2003 Saturn ION Problems and Repair Histories
2003 Saturn ION problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
See what people are saying about 2003 Saturn ION problems
More about the
Saturn ION
2003 Saturn IONs for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2003 Saturn ION problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2003 Saturn ION problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2003 Saturn ION problems and repair histories that follow it.
Saturn ION Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2003 | Saturn ION | 10 IONs, 10.4 months of data per ION, average 103400 miles Small sample size. Join or 10 IONs, 10.4 months of data per ION, average 103400 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
see reported repairs |
Non-members can see only ten 2003 Saturn ION problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2003 Saturn ION
Engine not specified
| Saturn in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2008 | 63000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2008 | 64000 | 150 | Front Sway Bar Links |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Saturn ION 4dr Sedan
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saturn ION in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2010 | 67580 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 68200 | 450 | Brake pads, rotors replaced. Also, cabin, engine and gas filters. Oil change. Stabilizer link replaced. |
| Aug | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn ION in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jul | 2010 | 86000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 88000 | 146 | Radiator fan had cracks in it. Had it replaced with a larger after market fan kit. |
| Dec | 2010 | 92000 | 350 | Caliper was tight against rotor on passenger side right. Had new pads, rotors, and calipers replaced on front of car. Gas mileage had been lower than normal but returned to normal after repair |
| Mar | 2013 | 101000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in Delaware, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 105000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 109000 | 490 | Lower control arm bushings worn - car had made clunking, squeaking noises for some time. |
| Jul | 2012 | 121700 | 600 | Replaced struts and shocks after 9 1/2 years. No complaints |
| Sep | 2012 | 123000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in Idaho, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 102000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2013 | 110000 | 40 | Replaced spark plugs and fuel filter. Both were very worn. Noticed immediate performance improvement. |
| Saturn ION in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2011 | 31620 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2012 | 33940 | 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. |
| Jun | 2012 | 40300 | 12 | The caliper sliders were lubed, brake fluid changed as well as brake pads removed, cleaned,filed for fit, rendered parallel on a belt sander.(Only slight amount of friction material removed in process)Great improvement in braking notice! |
| Mar | 2013 | 44640 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 95000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2009 | 107000 | 0 | Suspension Noise most likely sway bar bushing and end links. |
| Jan | 2012 | 142000 | 70 | Changed drivers side CV Joint due to bad popping. Problem is solved. Also replaced control arm bushings. |
| Jan | 2013 | 150700 | 500 | Manual transmission internal transmission burned up due to slight transmission leak. Driver side wheel bearing was replaced because noise/vibration/and too much free-play. |
| Apr | 2013 | 153000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 57000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 57000 | 278 | coolant display indicator problem, comes on and goes off randomly. |
| May | 2010 | 57500 | 1200 | Once the car is put into park the idle will jump up up to 4000 RPMS and held there. |
| Sep | 2010 | 62000 | 1800 | Car will idle 1000 RPMS, then jump up up to 4000 RPMS and stay there until car was turned off by key. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn ION in Connecticut, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2008 | 740 | original FW bearings replaced | |
| Dec | 2008 | 110000 | 760 | Passlock problem, dealer offered free repair upon $50 deductible = rejected. Other repair the same day original FW bearings replaced !!760$(tax incl). |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Saturn ION 4dr Sedan
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed automatic FWD
| Saturn ION in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2004 | 0 | Transmission slipping in 2nd gear. Dealer recalibrated. However, issue never completely disappeared. | |
| May | 2005 | 0 | Daytime running lamp/turn signal bulbs were replaced due to manufacturer recall. | |
| Jun | 2006 | 405 | Alignment due to uneven wear on tires. | |
| Feb | 2008 | 69 | Driver sunvisor wouldn't stay up, had to be replaced. | |
| Feb | 2009 | 46 | 1st problem with no-start issue. Passlock light & service engine message. Took to dealer, diagnosed but unable to replicate problem. | |
| Dec | 2009 | 146 | 2nd problem with no-start issue. Passlock light & service engine message. Took to dealer, diagnosed, found no problems. Battery replaced in attempt to resolve, but problem recurred. | |
| Jun | 2011 | 135 | Bulb in the instrument panel burned out & was replaced. | |
| Feb | 2012 | 345 | Wiper transmission failed & was replaced. | |
| Nov | 2012 | 89000 | 573 | Headlight housing had to be reconditioned. 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. |
| Mar | 2013 | 91000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2007 | 0 | Went in for 3000 mile oil change, needed new bushings and tires due to a bubble | |
| Saturn ION in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2004 | 0 | Transmission Valve Body | |
| Jun | 2005 | 0 | Ignition key switch | |
| Saturn ION in Arizona, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 500 | Front wheel hub bearings each had to be replaced, which I did myself for parts cost. I also replaced brake pads, rotors were OK so I left them alone. | |
| Jun | 2008 | 195 | AC would not blow cold air. Replaced blower fan, was not the problem. Replaced AC control head, ($45), problem remedied. | |
| Jan | 2009 | 65000 | 230 | Ignition switch replaced, starter is in bad shape and will require replacement soon |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn ION in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2010 | 74000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2010 | 80000 | 125 | Car was driveable earlier in the day. Went to park for about 5 minutes and came back to a disabled car. The engine would turn over, start, and come up to an idle for a brief second before dying. MIL/CEL came on. Diagnosed as a bad BCM. |
| Saturn ION in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 89000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 90000 | 150 | needed new ignition switch, fixed by owner, needed cleaning. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn ION in Colorado, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2007 | 650 | Calipers, Pads, Turn the Rotors, New Brake Fluid | |
| Jan | 2008 | 0 | Ignition Switch, covered by extended warranty | |
| Jul | 2008 | 550 | Oxygen Sensor and Oil Change | |
| Jul | 2009 | 92000 | 1000 | Struts needed to be replaced. Replaced radiator hoses. |
| Dec | 2009 | 94000 | 750 | Transmission was building up pressure and forcing the car to "bang loudly" when downshifting... Dealer replaced fluid and reflashed transmission. After a week problem still occured. Dealer suggested replacing valve body or rebuilding the trans. |
| Saturn ION in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2005 | 0 | Replace right front wheel bearing hub assembly, and reprogram transmission.Under warranty. | |
| Dec | 2007 | 188 | Replace broken left side windshield wiper assembly and motor. | |
| Feb | 2009 | 85300 | 8 | Replace windshield wiper blades. Check for wind noise coming from the outside of the car. Not found at this time. |
| Jun | 2009 | 91500 | 100 | Had the car checked at my repair shop for wind noise. It was not mechanical. Took the car to my auto body shop. The problem was the roof rails. Had to remove front roof rails on both sides. So now the noise is gone but the car doesn't look good. |
| Dec | 2009 | 97000 | 160 | Replace ignition switch. Car would not start because of not reading key code. Yellow theft light on. |
| May | 2010 | 107500 | 462 | A complete brake job,4 new spark plugs. |
| Oct | 2010 | 113000 | 326 | Car would not start. I replaced the battery and the car still wouldn't start.I had to replace the starter. |
| May | 2012 | 135000 | 282 | Replace right front wheel bearing assembly. |
| Mar | 2013 | 152000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 57000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2009 | 58000 | 300 | Door panel was loose at the bottom of the door frame |
| Dec | 2009 | 64000 | 580 | REPLACED FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS |
| Jun | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2003 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 CVT FWD
| Saturn ION in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 62000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2010 | 70800 | 890 | Loud growling noise. Replaced both front wheel hub bearings. |
| Aug | 2010 | 71500 | 2300 | replaced CVT due to P0700 DTC |
| Sep | 2010 | 72300 | 3000 | Found antifreeze leaked into cylinder #4 spark plug cavity. Cylinder head cracked. Replaced with a rebuilt unit. |
| Oct | 2010 | 73000 | 55 | replaced both rear shocks due to worn out original units. |
| Jun | 2011 | 83000 | 225 | found crack in fuel line between fuel filter and engine. mechanic replaced the rusted sections with a comparable brake line tubing. |
| Dec | 2011 | 88000 | 70 | Heard some clunking noise from front end. Replaced both side Stabilizer End Links. |
| Feb | 2012 | 89000 | 110 | Loud clunking noise from front end when it ran over potholes. Replaced front stabilizer bar bushings. |
| Sep | 2012 | 99000 | 250 | The familiar front wheel hub bearing noise occurred. The previous pair that Firestone had installed only lasted two years. This time, I refused to pay Firestone another ripoff $875 and replaced them myself. It went smooth and I saved $625. |
| Mar | 2013 | 109000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 104000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2009 | 107000 | 374 | I replaced the front struts and rear shocks due to the banging on the floor board caused by the traction bar. |
| Sep | 2010 | 118000 | 0 | 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. |
2003 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed automatic FWD
| Saturn ION in Delaware, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 85 | Engine had slight chatter to it. Valves were cleaned and one spark plug replaced. | |
| Feb | 2008 | 50 | Driver's side door lock fell into the door. Charge approx, had other routine maint. done at same time. Roughly 1/2 to 3/4 hour labor. | |
| Mar | 2009 | 160000 | 240 | Windshield Wiper motor/transmission on Driver's Side broke in half. Not the linkage, the motor. Replaced with a used part ($120) and another $120 was for labor. |
| Apr | 2009 | 165000 | 5 | Driver's door jam switch replaced. Self repair. 15 minutes and a $5 part. |
| Jul | 2009 | 169000 | 0 | Alternator replaced. |
| Sep | 2011 | 213000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 49000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 50700 | 200 | driver side wiper transmission needed to be replaced. |
| Mar | 2011 | 52000 | 200 | O2 sensor and another sensor. |
| Nov | 2011 | 60500 | 204 | Sway bar replacement (2) |
| Dec | 2012 | 67000 | 1400 | Typical issue with Ions. |
| Mar | 2013 | 68000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
Expert 2003 Saturn ION Repair Advice
Non-members can see only ten 2003 Saturn ION problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
What People Are Saying about Problems with the 2003 Saturn ION
blog comments powered by Disqus
