2008 Saturn Ion problems

Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

Social links

Common 2008 Saturn Ion problems

The Saturn Ion, produced between 2003 and 2007, has been known to have a few common issues based on complaints from its owners. Here are the top problems found in the Saturn Ion:

Check Engine Light and Misfire Due to Ignition Module/Coil Failure: Another common problem in the Saturn Ion is ignition module/coil failure, which can cause the check engine light to come on and result in misfires. This issue can be caused by wear and tear on the ignition module or coil, or by a faulty sensor.

Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue: A loose or faulty gas cap can also cause the check engine light to come on in the Saturn Ion. This problem is usually easy to diagnose and fix by simply tightening or replacing the gas cap.

Transmission Problems: Transmission issues are also common in the Saturn Ion, with many owners reporting problems with shifting, slipping, and jerking. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including low transmission fluid levels, worn or damaged transmission components, or faulty sensors.

Power Steering, Gas Cap Issues, Ignition Module Failure: Specifically for the 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007 models, power steering, gas cap issues, and ignition module failure are common problems. These issues can be caused by wear and tear on the power steering system, faulty sensors, or worn or damaged ignition module/coil.

Ignition Issues: Ignition problems have been reported by many Saturn Ion owners, with drivers reporting that the key may remain stuck in the slot after turning the vehicle off. Ignition problems have resulted in several recalls, with complaints still being reported as late as 2022.

Fuel System Complaints: Drivers have reported a strong gasoline odor in the cabin of the Saturn Ion, which can be caused by a fuel leak or a broken fuel pump module. The car has been recalled several times for fuel system issues, with complaints still being reported as late as October 2022.

Steering Issues: Around half of the complaints received by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2007 Saturn Ion are for issues with the steering, with drivers reporting the power steering going out despite a recall issued in 2014.

Electrical Complaints: 212 electrical complaints have been reported for the 2007 Saturn Ion, pointing to ignition issues, with drivers reporting that the key may remain stuck in the slot after turning the vehicle off. Ignition problems have resulted in several recalls, with complaints still being reported as late as 2022.

Wheel Bearing Failure: This issue can cause internal damage to the transmission, and the only solution is to replace the damaged components .

It is important to note that while these issues are common, not all Saturn Ion owners will experience them. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these problems and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.

What is the problem with Saturn cars?

What is the lifespan of a Saturn Ion?

Saturn Ion drivers regularly report the car surpassing 200,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. With excellent care there's no reason an Ion can't shoot right past a quarter million miles, but you'll have to be on the lookout for excessive wear and tear from previous owners.

Are Saturn engines reliable?

Some of the most common weaknesses in Saturn reliability are the internal components and comfort features. While Saturn engines, transmissions, suspension, and brakes have tended to hold up well over long use, the seals on their doors, seats and internal finish haven't always held up as well.

How many miles can you get out of a 2008 Saturn Vue?

A well-maintained 2008 Saturn Vue should last around 150,000 miles, half as long as top-rated competitors like the Honda CR-V.

2008 Saturn Ion car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saturn Ion problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Visibility/wiper problems
Air bags problems
Electrical system problems
Visibility problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Saturn Ion vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2008 Saturn Ion complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Saturn Ion.

2015-07-24

VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-02-28
VIN: 1G8AZ55F06Z
Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
Summary: MY WIPERS FAILED. I COULD HEAR THE WIPER MOTOR RUNNING, BUT THE TRANSMISSION AND LINKAGE HAD FAILED. I TOOK MY CAR TO A MECHANIC WHO FIXED THE ISSUE, BUT IT HAPPENED AGAIN ABOUT A YEAR LATER. I CAN GRAB A WIPER ARM AND MANUALLY MOVE THE WIPERS. BOTH WIPERS MOVE WHEN I MOVE ONE ARM. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH BOTH THE WIPER LINKAGE (WHICH HAS A PLASTIC PIECE THAT IS PRONE TO FAILURE) AND THE WIPER TRANSMISSION FAILING.

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2014-07-21

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-09-22
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
VIN: JTLKE50E581
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN HEAD ON CRASH BUT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,200.

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2014-02-27

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-02-27
Fire: 1
VIN: JTKKU10478J
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

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2011-02-18

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2011-02-15
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SATURN ION. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAD CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR INSPECTED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2008 Saturn Ion problems:

Ion Redline & Reliability | Saturn ION RedLine Forums

https://www.redlineforums.com/threads/ion-redline-reliability.33512/

May 15, 2008 ... While people, like me, who severely abuse their cars (road racing, drag racing, etc.) have had very few if any reliability issues. It's all just ...

Saturn Ion Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues

https://repairpal.com/problems/saturn/ion

Top Saturn Ion Problems · Power Steering Failure · Check Engine Light and Misfire Due to Ignition Module/Coil Failure · Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue.

Is this a common problem? | Saturn ION RedLine Forums

https://www.redlineforums.com/threads/is-this-a-common-problem.1174/

Mar 7, 2005 ... I've noticed that my car pulls to the left a little, I thought it was slightly out of alignment or have unequal front tire pressure or ...

2006 Saturn Ion reliability? - Saturn Forum - Saturn Enthusiasts ...

https://www.saturnforum.com/forum/saturn-ion-22/2006-saturn-ion-reliability-11854/

Nov 27, 2019 ... Saturn Ion - 2006 Saturn Ion reliability? - I'm looking at a 2006 Saturn Ion sedan 2 with 83k miles. I'm wondering how many miles you guys ...