Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards.
Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the
Saturn Ion. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data.
Always check your specific VIN on
NHTSA.gov
for vehicle-specific recall information.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Saturn Ion,
based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
Coverage spans model years 2003–2008 with 25 recall campaigns and 5467 complaints in NHTSA data.
Years with the most recall activity: 2004 (8), 2007 (5), and 2003 (5).
Years with the most complaint volume: 2006 (1537), 2004 (1124), and 2007 (1089).
Top recall themes: Fuel and emissions, Electrical, and Visibility and lighting.
Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system.
Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas.
Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Fuel and emissions
4 campaigns · Years: 2003–2004, 2006–2007
These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the
Saturn Ion in NHTSA complaint data are
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer
complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and
complaints, not risk predictions.
Model Year
Recalls
Complaints
Details
2008
0
4
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Visibility, Air bags, Electrical system.
2007
5
1089
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system.
2006
4
1537
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system.
2005
3
755
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Electrical system, Electrical system:ignition.
2004
8
1124
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Electrical system, Electrical system:ignition.
2003
5
958
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Steering, Electrical system:ignition:switch.
What to Do Next
Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model.
The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved:
Electrical system
, Fuel system
and Steering
Show recall evidence by year
2007
Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel pump:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: General motors is recalling certain model year 2006 chevrolet cobalt and saturn ion vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of arizona and nevada; and model year 2007 chevrolet cobalt, pontiac g5 and saturn ion vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the s
Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel pump:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles originally sold, or currently registered
Electrical system: Switch:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency
Steering: Electric power assist system:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: General 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 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric powe
Electrical system: Ignition:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignit
2006
Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel pump:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: General motors is recalling certain model year 2006 chevrolet cobalt and saturn ion vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of arizona and nevada; and model year 2007 chevrolet cobalt, pontiac g5 and saturn ion vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the s
Electrical system: Switch:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency
Steering: Electric power assist system:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: General 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 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric powe
Electrical system: Ignition:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignit
2005
Electrical system: Switch:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency
Steering: Electric power assist system:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: General 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 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric powe
Electrical system: Ignition:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignit
2004
Structure: Bumpers:
Safety recall involving the structure area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: On certain passenger vehicles, some welds between the passenger's side motor rail and the front bumper bracket do not meet engineering specifications.
Fuel system, gasoline:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.2L 4-cylinder (l61) engines were built with a fuel filter that could corrode prematurely on the exterior surface.
Visibility: Power window devices and controls:
Safety recall involving the visibility area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 118, "Power-operated window, partition, and roof panel systems." The power windows and/or sunroof may be operable after the ignition has been turned to the "off" position and the front pas
Fuel system, other: Fuel pump:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Certain vehicles equipped with supercharged 2.0L 4-cylinder (lsj) engine were built with a fuel feed pipe that could crack and leak fuel near the fuel rail. If fuel leaks from the fuel feed pipe, there would be a noticeable fuel odor around the vehicle.
Exterior lighting: Turn signal:
Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Certain passenger vehicles have a condition in which the turn signal lamp and daytime running lamp (drl) on either front side can stop working because of loss of contact between the bulb and socket.
Electrical system: Switch:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency
Steering: Electric power assist system:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: General 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 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric powe
Electrical system: Ignition:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignit
2003
Fuel system, gasoline:
Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.2L 4-cylinder (l61) engines were built with a fuel filter that could corrode prematurely on the exterior surface.
Visibility: Power window devices and controls:
Safety recall involving the visibility area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 118, "Power-operated window, partition, and roof panel systems." The power windows and/or sunroof may be operable after the ignition has been turned to the "off" position and the front pas
Exterior lighting: Turn signal:
Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Certain passenger vehicles have a condition in which the turn signal lamp and daytime running lamp (drl) on either front side can stop working because of loss of contact between the bulb and socket.
Electrical system: Switch:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency
Electrical system: Ignition:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignit
Other Saturn Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Saturn models.
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data.
This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be
treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official
NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.
