CUSTOMER COMPLAINS THE CRUISE CONTROL IS INOPERATIVE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Saturn Ion cruise control problems
moderate 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SUPPLEMENT TO 05-06-01-003A - WRONG THROTTLE GASKET PART NUMBER.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NO THROTTLE RESPONSE, ROUGH RUNNING, AND NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE - POSSIBLE TCM CONCERN.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2005 Saturn Ion?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 7 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, cruise control issues most often appear around 67,886 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.