2003 Saturn ION Saturn ION 2003

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2003 Saturn ION repairs by problem area

Engine (27%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (11%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (30%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (17%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)

Other (7%)

Chart based on 122 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Saturn ION.

2003 Saturn ION engine repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (13%)

$500 - $999 (13%)

$100 - $499 (35%)

< $100 (35%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 31 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Saturn ION

Engine not specified

57800 mi

US $1200
Once the car is put into park the idle will jump up up to 4000 RPMS and held there. 
62000 mi

US $1800
Car will idle 1000 RPMS, then jump up up to 4000 RPMS and stay there until car was turned off by key. 

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2003 Saturn ION 4dr Sedan

140-horsepower 2.2L I4 CVT FWD

130000 mi

US $612
Fuel Line leak just in front of Left Rear Tire , 2004 Saturn had a recall GM# 04053 for Fuel Line LeaK; but GM will not cover 2003 Saturn 
148000 mi

US $560
Radiator was leaking < also replaced Upper/Lower hoses with Radiator 

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2003 Saturn ION 4dr Sedan

140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD

50620 mi

C $470
The flex pipe was leaking that had been replaced two years ago. The cat converter along with flex pipe from Walker was changed. I supplied this part and gaskets, labor was $120 and parts $350. 
53100 mi

C $150
the rattle in the exhaust system was resolved by removing part of the heat shield. 
110500 mi

US $40
Replaced spark plugs and fuel filter. Both were very worn. Noticed immediate performance improvement. 
88000 mi

US $146
Radiator fan had cracks in it. Had it replaced with a larger after market fan kit. 
166300 mi

US $1000
rotted fuel lines leaking fuel, replaced 
110000 mi Passlock problem, dealer offered free repair upon $50 deductible = rejected.  
166000 mi

US $350
Replaced clogged fuel injector and seals. 

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2003 Saturn ION 4dr Sedan

140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed automatic FWD

70500 mi Ignition Switch, covered by extended warranty 
78300 mi

US $550
Oxygen Sensor and Oil Change 
92000 mi

US $1000
Replaced radiator hoses. 
61406 mi

US $46
1st problem with no-start issue. Passlock light & service engine message. Took to dealer, diagnosed but unable to replicate problem. 
89156 mi

US $573
Passlock would randomly fail, refusing to recognize my key & preventing the car from starting in 15 minute blocks, sometimes several times in a row. Ignition switch was replaced at my request based on my own research into this issue. Passlock would randomly fail, refusing to recognize my key & preventing the car from starting in 15 minute blocks, sometimes several times in a row. Ignition switch was replaced at my request based on my own research into this issue. 
156000 mi

US $270
Replace gas line and filter,repair exhaust leak. 
163500 mi

US $93
Replaced middle exhaust pipe as it was leaking. 
137100 mi check engine light for O2 sensor. code deleted, didn't reappear. 
137000 mi check engine light for vacuum leak. code deleted, didn't reappear. 
140000 mi

US $50
Noise on start. Timing chain tensioner replaced. Noise still there. 
143000 mi

US $30
O2 sensor light. Sensor replaced. 
65000 mi

US $230
Ignition switch replaced, starter is in bad shape and will require replacement soon 
Ignition key switch 
90000 mi

US $150
needed new ignition switch, fixed by owner, needed cleaning. 

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2003 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe

140-horsepower 2.2L I4 CVT FWD

72150 mi

US $3000
Found antifreeze leaked into cylinder #4 spark plug cavity. Cylinder head cracked. Replaced with a rebuilt unit.  Found antifreeze leaked into cylinder #4 spark plug cavity. Cylinder head cracked. Replaced with a rebuilt unit.  
83000 mi

US $225
found crack in fuel line between fuel filter and engine. mechanic replaced the rusted sections with a comparable brake line tubing. 
118000 mi Very high rpm at times, put it in neutral and sometimes shut it off to stabilize. Check engine light a couple of times, code pointed to the throttle advance sensor. Twice bought sensor and found it didn't fit engine. Not fixed when totaled. 

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2003 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe

140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed automatic FWD

118000 mi

US $85
Engine had slight chatter to it. Valves were cleaned and one spark plug replaced. 
52000 mi

US $200
O2 sensor and another sensor. 
158000 mi

US $125
Engine flooded 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Coupes.
See TrueDelta's information for all Saturn models.

2003 Saturn ION Engine Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Saturn ION problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.