Model year
2003 Saturn Ion
NHTSA lists 5 recalls and 758 complaints for the 2003 Saturn Ion (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (230), STEERING (129), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH (68). NHTSA lists 5 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 24–25 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,700–$2,800, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2003 758 complaints
- 2004 898 complaints
- 2005 573 complaints
- 2006 1,235 complaints
- 2007 876 complaints
Recalls
14V171000 · Apr 10, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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…
14V047000 · Feb 10, 2014
AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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)…
04V547000 · Nov 16, 2004
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
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.
04V004000 · Jan 5, 2004
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
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"…
04V003000 · Jan 5, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Complaints
758 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 43, fire flag on 4, injury field 36, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE04061 | FRONT TURN SIGNAL/DRL FAILURE · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL | Aug 17, 2004 | Dec 22, 2004 |
| EA04035 | FRONT TURN SIGNAL/DRL FAILURE · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL | Dec 22, 2004 | Oct 20, 2005 |
| DP05008 | TIMING CHAIN FAILURE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | Dec 20, 2005 | Feb 6, 2006 |
| PE06006 | TIMING CHAIN FAILURE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | Jan 24, 2006 | Jun 6, 2006 |
| PE07011 | WINDSHIED WIPER LINKAGE FAILURE · VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER; VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES | Feb 28, 2007 | Aug 9, 2007 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ion · 2.2L · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 29 | 24 | — | — | $2,800 |
| Ion · 2.2L · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 29 | 24 | — | — | $2,800 |
| Ion · 2.2L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 22 | 30 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Saturn Ion at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.