Fuel System complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while he was attempting to start the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he began to smell a fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle and also saw a fuel leak between the rear tires. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The contact called and made the local dealer aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V459000 (Fuel system, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact then noticed fuel leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V459000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.
The year, make, and model of my car has a factory recall for the fuel pump failing. I went to the dealership and they informed me my Vin # wasn't included and their was nothing they could do about it. My vehicle started leaking fuel last week so I dropped the tank and removed the fuel pump. I have done my homework on this including watching several videos on YouTube concerning this issue and I'm 100% positive this fuel pump has failed in the exact location that all the other recalls have and yet my Vin number isn't on the recall according to this GMC service department manager. I am going to have to put a fuel pump in at my expense today because it's my transportation for work but I'm very upset about this situation and GMCs failure to have my vehicle included and having to replace their defected fuel pump. …
The contact's mother owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that after driving the vehicle to his residence and parking the vehicle in the garage, he observed that a puddle of gasoline had accumulated overnight underneath the vehicle from the fuel tank by the driver's side rear wheel. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure might be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V419000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
When pressing the gas pedal 2/3 of the way down the pedal got stuck causing the engine to rev high while driving forward. I had to put the car in neutral, shut the engine off and manually get the gas pedal unstuck by reaching down to the floor and pulling the pedal upwards with my hands. Also I had no floor mats in my car for the pedal to get stuck on. This has happened on multiple occasions.
This car leaks fuel when filled and you can smell fuel coming from the car at all times. The check engine light is on and the code indicates that fuel is evaporating from the tank. This make and model has been recalled in several southern states where the fuel evaporates more quickly due to the temperature. The problem is worse as the temperature increases. Mr. Goodwrench and GM refuse to correct this problem without charging for their own diagnosis. It does not take certified mechanic to watch the fuel drip onto the ground or to read a code that has already been read. I have opened a claim with GM but the most assistance that is given is to schedule a service call & tow at my expense. I will not drive a car leaking gas and endanger my life and others to pay to find out it is still leaking gas from mr. Goodwrench.
Hi I am a kind of new owner of an 04 saturn ion, this is actually the second complaint I've filled out. Last July I had a mechanic friend look at my fuel filter and he had said the fuel line needed to be cut off becuase of how rusted on to the original fuel filter I'd got it with was and I didn't believe him so I replace it myself and when I got it off I had cleaned up the metal fuel line the best I could and put a new filter on. Well now it leaks gas right where the hook up is and very strong fuel smells come from there too, I've gotten numerous comments about how un safe that is to be driving it but I need to have a way to work and then someone had mentioned to check for recalls and I seen on there that this car did have a recall for faulty fuel filter gas lines. If you could get back to me as soon as possible about an inspection if needed or whatever else you'd need on my behalf. …
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 .. …
Related recalls (4)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona, California,…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 21, 2012.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
General motors is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet cobalt and Saturn ion vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of arizona and nevada; and model year 2007 Chevrolet cobalt, Pontiac g5 and Saturn ion vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of arizona, california,…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module free of charge. A special coverage will be implemented in the same time frame for model year 2006 vehicles registered in alabama, arkansas, california, florida, georgia, hawaii,…
Fuel system, other › Delivery › Fuel pump
Certain vehicles equipped with supercharged 2.0l 4-cylinder (lsj) engine were built with a fuel feed pipe that could crack and leak fuel near the fuel rail. If fuel leaks from the fuel feed pipe, there would be a noticeable fuel odor around the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel feed pipe assembly. Owner notification began on June 9, 2004. Owners should contact Saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
Fuel system, gasoline
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.2l 4-cylinder (l61) engines were built with a fuel filter that could corrode prematurely on the exterior surface.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel filter assembly. Owner notification began on December 30, 2003. Owners should contact Saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Ion years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (238), 2007 (208), 2004 (52), 2003 (34) and 2005 (27) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Saturn Ion fuel system problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 12V-459 (fuel pump, Sep 19, 2012); 09V-419 (fuel pump, Oct 29, 2009); 04V-281 (fuel pump, Jun 8, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Saturn Ion fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles; 18% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the delivery › fuel pump (63 mentions), followed by the delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (5).
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.