2005 Saturn ION
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 756 |
| 2004 | 898 |
| 2005 | 573 |
| 2006 | 1235 |
| 2007 | 876 |
| 2008 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
45% of complaints: steering — 255 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
LOSS OF STEERING WHILE TURNING. RESULTED IN A CRASH AND OVER $2000.00 IN DAMAGE. CAR IS NOT DRIVEABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130530
I WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LINES ON MD I-97 NORTH BOUND FROM THE SLOW RIGHT LANE TO THE FAST LANE LEFT LANE. WHEN A CAR IN THE FAST LANE SPEED UP WHICH NEVER ALLOWED ME TO CHANGE LANES, I CONTINUED TO TRAVEL IN THE SAME SLOW RIGHT LANE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20051007
DRIVING HOME FROM WORK SUDDENLY I HAD EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. RESEARCH ONLINE INDICATES THIS MAKE MODEL AND YEAR HAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER USING VIN SEARCH I FIND NO RECALL INFORMATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180302
30% of complaints: electrical system — 173 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
My key is stuck in the I can take it out the o2 seners not reading
NHTSA ODI report, 20250313
7% of complaints: electrical system — 38 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: air bags — 29 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201117
TRAVELLING ON 580EB IN TRAFFIC. CAME TO A STOP, VEHICLE BEHIND ME DID NOT. HE WAS TRAVELLING AT APPROX 50MPH AND DEMOLISHED MY VEHICLE. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER SEAT BENT BACK TO FULLY RECLINED POSITION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130614
4% of complaints: exterior lighting — 23 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
Electric Power Steering Failure
Electric Power Steering Failure
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...
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.
Campaign 14E021000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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...
Campaign 14V171000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 14V047000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014.
Campaign 14V153000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Saturn ION — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (255 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (173 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14E021000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V171000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V153000 (steering) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2005 Saturn ION reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Saturn ION?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Saturn ION have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.