2007 Saturn Ion cruise control problems
severe 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Saturn Ion shows recurring drivability and throttle-control failures across the 10 complaints. Most critical: multiple owners report the accelerator pedal sticking to the floorboard during normal driving, sometimes unintentionally accelerating to 90 MPH. One owner's pedal popped when sticking recurred after dealer replacement. Braking fails to slow the vehicle until the pedal is pulled manually or brakes are pressed repeatedly.
Power loss is equally serious—owners describe sudden drops from highway speed (55 MPH) to near-stop (10 MPH), with check engine and traction lights illuminating. One vehicle refused to accelerate past 20 MPH. A complete engine shutdown while moving is also reported.
Early-ownership complaints detail loud startup noise, high idle, rough acceleration and braking, and jerking. A dealer replaced the throttle body and reprogrammed the computer twice, but symptoms returned both times. One owner's engine simply quit at speed on the road with no warning.
A recall was mentioned but the dealer could not complete repairs after Saturn's closure. Most failures occurred between 19,600 and 144,000 miles. No diagnostic codes or confirmed repair solutions are documented in the narratives.
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle/Accelerator Pedal Sticking
Accelerator pedal sticks to floorboard or becomes stuck, requiring manual intervention (pulling pedal, braking repeatedly) to regain control. Can occur during light depression or full engagement of pedal.
When: Reported from 19,650 to 144,000 miles; occurs intermittently during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal stuck or jammed to floorboard; Pedal makes popping sound when sticking; Vehicle fails to decelerate when brake applied; Unintended acceleration to 90 MPH; Vehicle accelerates slowly without foot on pedal; Multiple recurrences (up to 7 times reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced throttle body in one case; pedal issue recurred after replacement. One owner pulled pedal manually to regain control.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One recall mentioned but dealer unable to correct. Manufacturer notified in multiple cases.
Engine Power Loss and Limp Mode
Engine loses power, unable to accelerate, vehicle limps or drops to very low speed. Check engine light and traction control light activate; engine restricted speed mode engages.
When: Reported at 55 to 144,000 miles; occurs on highway and city streets
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving; Vehicle speed drops from 55 MPH to 10 MPH or lower; Cannot accelerate past 20 MPH; Engine reduced speed mode engaged; Traction control light on; Check engine light on intermittently (days at a time)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner speculates fuel pump and gas pedal assembly CPU problem. No repairs documented.
High Idle and Rough Start
Vehicle exhibits high idle at stops, loud noises at engine start, and jerking sensation when accelerating and braking. May include vehicle jumping backward on startup.
When: Reported in early ownership (2 years old at 2007 model); recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noises when starting engine; High idle at stops; Rough acceleration (feels like rolling gravel); Rough braking; Vehicle jerks frequently; Vehicle jumps backward when starting; Check engine light on
Repairs/costs cited: Saturn updated computer chip twice; replaced throttle body once. Issues recurred after each repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Computer updates performed; throttle body replacement performed by dealer
Complete Engine Shutdown While Driving
Engine cuts off completely while vehicle is in motion, leaving driver without power. Occurs without warning and creates immediate safety hazard.
When: Reported early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving; No warning light prior to failure; Sudden loss of power
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2007 Saturn Ion?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 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 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 53,000 and 144,000 miles, with the median around 100,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 53,000; a quarter make it past 144,000. 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.