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Exterior lightingPart report

2006 Saturn Ion Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
1%of 1,235 total for the year
Median mileage
90,878miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2006 Saturn Ion, 1% of the 1,235 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,878 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.

“Around said mileage, the car's front passenger turn signal went out and I was able to tell by the faster clicking of the arrow on the dashboard. I replaced the bulb, which also serves as the drl in this vehicle, and the problem continued. When the lights are on, the bulb functions as it should and it appears there is no outage however when attempting to use the turn signal, the light does not function properly. When the lights are serving as the drls, the bulb does not function at all.”

NHTSA complaint #10477470, filed 2012-09, 150,400 miles

“Every time fuel is slightly below a quarter tank the engine stalls as if the car is running out of gas and the cars drastically reduces speed with minimum power. Also, after the incident occurred I went online to research the problem and found out that the vehicle had been recalled for fuel pump problems as well as lighting irregularities. Furthermore, as I continued using my vehicle the ignition switch cylinder broke causing the key to be stuck and was unable to turn off the ignition of the car. …”

NHTSA complaint #10466444, filed 2012-07, 80,000 miles

“For the past 4-5 months, the front turn signals and daytime running lamps have not worked. We have replaced the bulbs all around the car with 3 different brands and on several occasions..still nothing. I have researched this matter online and found that there is a recall for this exact problem, but only on the 2003-04 model Saturn ions, not mine. This is a huge safety issue..I have had nothing but problems out of this car since the day I bought it brand new from the dealership 5 almost 5 years ago. I have also found online other 2006 ION owners having the same issue as me. …”

NHTSA complaint #10348068, filed 2010-08, 82,614 miles

“Electrical problem with interior lighting also problem with electrical power door lock (driver side) and power windows, in which all riders feel they are suffocating.due to unattainable natural air.”

NHTSA complaint #10587959, filed 2014-05, 122,650 miles

“The drivers side and passenger turn signal lights are inoperable. We took it to certified mechanic who told us he has seen this many times on the Saturn ions. There is corrosion on the inside of the turn signal bulb socket which does not allow a good electrical connection. A lady almost hit us head on because in the car, it appears when you turn on your lane signal, everything is functioning well. I have replaced the bulbs numerous times thinking it was the bulbs, but I was told by the mechanic that was not correct.”

NHTSA complaint #10702394, filed 2015-03

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200730%
200671%
2005315%
2004253%
2003314%

Other parts of the 2006 Saturn Ion

Steering
544 complaints
Electrical system
392 complaints
Fuel system
238 complaints
Air bags
61 complaints
Engine
41 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
36 complaints
Engine cooling
30 complaints
Other or unknown
27 complaints
Body and structure
24 complaints
Vehicle speed control
17 complaints
Suspension
14 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2006 Saturn Ion

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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