2006 Saturn Ion Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 41about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,235 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,344miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 41 complaints about the engine of the 2006 Saturn Ion, 3% of the 1,235 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,344 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takata recall the engine is on. When I turn the key to turn the engine off, the key doesn't go in the off position. I have to turn the engine on again and then try to turn the engine off.sometimes 2 or 3 times I have to turn the engine on and then try to turn the engine off. The car is parked.”
NHTSA complaint #11053821, filed 2017-12, 80,000 miles“A few weeks ago I noticed a smell of fuel coming from my car when I stop, or slow down. The last couple days the smell has bin getting stronger.. I see all these complaints, but nothing being done or it only for a few states. As a single mother of two I don't feel safe having my kids in the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10849854, filed 2016-03, 160,000 miles“While traveling between 70-75mph on I-35 southbound between 2nd st. Merge and 15th street exit in edmond ok, we went to change lanes (middle lane to right lane) and there was a sudden boom, the car lost control, began to spin out of control (numerous slides and 2-360 deg turns and being flung in a backwards motion). …”
NHTSA complaint #10564714, filed 2014-02, 192,000 miles“I started smelling gas when was stopped. I figured there may be a leak. I took it to a shop and they said I have one. I researched online and found that there was a recall on parts of the fuel system but that it doesn't apply in my state. So now im going to have to pay the $600 or so to get it fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10469337, filed 2012-08, 75,000 miles“I was leaving a local grocery store, started my car and proceeded to drive out of the parking lot to the main road, route 611, a fairly busy thoroughfare. As I turned right and attempted to accelerate, the check engine light came on as well as the 'reduced engine power light'. Despite pressing on the the gas pedal to accelerate safely into the flow of traffic (around 40 MPH), my car would not accelerate past 10 miles per hour. I am so very lucky that I was not in an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10764579, filed 2015-09, 94,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11007091Aug 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178949Jul 28, 2020This Bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC…
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10173416Feb 28, 2020This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services (including Flushing Services and Additives) and the Proper use of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2006 Saturn Ion
544 complaintsElectrical system
392 complaintsFuel system
238 complaintsAir bags
61 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
36 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsOther or unknown
27 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsBrakes
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 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