2003 Saturn Ion Recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2003 Saturn Ion. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Saturn Ion 2003–2007, Chevrolet Cobalt 2005–2010, HHR 2006–2011 +3 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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…
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…
- Air bagsCovers: Saturn Ion 2003–2007, Chevrolet Cobalt 2005–2010, HHR 2006–2011 +3 more
Reported issue: 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…
Possible 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…
- Exterior lighting › Turn signalCovers: Saturn Ion 2003–2004
Reported issue: Certain passenger vehicles have a condition in which the turn signal lamp and daytime running lamp (drl) on either front side can stop working because of loss of contact between the bulb and socket.
Possible consequence: If a front turn signal lamp is inoperative, others may react more slowly to a turning vehicle and a crash could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the drl/turn signal bulb on both the left and right front side and inspect for and add a drl jumper kit if not present. The recall began november 17, 2004. Owners should contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
- Fuel system, gasolineCovers: Saturn Ion 2003–2004
Reported issue: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.2l 4-cylinder (l61) engines were built with a fuel filter that could corrode prematurely on the exterior surface.
Possible consequence: If corrosion on the exterior surface of the fuel filter progresses to the point of creating a hole in the shell, fuel droplets could form and drop to the ground. If an ignition source is present, a fire could result.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel filter assembly. Owner notification began on december 30, 2003. Owners should contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
- Visibility › Power window devices and controlsCovers: Saturn Ion 2003–2004
Reported issue: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 118, "power-operated window, partition, and roof panel systems." the power windows and/or sunroof may be operable after the ignition has been turned to the "off" position and the front passenger door is opened.
Possible consequence: If unsupervised children are left unattended in the vehicle and operate the power windows or sunroof, there is an increased risk of injury to the child.
Remedy: Dealers will upgrade the body control module (bcm) calibration. Owner notification began on december 30, 2003. Owners should contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
NHTSA investigations
- PE07011Windshied wiper linkage failureClosed · Feb 28, 2007
- EA04035Front turn signal/drl failureClosed · Dec 22, 2004
- PE04061Front turn signal/drl failureClosed · Aug 17, 2004
← All problems reported for the 2003 Saturn Ion
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.