2005 Saturn Ion Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 1%of 573 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,226miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2005 Saturn Ion, 1% of the 573 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,226 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Ignition switch recognition began to deteriorate. When trying to start the car, the anti-theft would come on. I would have to wait hours. This would happen in cold and rainy weather. Key would get locked in ignition with accessories on and not go off. Battery would die. When jumping the car the key would still be locked in the on position and begin turning on and off violently and rapidly until key was able to be removed. Car blew fuse while driving on highway. Max speed reduced to 30 MPH. …”
NHTSA complaint #10568880, filed 2014-03, 60,000 miles“Driving 2005 Saturn ION, aprox 43,000 miles on the vehicle...electronic power steering motor gets hot and shuts down. No power steering in vehicle. Turn vehicle off and the electronic mechanism resets itself and works until the next time it shuts down while driving. Took vehicle to Saturn dealership, power steering motor is burned out and needs to be replaced. Roughly 1300.00. Or I can just drive it as is. Tech voiced concern that the electronic problems in there could be very problematic because they could get hot and start a fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10273459, filed 2009-06, 42,452 miles“2005 Saturn ION level 3. If it is below freezing outside the car will not start. This is a very common issue with Saturn ions. The car will not start at first, then if you wait 20-30 minutes it will start. The issue is the ignition switch which is faulty. Also, the dealership I bought the car from told me it had a full powertrain and bumper to bumper warranty and when I brought it in they denied that.”
NHTSA complaint #10279307, filed 2009-08“Saturn ION 2005 problem starting-every three or four starts, the lock symbol shows up and car will not start, panel, headlamps, accessories are operating, but starter seems locked out. After 10-20 minute wait, it usually starts.”
NHTSA complaint #10251448, filed 2008-12Electronic stability control: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Saturn Ion
265 complaintsElectrical system
227 complaintsAir bags
34 complaintsExterior lighting
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsFuel system
27 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Saturn Ion
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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