Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Saturn Ion owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The drivers side windshield wiper linkage failed at the junction of the metal rod and the plastic wiper mount causing the wiper to stop working. And the wiper arms are almost impossible to remove, even with a puller. Obviously this condition is a safety issue, and other GM vehicles have been recalled for the same issue. Why not the 2004 Saturn Ion?
After having my emissions tested in wi in which it passed at the time on or about May 27, 2015. About a week latet, I began to smell a gasoline smell coming from the diiver's side of the car, after I drove it and then parked it and turned off the ignition. I didn't see anything dripping from the car to the grounc, I noticed that the smell of gasoline became more and more prevalent until about June 17, 2015 when the smell was so great and I hadnt driven the car for well over a week because I was afraid something was leaking or would happen while driving. My brother smelled it also when I backed up and pulled forward. We checked under hood, but nothing and no spots on the ground. Took it to a garage and the mechanic and owner said that the fuel lines, fuel filter, etc. Needed replacing and r which cost approximately $263 .. …
Was guaranteed that nothing was wrong with it. I originally got a 2007 Ford escape by trading in my vehicle and 500 cash. They wanted me to put down an additional 900 down which I ended up not being able to do. So they offered to put me in another vehicle that was cheaper and I would not have to put any more money on. The 2004 Saturn Ion I received on 08/23/2016 not only had clutch issues which I said I would fix, but the battery light kept coming on and they assured me that nothing was wrong with the car mechanically. We did not even make it down the road before the vehicle broke down and had to have it towed. So now the car sits in my yard and I am out my original vehicle and the 500 cash I used originally plus towing charges and a vehicle I have to pay on that I cannot drive. I want them to come get the car and give back the 500 I wasted on two junk vehicles. …
The wiper arm on the driver's side starting flopping--it was no longer seated fully. I thought it was missing something simple, like a pin. Checked under the hood and discovered it wasn't that simple. I was quoted p&l from the dealer @ $364. This is outrageous. In 50 years of driving, I've never seen a wiper arm pop out. One day in a deluge, the arm hyper-extended off the windshield and I had to leave the road blind wondering if I was going to run into a ditch. Research has shown the reason this happened is due to use of plastic parts by GM and that people have had to replace their wiper assembly more than once. This is unacceptable and places a grave danger on users of these autos. This should be a recall issue!
I am not exactly sure on the dates of when we noticed the problems. So far I have had serious problems with my 04 Ion's front suspension, the cheaply made plastic wiper linkages that break easy while driving down the road making it difficult and dangerous while driving in rain, the ignition lock cylinder has been replaced 3 times so far because the part fails and you cannot start your car, and most recently I went to my local dealer to ask about a "clunking" noise it makes when going over any bumps to find out that there is a bulletin for a known steering linkage or steering motor (EPS) problem. I was told that on these cars the steering links/motor have tendancy to break! If that is to happen while driving down the road it could result in death! I've also done some searching online and found many forums/articles with others having the same problems with this specific make/model. …
Tl * the contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the vehicle would make a loud noise whenever she made a turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact stated that the windshield wiper malfunctioned. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 89,000 and the current mileage was 89,447. Updated 08/19/14 the consumer stated shortly after picking the vehicle up from the dealer, they key became stuck in the ignition and the vehicle would not turn off all of the electrical switches started going haywire , along with different warning signs.. The consumer returned to the dealer, where an inspection revealed the solenoid was damaged. A month prior, the ignition switch was replaced. …
My driver wiper is inoperable. The entire arm pivoted 180 opposite of its resting position while I was driving down a road going 50mph to clean my window. Initially my passenger side wasn't working at normal speed. It seemed 'sluggish'. So I increased the speed of the wipers until it reached its highest level. This occurred 1 day after about 8 inches of snow fell including ice. This is very dangerous because I was driving down a busy highway. After I reached my destination I removed the blade from the arm so the entire wiper would not interfere with traffic. An auto mechanic stated the piece is made of plastic. I am fighting my extended warranty company to replace the piece at no charge. They stated they would only cover the wiper motor, but not the wiper transmission. Reading other reviews, others are having the same problem. …
My concern is in relation to the ongoing malfunction of the windshield wiper system as a whole. I have not a had proper functioning windshield wiper system since 2011 when the problem began. First occurrence was while driving approx 40mph on the interstate during a moderate snowfall when the driver side wiper arm seemed to go off track and forcefully overextend to the left, completely off of the windshield. It stayed in that position until I could pull over and place the wiper back onto the windshield. It's not been resolved as the assessments have been conflicting, I.e. Loose bolt/nut, needs new motor, or replace entire system. I had both blades tied together so they would stay on course but that had its own effect on the passenger side wiper arm. It's become so bad that I cannot drive in the rain/snow due to no visibility with ineffective wiper. …
Windshield wiper fluid pump! I live in las vegas, so you would not think that the pump motor would go out after about a dozen times of use but it did!! Called up the dealership said to bring it in. After upon getting the item looked at told me that heavy use of the item leads to pump mal-function. I then told them we live in the desert! No rain or snow, how could I heavily use this item. So they replaced the pump at a whopping 250.00 dollars. Six months later... You guessed it pump out again. They then give me the same lines from above. They then want me to replace the motor again! I told them that maybe they gave me a faulty product or that it was remanufactured. They told me no that it is a brand new part never used. So I cant just have no fluid on a long road trip during the winter months so I paid for it again! This should go under a recall!! …
I was driving down a busy highway during a snow storm, my wiper on the driver side began acting funny. Then went up past my windshield kicking the wiper completely off onto the highway, making it impossible for me to see anything. I found it is something to do with the windshield motor assembly. Which I am now trying to get a new one. Every junk yard I have gone to says the same thing...every part that I need they pull out and it is also broken on the same models. Saturn has told me there is no recall on this part. Why is there no recall if it is broken in every Saturn!?
Related recalls
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" position and the front passenger door is opened.
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.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Ion years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2004 Saturn Ion?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2004 Saturn Ion, 2% of the model year's 898 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Saturn Ion window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-004 (power window devices and controls, Jan 5, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Saturn Ion window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.