLUTION TO GET THIS VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10569140

170,000 miles · Mar 7, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITH THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FUSE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLAC…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING WITH THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FUSE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE . THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS MILEAGE 170,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10567761

99,417 miles · Mar 6, 2014
Steering

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON MARCH 1ST, 2014 WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMED TO "LOCK UP" FOR A SECOND, WHEN IT LOOSENED IT WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN. FIRST THOUGHT WAS PS FLUID, DID SOME RESEARCH TO FIND OUT IT IS ALL ELECTRICAL AND THAT THE SAME ISSUE WAS HAPPENING IN AROUND THE SAME YEAR CHEVY COBALTS AND PONTIAC G…

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON MARCH 1ST, 2014 WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMED TO "LOCK UP" FOR A SECOND, WHEN IT LOOSENED IT WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN. FIRST THOUGHT WAS PS FLUID, DID SOME RESEARCH TO FIND OUT IT IS ALL ELECTRICAL AND THAT THE SAME ISSUE WAS HAPPENING IN AROUND THE SAME YEAR CHEVY COBALTS AND PONTIAC G5'S (ALL SAME CAR PRETTY MUCH). WHEN I DROVE HOME THAT EVENING THE POWER STEERING WAS BACK ON, UNTIL I GOT 2-3 MILES DOWN THE ROAD WHEN I HEARD THE BEEPING FOLLOWED BY "PWR STR" SHOWING UP ON THE ODOMETER AND THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT. I HAD A FEELING IT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN SO MY SPEED WAS NO WHERE NEAR WHAT IT WAS GOING TO WORK. THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10567559

137,647 miles · Jan 30, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CUR…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,647.

NHTSA ODI #10562208

Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2014
SteeringCrashInjury

I PURCHASED A 2006 SATURN ION IN MAY OF 2009 FROM ROCKENBACH CHEVROLET IN GRAYSLAKE ILLINOIS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED THREE TIMES FOR THIS POWER STEERING PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT BY ROCKENBACK MECHANICS. THE MECHANICS SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, AND THE SALES MANAGER SAID I WAS NOT TO …

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED A 2006 SATURN ION IN MAY OF 2009 FROM ROCKENBACH CHEVROLET IN GRAYSLAKE ILLINOIS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED THREE TIMES FOR THIS POWER STEERING PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT BY ROCKENBACK MECHANICS. THE MECHANICS SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, AND THE SALES MANAGER SAID I WAS NOT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR ANY MORE CHECKS BECAUSE I HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT A WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AFTER A START UP FROM AN INTERSECTION WHEN THE POWER STEERING CUT OUT ON JULY 14, 2009. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE SPOKEN WITH THREE SATURN ION OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE CHECKED OUT BEFORE ANYONE ELSE IS HURT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10560490

111,000 miles · Jan 4, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

I WAS REAR ENDED ON THE FREEWAY ON 11/17/13. I WENT TO GET IT FIXED ABOUT A WEEK LATER. THEY HAD MY CAR FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS. WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR, THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. WHEN THE GENTLEMAN TRIED TO PUT POWER STEERING FLUID IN IT, HE NOTICED IT WAS ELECTRIC. HE SAID IT MUST HAVE GONE OUT. NOW I HAVE TO PAY TO FIX MY P…

Read full complaint

I WAS REAR ENDED ON THE FREEWAY ON 11/17/13. I WENT TO GET IT FIXED ABOUT A WEEK LATER. THEY HAD MY CAR FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS. WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR, THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. WHEN THE GENTLEMAN TRIED TO PUT POWER STEERING FLUID IN IT, HE NOTICED IT WAS ELECTRIC. HE SAID IT MUST HAVE GONE OUT. NOW I HAVE TO PAY TO FIX MY POWER STEERING AND I DIDN'T HAVE MY CAR WHEN IT WENT OUT! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10558428

71,246 miles · Dec 17, 2013
Steering

MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN ONTO ANOTHER STREET AND THE WHEEL LOCKED UP. WHEEL BARELY MOVED ENOUGH FOR ME TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10556413

105,000 miles · Oct 28, 2013
Steering

LOSS OF POWER STEERING. ALMOST CRASHED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10549893

102,000 miles · Oct 17, 2013
Steering

PWR STEERING FAIL WHILE DRIVING. CAR DINGS AND DISPLAYS THE PWR STEERING CODE IN DASH. KNOWN ISSUE BY GM. TOOK IT TO DEALER TODAY, THEY SAID THEY'LL FIX IT FREE OF CHARGE BASED ON 10187A SPECIAL POLICY. IT ONLY COVERS THE MOTOR/MODULE AND NOT THE STEERING COLUMN. I AM AFRAID THAT THEY ARE GOING TO RIP ME OFF BY SIMPLY SAYING THE…

Read full complaint

PWR STEERING FAIL WHILE DRIVING. CAR DINGS AND DISPLAYS THE PWR STEERING CODE IN DASH. KNOWN ISSUE BY GM. TOOK IT TO DEALER TODAY, THEY SAID THEY'LL FIX IT FREE OF CHARGE BASED ON 10187A SPECIAL POLICY. IT ONLY COVERS THE MOTOR/MODULE AND NOT THE STEERING COLUMN. I AM AFRAID THAT THEY ARE GOING TO RIP ME OFF BY SIMPLY SAYING THE WHOLE COLUMN IS THE PROBLEM SO I'M OUT A LOT OF MONEY. BASED ON RESEARCH AND COMPLAINTS GM RECALLED OTHER CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IF THEY USED THE SAME PART AND THEY WERE RECALLED IN OTHER MODELS THEN THE SATURN ONE SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED. IT WAS VERY SCARY LOSING POWER STEERING. GM NEEDS TO MAKE SATURN OWNERS "WHOLE" BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN VARIOUS ISSUES ALREADY. I REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH TWICE, THE KEY WOULD GET STUCK AND SOMETIMES WOULD NOT START. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10548257

Official recalls

4

14V171000 · Electrical System:ignition

Apr 10, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Consequence & remedy

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

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

14V153000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Mar 31, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Consequence & remedy

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

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

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

Feb 10, 2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence & remedy

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

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

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

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

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

Electrical System:ignition:switch

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

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

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

09V419000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Oct 29, 2009

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA AND NEVADA; AND MODEL YEAR 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT, PONTIAC G5 AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, NEVADA AND TEXAS. THE PLASTIC SUPPLY OR RETURN PORT ON THE MODULAR RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. IF EITHER OF THESE PORTS DEVELOPS A CRACK, FUEL WILL LEAK FROM THE AREA. IF THE CRACK BECOMES LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY BE OBSERVED DRIPPING ONTO THE GROUND AND VEHICLE PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. A SPECIAL COVERAGE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME FOR MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE AND TEXAS AND MODEL YEAR 2007 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN: ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND TENNESSEE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

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

NHTSA investigations

2

EA11014 · Electric Power Steering Failure

Opened Sep 29, 2011 · Closed Apr 15, 2014

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

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

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering:electric Power Assist System

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

Steering:electric Power Assist System

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

RQ10004 · Electric Power Steering Failure

Opened Dec 15, 2010 · Closed Oct 5, 2011

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

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

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering:electric Power Assist System

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

Steering

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