2003 Saturn ION Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

5 safety recalls on file

The 2003 Saturn ION has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 758 complaints with NHTSA, including 43 crashes, 4 fires, 36 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (396 reports).

5Recalls
758Owner complaints
43Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your ION?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2003 Saturn ION recalls

Electrical System:Ignition

Recall 14V171Apr 10, 20142,191,014 vehicles affected

Air Bags; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch

Recall 14V047Feb 10, 20142,190,934 vehicles affected

Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal

Recall 04V547Nov 16, 2004178,798 vehicles affected

Fuel System, Gasoline

Recall 04V003Jan 5, 2004127,285 vehicles affected

Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls

Recall 04V004Jan 5, 200479,204 vehicles affected

Most common 2003 Saturn ION problems

Problem areas named in the 758 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Electrical System396
Steering140
Engine And Engine Cooling59
Power Train57
Air Bags49
Vehicle Speed Control38
Exterior Lighting36
Visibility33
Engine21
Structure19

What owners report

2026-10-14, Electrical System
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 speed, the steering wheel became stiff, the speedometer failed to display the accurate velocity, the fog lights would not deactivate, and several other electrical features failed. The check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
2026-08-09, Engine
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 weeks my car has been there at Graue Chevrolet Dealership unfixed and they refused to fix please help me it's my only means of transportation and I have health issues that I have to go to Dr appointments quite frequently.
2025-07-16, Steering
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.
2024-09-19, Electrical System
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that less than a minute after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality, with the power steering failure message was displayed. The contact stated that after shifting to park(P), the contact would wiggle the key around in the ignition before being able to remove the key from the ignition switch. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,350.
2024-09-05, Electrical System
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that occasionally the key failed to turn while in the ignition. The vehicle was slow to start. The contact had to avoid bumps in the roadway while driving. The lock symbol was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V171000 (Electrical System) and 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who declined to service the recall repairs due to an insurance issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called anoth

2003 Saturn ION questions

Does the 2003 Saturn ION have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2003 Saturn ION: Electrical System:Ignition; Air Bags; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch; Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal; Fuel System, Gasoline; Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Saturn ION?

Based on 758 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (396), Steering (140), Engine And Engine Cooling (59).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Saturn ION has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Saturn ION years

Other 2003 Saturn models