2004 Saturn Ion steering problems
345 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2004 Saturn Ion — 38% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Nov 2, 2025
“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…”
filed Dec 13, 2022
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS)…Campaign 14V153000 · Mar 31, 2014
Steering problems in other Ion years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 Ion | 408 | 47% |
| 2006 Ion | 544 | 44% |
| 2005 Ion | 265 | 46% |
| 2003 Ion | 139 | 18% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2004 Saturn Ion
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.