This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Saturn Ion steering problems
severe 264 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
264
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
9crashes
5injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 264 steering complaints filed for the 2005 Saturn Ion, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Steering accounts for 46% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 264 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming Bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad is faulty the OnStar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The OnStar module could have an internal fault and produce a ″Phone Unavaila
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Electric Power Steering Assist
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Electric Power Steering Assist
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Electric Power Steering Assist
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 Saturn Ion suffers from recurring, dangerous power steering failures. The electric steering motor intermittently cuts out without warning—or with only a delayed warning chime—leaving the steering wheel hard or locked. Owners describe nearly hitting oncoming traffic, struggling to park, and one account of a vehicle spinning out of control on a highway. The power steering light ('PWR STR') appears on the dash when failures occur. Restarting the engine temporarily restores steering, but it fails again within minutes to hours of driving, making the car unreliable and unsafe.
The ignition switch traps the key in the accessory position up to 90% of the time, forcing manual release via the steering column or waiting for clicking sounds. In winter cold, the engine fails to start despite electrical systems working.
Repair costs are steep: motor replacement runs $300–$750, but many motors fail again within weeks, requiring steering column replacement at $897–$1,200. Dealers openly tell owners they "see this problem every day." When owners have motors replaced under recall, the steering column fails shortly after, creating a costly cycle. The same electric motor is used in Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5/G6 models—which GM recalled—but Saturn Ion coverage has been delayed, inconsistent, and sometimes denied by dealers lacking recall paperwork in their systems. One owner documented GM corporate confirming recall eligibility by VIN while the dealer refused to acknowledge it. This is a vehicle owners report feeling unsafe driving and some have stopped using altogether.
Same Saturn Ion steering reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power Steering Motor Failure
The electric power steering motor fails intermittently or completely, causing total loss of power steering assist with no warning or delayed warning chime. Owners report the steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn and nearly impossible to maneuver in traffic or tight turns. The power steering light ('PWR STR') illuminates on the dashboard when the failure occurs. Turning the engine off and restarting temporarily restores function, but the failure repeats within minutes to hours of driving.
When: Failures reported starting at 19,000–46,500 miles; most concentrated between 20,000–87,000 miles. Many occur well into ownership after warranty expiration. One failure at 110,000 miles; another at 200,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist cuts out without warning or with delayed warning chime; Steering wheel locks or becomes extremely hard to turn; Power steering light illuminates on dashboard; Intermittent failures: works after restart but fails again within 3–5 minutes to several hours; Failures occur more frequently over time; Cascading electrical anomalies: gauges malfunction, side lights blink, monitor display erratic
Codes mentioned: PWR STR light illumination, EPS unit diagnostic codes (owners mention being told motor 'shorted out'), Service engine light accompanied by power steering failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacement of power steering motor (cost $296–$750); some motors failed again after replacement, leading to steering column replacement ($897–$1,200). One owner had both motor and transmission module replaced. Dealers report carrying just the motor in stock due to frequency of failure. Parts sourcing difficult; some dealers obtained parts from Chevy Cobalt recall shipments.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Saturn initially told owners to file NHTSA complaints to contribute to recall. Dealers acknowledged the problem was known ('we see this problem every day now') but no formal recall issued for Saturn Ion electric power steering motor despite recalls for identical motors in Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5/G6. GM stated problem would 'eventually' trigger recall but took years. Some dealers offered motor replacement under warranty or 'special policy' but later refused to honor replacements outside warranty or claimed used parts invalid. GM told owners the car was safe to drive with power steering failure by reverting to manual steering mode (requiring 'greater driver effort').
Ignition Switch Failure & Key Stuck in Ignition
The ignition switch fails to release the key after the engine is turned off, trapping the key in the ignition switch. The failure is intermittent and repeats frequently (up to 90% of the time according to one owner), forcing owners to manually release the key by manipulating the steering column or waiting for clicking sounds before the key releases. In cold winter conditions, the key fails to turn or the engine fails to start despite full interior lighting.
When: Failures begin at 18,000 miles and persist across the ownership period. Cold-weather starting failures reported in winter months. Key sticking issues occur at every drive cycle for some owners.
Symptoms owners cite: Key becomes stuck in accessory position or will not come out after turning car off; Key must be manually released using steering column release or jiggling/wiggling; Clicking sounds precede key release; Battery drains overnight due to key left in accessory position; In cold weather: engine fails to crank despite lights on; security system icon illuminates; owner must wait 10–15 minutes before car starts; Steering wheel locks or becomes very hard to turn when attempting to start
Codes mentioned: Anti-theft light/security system icon illumination, No specific diagnostic codes mentioned; issue is mechanical
Repairs/costs cited: Saturn/GM recalled ignition switch (Recall #13454 and others). Owners report ignition switch replacement did not resolve key-sticking issue in many cases. GM advised manual key release as workaround. One owner paid out-of-pocket ignition replacement by independent shop (Lock & Key Corp). Gear shifter assembly replacement quoted as additional repair to fully resolve key-sticking ($119–diagnostic fee for confirmation).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Saturn and GM issued multiple ignition switch recalls starting around 2013. However, many owners report recalls processed slowly; one owner waited 1+ month for repair with rental car provided. Dealers attempted repairs but some repairs were ineffective or incomplete. GM corporate acknowledged problem and directed owners to dealers, but dealers sometimes lacked parts or refused to perform work, citing lack of recall paperwork in their system. Post-recall, some owners still experienced key-sticking issues and were told additional repairs were owner responsibility.
Power Steering Module/Steering Column Failure Following Motor Replacement
After dealers replace the electric power steering motor under recall or warranty, the power steering fails again shortly thereafter due to failure of the steering column module or related electronic components. This pattern suggests either the root cause (the module, not just the motor) was not addressed, or the replacement process damaged additional components.
When: Failures occur within 3 days to 5 months of motor replacement. One owner had motor replaced in June 2011, then module failure in November 2011.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fails again within days to weeks of motor replacement; Power steering light returns; Steering becomes hard or locked; Cascading electrical faults: transmission malfunction, speedometer failure, monitor gauges move by themselves; Gear box sounds as if shifting by itself; Car shakes when accelerating
Codes mentioned: PWR STR light illumination, Transmission codes (related electrical faults), EPS module diagnostic codes
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement quoted at $897–$1,200. One dealer replaced both power steering motor and transmission module after repeat failures; owner reports service took multiple weeks. Some owners cited independent mechanics suggesting the vehicle computer may also need replacement ($1,000). One owner decided to stop driving the vehicle rather than pay for additional repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge the issue and offered replacement column under the recall, but owners report long waits (1–2 weeks) for parts and extended downtime (1+ month). Some dealers blamed owners or charged diagnostic fees ($40–$119). One dealer stated 'we see this problem every day.' GM has not issued clarification that module replacement is necessary when motor is replaced.
Steering Drift & Front-End Noise/Vibration
After service attempts (rotor replacement, rack replacement, or other steering repairs), the vehicle develops a new symptom: the car drifts to the right or exhibits persistent noise and vibration from the front end. One owner reports replacing the 'rack' only to have the car drift severely to the right afterward, with vibration and noise persisting.
When: Occurred after warranty service attempts; owner had 31,000 miles and had already visited dealership multiple times.
Symptoms owners cite: Car drifts significantly to the right while driving; Persistent noise from front end; Vibration in front passenger side of vehicle; Symptoms persist despite multiple service visits and rotor/rack replacement attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Rack replacement performed; cost not stated. Multiple service attempts failed to resolve the issue. Owner states 'I do not feel safe driving this vehicle' and believes either a 'lemon' or undisclosed defect exists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: First Saturn dealer dismissed owner after car wash instead of addressing noise complaint; service tech not present. Second dealer initially tried to charge for repair but reversed after owner protest. Third dealer diagnosed need for rack replacement but repairs did not resolve symptoms. Saturn corporate customer service provided limited assistance.
Intermittent Power Steering Failures with Radio/Lights Correlation
One owner's power steering failures occurred correlating with turning the radio or headlights on or off, suggesting a shared electrical circuit or power draw issue in the vehicle's electrical system. When the radio and lights were off, power steering remained functional; when turned on, power steering light illuminated and steering failed.
When: Occurred at approximately 61,000 miles (January 2010).
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering light illuminates when radio is turned on; Power steering light illuminates when headlights are turned on; Power steering fails when radio or lights are powered; Power steering functions normally when radio and lights remain off
Codes mentioned: PWR STR light illumination correlated with accessory power draw
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced power steering motor at cost of $296, diagnosing internal short circuit. Dealer stated no user error caused the failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer replaced motor under what appears to be warranty coverage. No recall action noted.
Synthesized from 264 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
I took my car in for a recall on the steering and the said they replaced the electric steering motor. It still had no steering . The gm dealer said it was 58.00 to tell me what was wrong, the dealer came back and said that it was the steering module was bad. Gm customer service says the module is covered but the gm dealer wont replace it because they say that the module is part of the steering…
Power steering intermittently fails at random and steering wheel suddenly becomes immovable nearly causing serious accidents and endangerment to myself, my family, and others drivers on the roads.
While driving down the road at normal speed 55 MPH we get a ding ding ding with a pwr steer light to come on and then we have no power steering. Luckily my husband was driving. After calling the Saturn dealership it appears to be the power steering assist module. This is dangerous due to you not getting much of a warning. *tr
Absolutely abysmal customer service experience with orange Buick GMC orlando. I had them do two recalls on my '05 Saturn: the ignition switch (which was giving me problems due to the passlock system), and the electric steering assist (which I'd had _zero_ problems with prior, it was done as a precaution). After the steering motor was replaced, I started having intermittent power steering codes…
Power steering keeps failing on and off during turns at all speeds. *tr
Had steering trouble with your 2005 Saturn Ion?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2005 Saturn Ion?
It's a meaningful issue. 264 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 235 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 45,200 and 98,000 miles, with the median around 68,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,200; a quarter make it past 98,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Saturn/Ion.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.