2004 Saturn Ion Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 2%of 898 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2004 Saturn Ion, 2% of the 898 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Whilst driving, my car would accelerate on it's own going almost 45-50mph. Pressing the brakes would barely do anything. It won't start when it thinks it's too cold outside, I've had the battery tested multiple times and it is fine. Also, when trying to stop the car and take the key out of the ignition it resists a lot. Happens multiple times a week.”
NHTSA complaint #10445782, filed 2012-01, 120,000 miles“When stopped at either a traffic light or stop sign, once I take my foot off of the brake and place it on the gas pedal the car hesitates like it's gasping for gas however, the gasping only happens for a few seconds and then the car drives normally! What is stumping me, why does the new problem only happen intermittingly! I just had a rebuilt transmission installed back in march of 2018 because the car originally had a problem with the transmission slipping into gear! …”
NHTSA complaint #11099970, filed 2018-06, 96,250 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“In cold weather(temp under 32f), my wife's Saturn will not start. This is the fourth time this season. When trying to start the car, nothing happens. She has light, radio but turning the key everything goes dark and no turn over of the engine. I checked online and found the a lot of other people are having the same problem. The part seems to be the ignition switch has a problem with the passlock. I called the dealer and he even said the same thing about people having this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10302913, filed 2010-01, 43,472 miles“I am the owner of a 2004 Saturn ION 3. I have now had it for three winters in which I have had starting problems every winter. I have replaced the battery all three winters, to find that was not the problem. After many reading many blogs and websites I have found that Saturn uses an ignition switch that freezes in the cold. Saturn also does not claim to this issue. We have taken our car to the local dealership with this problem, but no mechanic knew what the problem was. …”
NHTSA complaint #10250625, filed 2008-12, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General…
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11000576May 7, 2024This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support…
- 10224309Sep 30, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that General Motors and General Motors of Canada Company do not support cross border sales. The…
Other or unknown: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Saturn Ion
345 complaintsElectrical system
331 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsAir bags
52 complaintsFuel system
52 complaintsEngine cooling
33 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 complaintsExterior lighting
25 complaintsEngine
23 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 29, 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