The 2006 Saturn Ion has 3 recalls, the most serious being an ignition switch that can release the key before the vehicle is fully shut off, leaving the engine running or allowing the car to roll away if the transmission is not in Park.
The electric power steering system carries a separate concern: assist can cut out without warning at any time while driving. When this happens, the steering wheel becomes significantly harder to turn, particularly at low speeds or in parking lot maneuvers, raising the risk of losing control of the vehicle. One recall affects only Ion Quad Coupe Red Line models: when the fog lamps are switched on, the parking lamps, tail lamps, license plate lamp, and side marker lamps do not automatically illuminate alongside them as required, reducing the vehicle's visibility to other drivers.