2004 Saturn Ion Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 331about this part
- Share
- 37%of 898 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,651miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 331 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Saturn Ion, 37% of the 898 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,651 miles. 10 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving on dry roads during the daytime below the speed limit, when the power steering light came on. The wheel locked, and I was unable to steer the car. I pulled to the side of the road and turned the car off and back on. It restarted without incident. 3 years later, the same event occurred without causing an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10584592, filed 2014-04, 65,000 miles“They key gets stuck in the ignition and sometimes I cant put the key in the ignition. Many times if I can get the key in and try to start it then it does nothing. I had the car towed home and that is where it is still sitting in my driveway unable to start?? I would like to know where to take my car for the recall repairs, is towing also included I don't have the money to keep paying to have the car towed.”
NHTSA complaint #10574594, filed 2014-03, 182,560 miles“Our car, 2004, Saturn ion3, caught on fire in the driveway on it's own about 2 hours after it was driven home on 4 nov 2011. No driver - no key in the vehicle when it caught fire. I submitted an initial request for review to GM claims along with all documentation that we had via emails and our claim was denied.”
NHTSA complaint #10477968, filed 2012-09, 110,000 miles“I've had several times where my car wasn't as stable as it should be. The car itself rumbles and jerks a lot on city streets and as I get off the highway. In the past there's been a few issues with the breaks. During winter time, the car won't start up (I have a new battery now and it still happens). Acceleration is occasionally delayed. Lastly there's a clicking noise coming from the passenger side of the car which continues from the time the key is in the ignition until I take it out.”
NHTSA complaint #11063289, filed 2018-01, 60,000 miles“2004 Saturn ION this car has problems starting when it is cold outside, I am late for work alot it might take 20 minutes to start or an hour. I called the dealership and they said I I would have to pay for a diagnostic evaluation. This happens in the cooler months I can count on it. The most current being this morning yesterday morning the day before that.”
NHTSA complaint #10318503, filed 2010-03, 40,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V171000Apr 10, 2014General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice…Covers: Saturn Ion 2003–2007, Chevrolet Cobalt 2005–2010, HHR 2006–2011 +3 more
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- 10252735Mar 28, 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10244214Sep 21, 2023This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10176649May 20, 2020This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10167434Oct 10, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately…
- 10166666Sep 11, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for the GM of Canada OnStar Cellular Communication Upgrade to 3G/4G LTE for vehicles that may need an upgrade.
- 10163268Jun 26, 2019This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Saturn Ion
345 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsAir bags
52 complaintsFuel system
52 complaintsEngine cooling
33 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 complaintsExterior lighting
25 complaintsEngine
23 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsSuspension
19 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Saturn Ion
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology