Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Saturn Ion owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While traveling between 70-75mph on I-35 southbound between 2nd st. Merge and 15th street exit in edmond OK, we went to change lanes (middle lane to right lane) and there was a sudden boom, the car lost control, began to spin out of control (numerous slides and 2-360 deg turns and being flung in a backwards motion). As we attempted to get to the side of the road, our car began to spin out of control - we spun into a 360 degree turn, car caught fire as the oil was dumped from my car and sprayed all along the underneath of my car and tires, we slid sideways towards concrete barrier separating n-s bound traffic, went into a second 360 degree turn, slid sideways - as we started heading once again forward towards oncoming traffic the vehicle suddenly started going backwards (even though car was in drive)... We finally stopped facing oncoming traffic in sideways motion. …
My daughter was going to work - she backed out of our driveway - put the car in drive - started forward and the car engine cut off - she could not steer the car and ran into two other cars on our street - hit one in the side and the other vehicle in the front on its driver side - we called Saturn and notified them of the issue - they sent a tow truck and took it 70 miles to the nearest dealership - they said that they had to call in a special representative to check it out - he called us back and said that he could not find anything in the computer that would have caused the issue and told us to come back and get the car (about a 140 mile trip to pick up a car we were afraid of which we paid over $15000.00 for) this caused over $2000.00 of damage to her car it caused our insurance company to pay out a unknown amount for the damage to the other 2 vehicles the issue also went on her …
Engine reduction, serious safety concern, was almost hit by a semi, engine reduction light comes on, lose power and car slows at a high rate causing extreme safety hazard in traffic, must pull off interstate turn car off to reset, happening 2-3 times a day, strong smell of gas, have a leak and it is not covered under the warranty, sooner or later someone is going to be cruising down the interstate and their Saturn is going to reduce engine power and they will not have time to get out of the way, they will be plowed down by a semi. Are we going to continue to allow GM to ignore this issue like they ignored the ignition switch probelms until it starts causing deaths, why not solve the issue before the deaths start to occur, it seems the older these year models get the worse this problem becomes. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. While driving approximately 15-20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to vandergriff Chevrolet (located at 1200 w interstate 20, arlington, tx 76017, [phone]) to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred five times. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 175,400. Updated 10/19/16 the consumer stated while driving, the steering locked up. She had to reduce her speed into order to maintain the steering wheel. The consumer turned the vehicle off, and the steering reset it self. The consumer has since experienced a similar incident. Updated 11/03/16.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. While driving various speeds on different occasions, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle stalled. In addition, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart and was taken to Chevrolet of dover (1450 s dupont hwy, dover, de 19901, [phone]), but the diagnosis and repairs were unknown to the contact. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 185,000.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. While driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled and had a loss of power steering and brake functionality. The vehicle crashed into two parked vehicles. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of failure. All three vehicles sustained body damage. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 25,000.
Takata recall the engine is on. When I turn the key to turn the engine off, the key doesn't go in the off position. I have to turn the engine on again and then try to turn the engine off.sometimes 2 or 3 times I have to turn the engine on and then try to turn the engine off. The car is parked.
A few weeks ago I noticed a smell of fuel coming from my car when I stop, or slow down. The last couple days the smell has bin getting stronger.. I see all these complaints, but nothing being done or it only for a few states. As a single mother of two I don't feel safe having my kids in the car.
Car inspection rejected codeb0092 pass presense system1 performance just put catalit converter and an engine in this car looking for tech. Service bul. Tsb3677 car is rejected demed unsafe to drive
Engine complaints in other Ion years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Saturn Ion?
NHTSA has 71 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Saturn Ion, 6% of the model year's 1,235 complaints. The component named most often is engine (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Saturn Ion engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Saturn Ion, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Saturn Ion engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.