2004 Saturn ION Problems and Repair Histories
2004 Saturn ION problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
See what people are saying about 2004 Saturn ION problems
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Saturn ION
2004 Saturn IONs for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2004 Saturn ION problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2004 Saturn ION problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2004 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 | |
| 2004 | Saturn ION | 15 IONs, 8.7 months of data per ION, average 85500 miles Small sample size. Join or 15 IONs, 8.7 months of data per ION, average 85500 miles Small sample size. sign in to view |
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Non-members can see only ten 2004 Saturn ION problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2004 Saturn ION 4dr Sedan
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saturn ION in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2010 | 76880 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 77480 | 22 | I had the "infamous" no start when the weather was cold. I just recently bought this car and did the research for this issue. It only cost me $22 for a new ignition switch ordered online!!! The repair was easy. |
| Jun | 2011 | 79980 | 11 | The drivers door jam switch became intermittent and interior light was staying on sometimes. Very easy and inexpensive fix! It only cost $11 dollars for the part from the dealer and I changed it myself. |
| Oct | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn ION in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2008 | 163000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 223000 | 160 | Mechanism of left windshield wiper was replaced |
| Oct | 2010 | 242000 | 906 | Sway bar links had to be replaced replaced alternator clutch pedal replaced |
| Mar | 2011 | 259000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in Nevada, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2010 | 155000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2010 | 157000 | 51 | Replaced A/C connector that melted, replaced sunroof switch, trunk remote switch, and ignition switch Replaced driver's side mirror and windshield mounted rear view mirror |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn ION in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 53000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2008 | 53000 | 645 | Ignition control module and coil pack shorted, causing car to misfire under a load. Replaced driver and passenger side wheel bearing/hub assy. |
| Apr | 2008 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn ION in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2011 | 85000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2011 | 85000 | 0 | sway bar links-replaced with moog greasable units |
| Jun | 2011 | 86000 | 482 | ignition switch would not go to start position. replaced lock cyc and housing it goes into. also could not get steering wheel off so they had to get a new one. |
| Mar | 2013 | 101000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in Missouri, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2011 | 117000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2011 | 117000 | 110 | Replaced water pump, thermostat, seals/gaskets, and coolant. Water pump replacement requires specialized tool for removal and install (difficult to obtain). |
| Saturn ION in Alberta, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2004 | 0 | Purchased car new. | |
| Feb | 2007 | 0 | Car traded in with Saturn for a new Outlook. | |
| Saturn ION in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2011 | 100000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2011 | 101000 | 2000 | This was the SECOND time the trans went! |
| Saturn ION in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 56000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2008 | 63000 | 380 | Humming noise at speed, wheel bearing bad. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Saturn ION 4dr Sedan
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed automatic FWD
| Saturn ION in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2011 | 101000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2013 | 126000 | 450 | Battery failed. Car would not start without a jump then finally would not start at all. Also catalytic converter failed and had to replce. Had to replace battery also. |
| Feb | 2013 | 120500 | 110 | Starter went. Had it replaced. It would have cost $450 but because of warranty only had to pay $100 deductible plus tax. |
| Mar | 2013 | 115000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2010 | 144000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2010 | 145000 | 400 | Clutch Pedal broke in half |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn ION in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2010 | 57000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2010 | 58000 | 100 | replaced rear brake pads and rotated tires. |
| Jul | 2011 | 72000 | 365 | Piece of housing around radiator fan broke off and caused damage to fan. Cause of severe rattling and noise. If left as is the damage would have worsen and lead to major radiator damage. |
| Oct | 2011 | 74000 | 0 | |
| Mar | 2013 | 94000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2009 | 24000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 25000 | 0 | The air conditioning stopped working at 24,000 miles. The shop ordered a new compressor, but I had to come back to have it installed. New A/C compressor installed. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
supercharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saturn ION in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 55000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2009 | 56000 | 30 | Ignition switch defective. Car would not start in cold weather. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn ION in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2008 | 43000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 53000 | 0 | Replaced Squeeking belt and resurfaced rotors to reduce vibration when braking at speeds over 50mph. |
| Mar | 2010 | 76000 | 0 | Saturn had sent me a notice of possible issues with the catalytic converter on my Redline. I had had some of the symptoms that they mentioned. ie SES light comes on for no reason in cold weather. Sometimes a loss of power in cold weather. |
| Jan | 2012 | 95000 | 100 | I had a clunking noise coming from the front end of the car. I replaced the swaybar bushings and endlinks. The endlinks were probably fine I figured I'll have them off might as well replace them also. Car runs much better now. On really cold days the car would not start. From visiting saturnfans.com I found the problem was the ignition switch setting off the security mode. Bought replacement switch and installed easily. No problems since. |
| Mar | 2013 | 106000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 56000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 69000 | 100 | plastic wiper transmission linkage was broken. replaced w metal version of OEM part. $90 delivered installed myself in about 30 min, dealers rumored to charge $300 to replace |
| Dec | 2010 | 71000 | 300 | I saw parking prake light was coming on while driving, suspected parking brake repair. Rear right caliper was leaking brake fluid and the light was a warning for low brake fluid. replaced caliper, bled brakes, and filled fluid. |
| Dec | 2012 | 67000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2009 | 64000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2010 | 65000 | 0 | Flex pipe failed. Covered under 8/80 catalytic converter warranty. |
| Dec | 2012 | 73000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in Maine, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2010 | 89000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 70000 | 496 | to pass state inspection - front linkage replacement & rear shocks; regular maintenance oil/lube, winterization - fluids & windshield wipers; recent previous repair - transmission serviced for gear slipping & new front tires |
| Jan | 2011 | 70000 | 0 | longterm, chronic intermittent starter failure, 2009 spring ($360) and Jan 2010 replacement of starter (warranty); diag-starter burned; optional bypass ignition system installed; electrical failure system; unresolved; not happy |
2004 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 CVT FWD
| Saturn ION in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2004 | 0 | Warranty repair of fuel filler hose. | |
| Apr | 2004 | 0 | Warranty recall fuel filter replacement. | |
| May | 2008 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn ION in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2009 | 55000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 57000 | 600 | front bushings and 60,000 check |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn ION in Arizona, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 56000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 58000 | 608 | Air conditioner quit blowing cold air when car stopped or idle. Replaced radiator fan. |
| Sep | 2009 | 60000 | 250 | New shock absorbers for rear of car. |
| Oct | 2009 | 61000 | 700 | Got new struts and shocks for front of the car. |
| Oct | 2011 | 83000 | 213 | Car made shuddering, stuttering noise in the area of left front tire when braking or getting up above 60mph. The shop corrected the problem (somewhat) by tightening [something]. Complete correction would cost 1000+; they advised waiting. |
| Nov | 2012 | 95300 | 800 | Leak from cracked engine block. |
| Mar | 2013 | 98000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2004 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| Saturn ION in Pennsylvania, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2006 | 110 | Replaced left rear shock absorber | |
| Feb | 2012 | 183700 | 188 | Replaced alternator and drive belt |
| Apr | 2012 | 188000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Saturn ION in Nebraska, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2007 | 0 | Replace back-up light switch-warranty | |
| Apr | 2008 | 75000 | 180 | Passkey system failure, seems to be common on these vehicle. |
| Aug | 2008 | 79000 | 224 | Windshield speckled and sandblasted causing difficulty at night with glare from oncoming traffic. |
| Dec | 2008 | 79000 | 150 | Replace windshield wiper drive assy due to breaking during ice accumulation |
| Feb | 2009 | 12 | Replace headlamp bulb | |
| Mar | 2010 | 94000 | 325 | Replaced engine management computer. Car died and had to be towed to shop. |
| Apr | 2010 | 95000 | 550 | Replaced cat converter and O2 sensors after reading codes that indicated system had failed. Found converter core loose and blocked, O2 sensor bad. |
| Apr | 2011 | 104000 | 789 | Told by authorized Saturn repair center that problem was BCM and would have to replace at cost estimated $1,100. Spent $89 for diagnostics. Had independent shop fix, did not remedy problem, at cost of $700 |
| May | 2011 | 104000 | 200 | Determined radio output making it to body connector, determined wiring shorting in right door. Repaired wires, repaired radio malfunction. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2004 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed automatic FWD
| Saturn ION in Quebec, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2005 | 0 | head suspension, bushing change on garanty | |
| Mar | 2006 | 0 | rear suspension, bushing change on garanty | |
| Saturn ION in Michigan, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 31000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2009 | 34000 | 75 | Replaced Swing Arm Bushing. |
| Aug | 2009 | 41000 | 0 | Sway bar bushings went bad |
| Apr | 2011 | 57000 | 76 | Replaced Front Rotors. |
| May | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Saturn ION in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2011 | 77000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 84000 | 25 | Replaced gas cap - threading was broken |
| Jan | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
Expert 2004 Saturn ION Repair Advice
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What People Are Saying about Problems with the 2004 Saturn ION
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