| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
Expensive Saturn ION repairs by problem area
Engine (29%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (22%)
Brakes and Traction Control (0%)
Suspension and Steering (29%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (14%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (2%)
Other (4%)
Chart based on 49 repairs.
Saturn ION repair cost distribution
$2500+ (11%)
$1000 - $2499 (89%)
$500 - $999 (0%)
$100 - $499 (0%)
< $100 (0%)
Chart based on 27 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2007 Saturn ION 4dr Sedan
175-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 49300 mi US $1200 |
Passenger side front wheel bearing needed replacement. |
| 90380 mi C $800 |
wheel bearing/hub assembly (right front) and rear coil springs. |
| 92460 mi C $350 |
fuel line leak, rotted out in several places |
| 117800 mi C $300 |
Stabiliser bar linkage had play and needed to be replaced as it was causing vibration during braking |
| 122340 mi C $1200 |
rear shocks plus some brake work and new tires |
| 14880 mi C $543 |
Sun roof drains were clogged and caused small leakage / drip in interior. But water supposedly also accumulated in A or B pillar causing front driver door switch to be corroded/ malfunction - in turn causing problems with the interior lighting. |
| 34300 mi C $200 |
Replaced failed intermediate shaft to eliminate annoying ratting noise from under dash. This is a known failure with Ions and Cobalts Clunking metallic noise on bumpy roads. Vertical bushings in lower control arms have split replaced with Moog solid bushings/ and new control arm - as this was less work since I do not have a press. |
| 35960 mi C $200 |
Check engine code P0172 rich fuel limit reached, fuel pump over pressure at 90 psig. Put in complete new pump/float/ filter assembly from Rockauto for $200. Pressure is now 60 psig. Code eliminated and adaptive memory in normal range. |
| 51460 mi C $1350 |
Leaking transmission cooling hoses replaced Left axle seal leaking |
2007 Saturn ION 4dr Sedan
145-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 25600 mi US $1000 |
Clutch went at about 26,000 miles. Was always easy on the clutch too. First car I ever had, I needed to replace the clutch. ALSO...Need to go to dealer for recall. Power steering fails at times, ignition turns off at times. Recalls |
| 30200 mi US $800 |
Front end, suspension, axle. Low miles too. |
| 46000 mi US $475 |
Complet brake job, made custom parts because of rust, etc. |
2007 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 35743 mi C $240 |
changed pads and rotors |
| 37600 mi C $480 |
fuel pump leaking gazoline smell |
| 55180 mi C $1300 |
Had to replace the compressor |
| 57000 mi C $560 |
replaced injectors |
| 61880 mi C $430 |
gazoline leak from the line |
| 62000 mi C $200 |
replace both coil springs and rear shocks |
| 63740 mi C $1000 |
Replace both control arms, front shocks, and stabeliser link kits |
| 70060 mi C $130 |
replaced battery |
2007 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
175-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 67000 mi US $100 |
Door seal super slow leak. |
| 114000 mi US $820 |
Heater core strangely started leaking one day. Very unusual to happen on these cars, which is why the part cost so much (no one carries it in stock, even dealer)! Had it fixed in 1 day; however, it is a 5 hr labor rate. |
| 156200 mi US $740 |
Replaced front struts and rear shocks. |
| 182000 mi US $1200 |
Camshaft Position Solenoids and Timing Chain Replacement |
| 196000 mi US $880 |
Passenger-side Inner Tie-Rod replacement. Replaced both Control Arms due to Subframe rubber bushing wear. Also included new ball joints as they are part of the Control Arm assembly. Rear fuel line replacement, both High and Low Pressure lines. Fuel Filter included. |
| 197000 mi US $700 |
Steering Rack replacement |
| 198000 mi US $150 |
Knock Sensor |
2007 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
145-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 100000 mi US $800 |
Replaced struts, rear shocks,sway bar bushings Replaced condenser, purge and recharge refrigerant |
| 113500 mi US $1200 |
Replaced front wheel bearings Replaced corroded fuel line |
| 134000 mi US $125 |
Replaced A/C heater head module. (Fan speed, vent control, tenp adjustment) |
| 93500 mi US $294 |
Replaced rear shock absorbers |
| 109000 mi US $232 |
Electronic Control Module (ECM) had to be reprogrammed due to throttle body cleaning. |
| 126200 mi US $120 |
Replaced left and right headlight assemblies (lenses). The OEM lenses were foggy. |
| 127000 mi US $1469 |
- Could not change gears (manual transmission) - Diagnosed as bad clutch hydraulic slave cylinder - New clutch kit / slave cylinder installed to correct the problem. |
2007 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
145-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 62400 mi US $1150 |
Blew out engine. Replaced engine. |
2006 Saturn ION 4dr Sedan
170-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 55180 mi C $574 |
Hear rattling noise in/near steering column. Similar to when i had steering column replaced a couple of years ago. Tech didn't detect the noise, he inspected steering components and didn't see anything. Still hear it, not too serious yet. |
| 78680 mi C $1760 |
New brakes all around (new pads, rotors, drums and shoes) New control arm bushings (both) New sway bar (right front) coolant flush, new brake fluid, fuel line recall check, |
| 89280 mi C $1100 |
Replaced both front struts that were serverely needing replacement |
| 102300 mi C $230 |
Bushings Flex pipe rusted through |
2006 Saturn ION 4dr Sedan
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 55000 mi US $500 |
Check engine light came on. Diagnosis result: engine thermostat was 'barely functional'. Actions taken: Replaced thermostat and flushed radiator. Problem fixed. |
| 59000 mi US $350 |
Turn signal bulb burned out. Third time in one year. Previously burnt out bulbs left melted contacts. Shop cleaned up contact area and replaced bulb. Rear shock absorbers leaking fluid. Replaced both shocks. Ride more comfortable now, especially when entering and leaving driveways or going over speed bumps. |
| 59000 mi US $400 |
Both shock absorbers leaking fluid. Replaced both. Riding experience improved noticeably after repair. |
| 79000 mi US $300 |
Transmission coolant line leak. Part had to ordered from Detroit since even local GM/Saturn dealer did not carry it. Paid $40 extra for next-day shipping. Problem solved. |
| 79000 mi US $300 |
Key stuck. Had to replace gear shifter assembly, ignition cylinder, and ignition housing. Then the steering wheel became stuck and the airbag light went on. Replaced clock spring, too, and now everything runs fine. Lower front control bushings worn out. Had to order part from Detroit. Turns out, the rear bushings need to be repaired, too, but I'm waiting for another time. Rear passengers will still feel bumps when riding. |
| 85000 mi US $400 |
Very bumpy ride. Rear passengers get carsick. Bushings/front strut links replaced. Ride quality significantly improved after repair. |
| 93000 mi US $500 |
Problem: Engine light flashing and rough acceleration. Error code diagnosed as misfire in cylinder. Coil pack replaced. Repair completed successfully. |
| 104000 mi US $250 |
Trunk support bar snapped in half. Trunk unable to stay open. Replacement part required special order. Once repaired, the trunk is good as new. Paint stripped off the rocker/runner area where people step on before entering car. Shop repainted entire area and touched up other scratches elsewhere. Shop matched paint so car still looks good after 100,000 miles. |
| 104800 mi US $180 |
Front struts were worn and had to be replaced. Re-lubricated all bushings and related chassis parts. Ride is smoother but you can still hear creaking sound at low speeds. |
| 109000 mi US $1180 |
Airbag error light appeared on dashboard. Mechanic determined that air bag sensor in the front passenger seat was faulty. Had to replace the entire housing unit in the seat and get a GM technician to reset the error light. |
| 131000 mi US $150 |
Power steering failed while driving. Upon restarting the car, the power steering restored. Mechanic evaluated problem and replaced a blown fuse. |
| 135000 mi US $1500 |
Power steering fails, then reboots when the car is restarted. This is a constant problem. With the repair estimated at over $1500 on a car worth under $3k, we will be buying a replacement car instead of repairing. Common issue on 2006 Ion2 |
2006 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
170-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 80600 mi C $300 |
Shocks were going when I purchased the car at 77 000kms. At about 112,000kms, not longer could safely drive car. Back shocks replaced and fronts need to be done. |
| 94240 mi C $550 |
Shocks were replaced |
| 106620 mi C $350 |
all shocks and front bushings |
| 119340 mi C $100 |
Purchased wheel bearing and installed myself Replaced struts, NOT quick struts Left and right control arms Replaced hub/bearing Replaced rotors and pads |
| 176700 mi C $5000 |
New clutch etc. installed Gaskets replaced. Alternator seized. Compressor replaced. Tie rods replaced Battery died after 11 years! Both front seat belts replaced. |
2006 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
170-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 31000 mi C $700 |
Severely cracked window, replaced. Cause unclear. Arrived at a friends after four hour drive, didn't have crack, went out that night and I did. It wasn't a chip but a crack that quickly spider webbed through the glass. |
| 44500 mi C $150 |
Engine warning light was on it, appears that it was a false warning caused by a sensor problem. |
| 37920 mi C $300 |
Had to replace carburateur |
| 68400 mi C $700 |
Saturn Ions have a GM recall on the power steering. It goes out while driving |
| 73020 mi C $2500 |
Timing chain needed to be replaced |
2006 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 63000 mi US $1200 |
suspension work was somewhat preventative, front sway bushings were sheared and required replacement. hard to assign $ to "reactive" vs "preventative" work, a lot of the labor overlapped |
| 76000 mi US $800 |
Replaced stabilizer links and front R wheel bearing (unplanned) O2 sensor had been causing a CEL, replaced. (planned) Confirmed suspected exhaust/muffler leaks, putting that maintenance off until spring. |
| 78000 mi US $120 |
Repaired exhaust leak, simple exhaust piping replacement using generic tubing and old heat shields |
| 60000 mi US $400 |
Control arm bushings replaced. Power steering failure. |
| 65300 mi US $1000 |
Both front struts and rear shocks replaced due to significant leaking. Significant fuel leak developed at the fuel pump assembly. Unit replaced. |
| 83000 mi US $500 |
Radiator fan failed and required replacement. |
| 104000 mi US $300 |
Oil change plus wheel bearing replacement. |
| 116000 mi US $230 |
Large emissions system leak reported by check engine light. Inspected and replaced failing evap purge and vent solenoids. |
2005 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
supercharged 205hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 97000 mi US $1400 |
fuel and return line replaced - rusted from factory heat shield holding water |
| 101000 mi US $1000 |
front bearings replaced |
2005 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD
| 36000 mi US $1100 |
Clunking noise from front suspension. Shop diagnosed as needing a new steering yoke. Battery would not hold a charge. Replaced battery. |
2004 Saturn ION
Engine not specified
| 101000 mi US $2000 |
This was the SECOND time the trans went! |
2004 Saturn ION 4dr Sedan
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed automatic FWD
| 124000 mi US $1300 |
Timing belt broke. |
| 72000 mi US $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. |
| 107000 mi US $2100 |
Had 4 shocks replaced 4 struts replaced and 4 bushings replaced. Also had the headlights cleaned/buffed. |
2003 Saturn ION
Engine not specified
| 57000 mi US $278 |
coolant display indicator problem, comes on and goes off randomly. |
| 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. |
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 |
| 148768 mi US $1284 |
replaced alternator |
2003 Saturn ION 4dr Sedan
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 166300 mi US $1000 |
Replace passenger axle, leaking rotted fuel lines leaking fuel, replaced |
| 291000 mi US $400 |
Starter had to be replaced, car would not start in cold weather. Originally thought to be battery, but passed all tests, was actually the starter. |
2003 Saturn ION 4dr Sedan
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed automatic FWD
| 53000 mi US $1800 |
transmission replaced, because not shifting properly, Still did not shift properly after replacement. |
| 64000 mi US $650 |
Calipers, Pads, Turn the Rotors, New Brake Fluid |
| 78300 mi US $550 |
Oxygen Sensor and Oil Change |
| 92000 mi US $1000 |
Struts needed to be replaced. Replaced radiator hoses. |
| 94000 mi US $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. |
2003 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 CVT FWD
| 70000 mi US $890 |
Loud growling noise. Replaced both front wheel hub bearings. Loud growling noise. Replaced both front wheel hub bearings. |
| 71000 mi US $2300 |
replaced CVT due to P0700 DTC replaced CVT due to P0700 DTC |
| 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. |
| 89000 mi US $110 |
Loud clunking noise from front end when it ran over potholes. Replaced front stabilizer bar bushings. |
| 99000 mi US $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. |
| 112600 mi US $326 |
CVT fluid leaks. Dealer replaced transmission output shaft seal. CVT fluid leaks. Dealer replaced transmission output shaft seal. |
2003 Saturn ION 4dr Coupe
140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed automatic FWD
| 50500 mi US $200 |
driver side wiper transmission needed to be replaced. |
| 52000 mi US $200 |
O2 sensor and another sensor. |
| 60500 mi US $204 |
Sway bar replacement (2) |
| 67000 mi US $1400 |
Typical issue with Ions. |
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