NHTSA vehicle safety data
2003 Saturn Ion Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2003 Saturn Ion has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 758 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Saturn dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Saturn Ion, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2003 Saturn Ion owner complaints
Owners have filed 758 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Saturn Ion, describing incidents dated October 30, 2002 to October 9, 2026.
Most-cited components
- Electrical System 383 complaints
- Steering 139 complaints
- Engine 79 complaints
- Power Train 55 complaints
- Air Bags 49 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 38 complaints
Of the 758 complaints on file, 43 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 758 complaints, owners report 36 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11771033 · Filed
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System); however, the recall repair failed to prevent the failure from occurring shortly after. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed…
ODI #11755714 · Filed
I took my 2003 Saturn ion to my local Chevrolet dealership in Lincoln Illinois and they refused to complete the recall issues (2) both are to do with the ignition and keys.thwy told me it was not fixable it needed a whole steering column that would cost me they said around $800.so it has now been 2…
ODI #11674132 · Filed
After I did the recall several years ago, the problem came back. The key will not come out of the ignition. It's happened many times.
Owner-reported
2003 Saturn Ion mileage at failure
550 of the 758 complaints on file for the 2003 Saturn Ion give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.
| Component | Median | Middle half | Based on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | Median 70,000 miles | Middle half 45,000–95,000 miles | Based on 260 complaints |
| Steering | Median 100,000 miles | Middle half 65,000–135,000 miles | Based on 117 complaints |
| Engine | Median 70,000 miles | Middle half 14,000–105,000 miles | Based on 57 complaints |
| Power Train | Median 45,000 miles | Middle half 5,000–90,000 miles | Based on 43 complaints |
| Vehicle Speed Control | Median 80,000 miles | Middle half 19,000–115,000 miles | Based on 32 complaints |
A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.
Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.
These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.
Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 Saturn Ion in 5 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Preliminary Evaluation PE07-011: WINDSHIED WIPER LINKAGE FAILURE
Closed August 9, 2007
- Preliminary Evaluation PE06-006: TIMING CHAIN FAILURE
Closed June 6, 2006
- Defect Petition DP05-008: TIMING CHAIN FAILURE
Closed February 6, 2006
- Engineering Analysis EA04-035: FRONT TURN SIGNAL/DRL FAILURE
Closed October 20, 2005
- Preliminary Evaluation PE04-061: FRONT TURN SIGNAL/DRL FAILURE
Closed December 22, 2004
Aftermarket Replacement Ignition Switches
NHTSA #14E021000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Switch · NHTSA notice
Reported April 30, 2014 · UCI-FRAM Group
Potentially affected: 14,529 vehicles
Repair completion: 35.65% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified April 4, 2014
Defect description
UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.
Safety consequence
If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.
Manufacturer remedy
UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Key Can Be Removed when Ignition is not Off
NHTSA #14V171000 · Electrical System — Ignition · NHTSA notice
Reported April 10, 2014 · General Motors LLC
Potentially affected: 2,191,014 vehicles
Repair completion: 71.62% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 14113,14133 · Owners notified April 18, 2014 · Vehicles built June 1, 2002 – July 24, 2003 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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 ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
Safety consequence
If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
Manufacturer remedy
General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Ignition Switch may Turn Off
NHTSA #14V047000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice
Reported February 10, 2014 · General Motors LLC
Potentially affected: 2,190,934 vehicles
Repair completion: 71.71% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 13454/14063/14092 · Owners notified April 18, 2014 · Vehicles built June 1, 2002 – July 24, 2003 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.
Safety consequence
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GMs recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS
NHTSA #09E012000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice
Reported April 7, 2009 · SABERSPORT
Potentially affected: 16,270 vehicles
Owners notified May 11, 2009
Defect description
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Safety consequence
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Notes
THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT.THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
GM/SATURN/DRL TURN SIGNAL BULB REPLACEMENT
NHTSA #04V547000 · Exterior Lighting — Turn Signal · NHTSA notice
Reported November 16, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Potentially affected: 178,798 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 04095 · Owners notified November 17, 2004 · Vehicles built June 1, 2002 – July 31, 2003 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
IF A FRONT TURN SIGNAL LAMP IS INOPERATIVE, OTHERS MAY REACT MORE SLOWLY TO A TURNING VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRL/TURN SIGNAL BULB ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SIDE AND INSPECT FOR AND ADD A DRL JUMPER KIT IF NOT PRESENT. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
Notes
GM RECALL NO. 04095.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
GM/FMVSS 118/POWER WINDOWS/SUNROOF
NHTSA #04V004000 · Visibility — Power Window Devices and Controls · NHTSA notice
Reported January 5, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Potentially affected: 79,204 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 03069 · Owners notified December 30, 2003 · Vehicles built June 1, 2002 – September 30, 2003 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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" POSITION AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR IS OPENED.
Safety consequence
IF UNSUPERVISED CHILDREN ARE LEFT UNATTENDED IN THE VEHICLE AND OPERATE THE POWER WINDOWS OR SUNROOF, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 30, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
Notes
GM RECALL NO. 03069.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
GM/FUEL FILTER CORROSION
NHTSA #04V003000 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice
Reported January 5, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Potentially affected: 127,285 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 03068 · Owners notified December 30, 2003 · Vehicles built June 1, 2002 – September 30, 2003 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
IF CORROSION ON THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE FUEL FILTER PROGRESSES TO THE POINT OF CREATING A HOLE IN THE SHELL, FUEL DROPLETS COULD FORM AND DROP TO THE GROUND. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 30, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
Notes
GM RECALL NO. 03068.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Other Saturn Ion model years
Check your 2003 Saturn Ion VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Saturn Ion at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a Saturn VIN