Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering column became inoperable, and the steering wheel locked up. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated restarted the vehicle and was able to safely drive to her destination. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice within six months. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
While driving the car has issues with power steering when turning the wheel either direction the steering will lose power steering and jerk the opposite direction turning. I have almost been in numerous accidents now the worst going 75 on highway passing semi around a corner and it jerked and almost sent me right not the semi. This has happened numerous times as I was passing vehicles. Its not a steady no power steering it will do it out of the blue and anymore it's more times than not and again only when turning the wheel. It's scary. Our vin # isn't specified with the recall but has serious power steering issue. No warning lamps or anything like that. We have not had this vehicle inspected yet by a dealership. As far as the incident date it's not one specific date. It does this every day the car is driven.
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that the instrument panel and radio were intermittently inoperable. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed to turn to the OFF position as needed intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and turning the steering wheel to the right to make a right turn, the steering was significantly wobbly. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V171000 (Electrical System) and 14V153000 (Steering). Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to the Subaru dealer, where it was purchased. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown Chevrolet dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. …
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated while exiting a driveway and making a turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir and there was power steering fluid in the reservoir. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 90,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the power steering message was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the NHTSA campaign number: 14V153000 (Steering) but the failure occurred. The failure mileage was 167,000.
It says I have 0 I repaired recalls. I have had the powers steering fail 2x. More importantly, the ignition cylinder locks up and I can't get my keys out. I have to wait most times after turning the car off - for 3-5 minutes through a series of clicking noises in the ignition before the key will release. It is concerning because sometimes I have to get out immediately and the keys don't release. The car automatically locks itself and if I don't roll the window down- I become locked out. It yesterday had a issue with ignition all together and I wonder if it's related. I was made aware again there were many recalls on this issue and hoped to get it repaired. However it now states there are none unrepaired. I'm wondering if it is a ongoing problem with the vehicle, it's repair parts etc and if it's just not been addressed because it's so old that so few are left on the road. Thank you. …
The car doesn't always want to release the key. I have to stick my finger up in the column to push the little button to release it which is not convenient at all. It seems to do it if the wheels aren't completely straight. But still even with the steering wheel straight, sometimes it wont come out if its on a slight hill. Ive had a new key made and it makes no difference, no check engine light and auto technician said the ignition looks fine. Ive read tons of reports like this on the 2004 saturn ion 2-why isn't this being addressed?
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Ion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, excessive force was needed to maneuver the steering wheel on several occasions. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he replaced the electric power steering motor; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic for additional diagnostic test or repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Related recalls (1)
Steering › Electric power assist system
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.
NHTSA investigations
Electric Power Steering Failure
ODI has received 846 complaints and GM identified 3,489 reports alleging sudden loss of steering power assist in model year (MY) 2004 through 2007 Saturn Ion vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).Sixteen of these complaints alleged that the EPS warning lamp had illuminated before or during the loss of steering assist and the increased steering effort contributed to a crash.
Electric Power Steering Failure
On March 31, 2014, General Motors Company (GM) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist in approximately 1,340,447 model year (MY) 2004 through 2010 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS), including 334,728 MY 2004 through 2007 Saturn ION vehicles that are the subject of EA11-014.GM has assigned the recall…
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Ion years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (544), 2007 (408), 2004 (345), 2005 (265) and 2003 (139) model years. Steering complaints make up 44% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Saturn Ion steering problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-153 (electric power assist system, Mar 31, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Saturn Ion steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the electric power assist system (55 mentions), followed by the column (16).
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.