Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. The contact was driving approximately 30 MPH in rainy weather conditions with the windshield wipers failed to function. The vehicle was driven to the side of the road cautiously and there were several attempts to activate the windshield wipers however, they would not operate. The contact was able to resume after the rain subsided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. Updated 09/28/2011
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn Ion. While parked, the contact closed the front driver side door when she heard the rear windshield shatter. The vehicle was taken to an auto glass repair shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 20,900. The consumer stated the glass was replaced. Updated 12/31/2012
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH the front driver's side window dropped down into the door panel, causing the door to swing open. The vehicle was pulled over and shut off. After repeated attempts the door was shut, but would not reopen. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed the window detached from its track. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The contact also stated that the vehicle was experiencing recurring failures in which the check engine light would constantly illuminate on the instrument panel and the key would intermittently become stuck in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure in regards to the check engine light. …
The sun visor on driver's side will no longer stay in the up position. It is loose and just hangs down and it blocks my vision. The first time I became aware of this I was driving and the visor fell down blocking my vision for a few minutes. It startled me and caused me to swerve off the road. Now the visor just hangs down all the time and blocks my vision. GM has no recall on this item right now but I feel they should correct this at no cost to customers. I only have about 26000 miles on my car so this certainly should not have happened at such an early date. Will you please pursue this with GM for us? I have been quoted $200 to $400 to have this repaired. Thank you.
I purchased a 2005 Saturn Ion with 32 miles on it July 11, 2005. On September 22, 2005 while driving my daughter to school in the rain, the car stalled and began to fill with water from the floor up. I had it towed to the dealer for repair and was told the left fron sunroof drain hose was plugged. They said this caused an electrical problem which caused the stall. The service dept. Said they cleaned the drain hose and all was OK. Well, we had a heavy rain, not the first since 11/2005, on August 18, 2007. I was able to start the car, but it stalled right away. In addition, the floor on the driver's side was wet. This occurred on a Saturday and by Monday when the car was towed to the Saturn dealership, there was a "pond" of water on the floor of the car. In addition, the cd player has been replaced because it ate cd's. …
Dt*: the contact stated there were several problems with the vehicle. While turning the ignition on, the battery light illuminated for 30 seconds. Second, the driver's side window fell off the track and caused the window to fall into the door. Third, there was a grinding noise heard in the motor and the vehicle hesitated. Additionally, the headlight seal around the headlight was broken allowing water to get inside. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and all repairs were made.
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 .. …
Related recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA investigations
Windshied wiper linkage failure
Investigation disclosed that the manufacturer issued a service bulletin in August 2003, regarding service that required removal of the wiper arms.GM issued the bulletin at that time to address customer comments on windshield wiper chattering or hopping across the windshield during wiper operation.the correction was to replace the wiper arm and blade.however, the bulletin did not place specific emphasis on the…
Frequently asked questions
Which Saturn Ion years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (37), 2004 (20), 2006 (14) and 2005 (6) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Saturn Ion window & wiper problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 04V-004 (power window devices and controls, Jan 5, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Saturn Ion window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the power window devices and controls (12 mentions), followed by the windshield wiper/washer (10).
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.