The 2003 Saturn Ion has 7 recalls, the most serious being a corroding fuel filter that can develop a hole in its shell, drip fuel onto the ground, and start a fire if an ignition source is nearby.
Two recalls address the same ignition switch problem: the key can be pulled out of the ignition before it reaches the "Off" position, and on vehicles with a heavy key ring, a bump or jolt can knock the switch out of the "run" position mid-drive. Both situations can cut power to safety systems and, on automatic transmission vehicles, allow the car to roll away if the transmission is not in park. On the steering side, vehicles with electric power steering can lose power assist without warning while driving, making the wheel significantly harder to turn. A warning message and chime do appear on the dashboard when this happens.
The remaining recalls are lower in severity. Power windows and the sunroof may stay operable after the ignition is switched off and the front passenger door is opened, which raises the risk of injury to unattended children inside the car. There is also a front turn signal and daytime running lamp socket that can lose contact with the bulb, leaving the signal dark and making it harder for other drivers to anticipate a turn.
At a glance
What can fail
The ignition key can be removed even when the engine is running or the ignition is in Accessory or On position, not just when fully Off.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ignition cylinder with a redesigned part and cut/reprogram two ignition and door keys for your vehicle.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The ignition key can be removed while in a position other than off, which could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly if the transmission isn't properly secured, risking crashes and injury.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the ignition lock cylinder and/or ignition key to prevent this from happening.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ignition switch can shift out of the run position when a heavy key ring causes movement during off-road driving or sudden jolts. If this happens during a crash, airbags may not deploy.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ignition switch with a corrected part.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric power steering system may suddenly stop providing steering assistance while driving. The vehicle reverts to manual steering, which requires more driver effort, especially at low speeds.
What the fix does
The electric power steering motor will be replaced. Coverage is provided under a special 10-year/240,000 km warranty from first registration.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front turn signal or daytime running lamp bulb on either side may stop working because it doesn't make good contact with the socket.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both the left and right front turn signal and daytime running lamp bulbs.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Power windows and/or sunroof may operate after the ignition is turned off and the front passenger door opens. Unsupervised children could operate them and risk injury.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Body Control Module calibration to prevent windows and sunroof from operating when the ignition is off.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel filter assembly can corrode on the outside and develop a hole, allowing fuel to drip out. This creates a fuel smell and fire risk if an ignition source is nearby.
What the fix does
The fuel filter assembly will be replaced with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
