CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE AND/OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0833 STORED. THE CONDITION MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE DUPLICATED BY THE DEALER YET THE CONSUMER MAY HAVE A REPEAT CONCERN.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Saturn Ion cruise control problems
severe 9 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.
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 2006 Saturn Ion?
It's a meaningful issue. 9 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 36,000 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 88,687. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,000; a quarter make it past 115,000. 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 $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.