Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Had vehicle taken in for ignition switch recall per notice. After repairs for which my vehicle was in shop for almost 30 days, I was given vehicle back. After 2 weeks the ignition switch would still stick and not allow for the key to be returned to the off switch after several tries. I just have dealt with this for awhile now, but not it is becoming more of an issue and I feel the recall parts are not working.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. While attempting to turn off the vehicle, the key remained in the on position. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the shift cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 7/9/15
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that upon switching gears to reverse, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound. The contact stated that she was unable to shift gears and continued to drive the vehicle in third gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the clutch was fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to their location in two weeks for diagnosis. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.
I've had my car in the shop twice for the ignition switch. One of the times GM paid for it due to a recall within months the car was back into passlock light coming on car stalling while in movement key stuck in ignition have to wiggle it to get it back into the turn off position. This last time as of today the car will not run you have trouble getting the key out of a lock the passlock is showing on the car dashboard.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Saturn Ion. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the gear shift failed to switch into the reverse position without warning.the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, the contact mentioned that there was a fuel odor emitting from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel line was rusted and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Events leading up to the failure: upon engaging the clutch (pressing on the pedal as usual) I heard a loud pop/crack noise and the pedal became very loose and went all the way to the floor very easily. Date/time/place of failure: on 4-19-2011 at 9:20 am while parked in a residential parking lot. The failure is described as the clutch pedal not properly engaging the hydraulic clutch due to a bracket or some other part of the assembly's breakage. This bracket holds a piston in proper place to actuate the hydraulic clutch as the pedal is depressed to the floor. Since the bracket is broken, the clutch will not engage fully, if at all. I have temporarily placed double-sided foam tape where the bracket used to be on the pedal so that the piston rod can remain somewhere close to its original mounted position - so that I May drive the vehicle. …
My car has a standard transmission and the clutch pedal assembly failed causing dangerous and difficult shifting between gears. The end of the clutch pedal assembly is plastic and it broke at the juncture where it meets the transmission. Unbelievably, general motors (GM) knew of the problem but took no remedial action. Complaint letters on the internet clearly show GM has known about the problem for awhile but taken no action. It cost me $609.74 to have the safety problem fixed. I reported it to GM and asked to be reimbursed. This is dangerous: I had great difficulty shifting between gears & almost got run over by other motorists when there was a delay in locating the next gear. GM should take action on this before someone gets killed.
Was travelling on my way home from work and a fox darted out in front of me in the center of the road. I swerved slightly to miss the fox and the power steering in the car went out. I was unable to straighten the wheel and the car went into a 180 degree spin and ended up facing the other direction flipped up on the passenger side. I crawled out of the drivers window. Air bags did not deploy either. Had I not been wearing my seatbelt, I probably would have ended up underneath the car and if traffic had been coming, I could have killed someone else in oncoming traffic.
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Ion years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (60), 2003 (55), 2006 (36), 2005 (28) and 2007 (19) model years. Transmission complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Saturn Ion transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Saturn Ion model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Saturn Ion transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (69 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (13).
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.