2005 Saturn Ion Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 265about this part
- Share
- 46%of 573 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 265 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Saturn Ion, 46% of the 573 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 miles. 9 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Takata recall I put my key in the ignition. The car stalled for a quick second then came on gully. As I reversed out of my driveway and went to make a slight left I noticed my steering wheel had locked up. I was able to slow turn the wheel as I had to manually steer. I pulled over and parked. This is not safe.”
NHTSA complaint #11152133, filed 2018-11, 120,000 miles“Driving home from work suddenly I had experienced sudden loss of power steering. Research online indicates this make model and year has a known issue with this problem. However using VIN search I find no recall information. What are my options if I believe it's a manufacturer issue?”
NHTSA complaint #11075789, filed 2018-03, 139,000 miles“Making a left hand turn the automobile shut off and on dash display read pwr steering coolant the car was difficult to steer to the side of the road. Once pulled to the side of the road I turned the key over and instantly the car was like new driving ok till I got home. Googled the problem and saw many power steering complaints on the Saturn ions.”
NHTSA complaint #10564028, filed 2014-02, 100,000 miles“I believe that the power steering issue (recalled recently and received letter) caused my vehicle to be very hard to control on a downslope hill at 12 MPH coming up to red light. My car went from the right lane to the left land of 4 lane street and I hit car in front of me. Now, having received information today about the power steering recall, I have an appt. …”
NHTSA complaint #10625771, filed 2014-08, 17,000 miles“While driving on the highway a warning light came on and I completely lost my power assist steering. It was hard to turn the steering wheel. I pulled over and turned the key off and when I turned the key back on the steering assist worked again. Since the first incident it has happened multiple times. Saturn customer service was no help in getting this fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10458963, filed 2012-05, 55,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V153000Mar 31, 2014General 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…Covers: Saturn Ion 2004–2007, Chevrolet Malibu 2004–2006, 2008–2009, Pontiac G6 2005–2006, 2008–2009 +4 more
Related service bulletins
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10113436Feb 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone…
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Saturn Ion
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 complaintsElectronic stability control
6 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