This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Saturn Ion powertrain problems
moderate 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 14 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 Saturn Ion, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Saturn Ion has a cluster of powertrain and ignition issues. The most common complaint is a stuck ignition key that won't return to the off position, preventing engine shutdown and door locking. Owners describe this as intermittent and sometimes recoverable by manipulating the shifter or restarting the vehicle. Repairs involved replacing ignition switches, solenoids, and shifter assemblies, with costs reaching $275 for locksmith service. One owner reported a GM recall existed for this defect but the 2007 Ion was not included; another owner said recall repairs didn't solve the sticking.
Transmission problems include jerking and harsh shifts at low speeds and on the highway. These shifts are often intermittent, disappearing after the car sits idle or is restarted. One owner encountered severe drivability loss—limited to 20 mph with a stuck speedometer—traced to transmission control module failure; the $360 replacement cleared 32 failed diagnostic markers.
Shift cable fractures and breakage appear in multiple reports, with one vehicle rolling backward while parked. A transmission inner spring fracture caused hesitation and near-stalling in reverse at 46,800 miles. One report describes a shifter that stuck in fifth gear at 65 mph for 5-6 seconds before disengaging.
Engine stalling and no-start conditions are documented, with all dashboard warning lights illuminating in at least one case.
Same Saturn Ion powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006
Failure modes owners describe
Ignition key stuck in ignition; key won't turn off or return to off position
Key becomes stuck in the ignition and cannot be turned to the off position. This prevents the engine from shutting off and locks the doors. Some owners report the problem is intermittent and resolves after manipulation of the shifter or waiting.
When: Various mileages reported, including 67,000 miles and 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key stuck in ignition and cannot be turned; Engine will not shut off; Car remains in 'ACC' position; Doors cannot be locked because car won't shut off; Requires manipulation of shifter to resolve temporarily
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition lock cylinder replaced; ignition switch replaced; solenoid replaced; shifter assembly replaced. One owner paid $275 for locksmith service after dealership was closed. Dealers also cited shift cable replacement as necessary.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: A recall exists for ignition switch defects and shift cable assembly/bracket on some Saturn models, but multiple owners report the 2007 Ion was not included. One owner states recall repairs did not resolve the sticking issue.
Transmission jerking and rough shifting
Automatic transmission exhibits noticeable jerks and harsh engagement when shifting between gears. Problem is intermittent and sometimes disappears after the vehicle sits idle for 15-20 minutes or is restarted.
When: Autumn and summer driving; problem observed at low speeds (stop lights) and highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Noticeable jerk during gear shifts; Stronger jerk when shifting from park to drive; Jerking on each shift; Problem intermittent; disappears after vehicle sits or is restarted
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; problem disappeared before diagnostic could be completed
Transmission control module failure
Transmission control module malfunction causes severe drivability loss, lack of acceleration, and inoperative speedometer. Check engine light illuminates. Owner reports dealership replaced the module.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise when pressing accelerator; Insufficient acceleration for highway driving; Maximum speed around 20 mph; Speedometer stuck at 0; Check engine light on; Engine failing 32 diagnostic markers before repair
Codes mentioned: 32 electrical diagnostic markers failed (cleared after TCM replacement)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission control module replaced at GM dealership for $360
Shift cable breakage
Shift cable fractures or breaks, preventing proper gear engagement. One incident involved vehicle rolling backward in reverse while parked with ignition off.
When: 67,000 miles documented in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward while parked; Key stuck in ignition related to cable failure
Repairs/costs cited: Shift cable and bracket replacement required. One vehicle was not repaired per owner's statement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: A recall exists for shift cable assembly and mounting bracket on some Saturn models, but owner reports 2007 Ion not covered.
Transmission inner spring fracture
Internal transmission component fractures, causing hesitation and stalling response in reverse.
When: 46,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission hesitates while driving in reverse at 5 mph; Transmission responds as though it would stall
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission repaired at transmission center
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed no recall exists for this defect
Gear shifter stuck; unable to disengage from gear
Shifter becomes stuck and unable to move out of current gear selection. In one case, shifter stuck in fifth gear at highway speed.
When: 85 miles (early in vehicle life); 5-6 seconds duration at 65 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to disengage gear shifter from fifth gear while driving 65 mph; Shifter spontaneously disengaged after 5-6 seconds
Repairs/costs cited: No dealer inspection documented
Engine stalling; no-start condition with illuminated warning lights
Vehicle stalls while operating or will not start when prompted. All warning indicators illuminate on the instrument panel. One owner reports three stalling events and check engine light.
When: 92,000 miles (one case); multiple stalling events reported in another case
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start when prompted; All warning indicators illuminated; Engine stalling (three occasions reported in one case); Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
As I was driving along a city street last autumn, the transmission started shifting with a noticeable jerk each time it went into another gear. This is an automatic transmission. When I came to a stop light I put the car into park. When I put the car back into gear, there was an even stronger jerk. The jerking kept on each time the car shifted. At the next light I turned the car off during the…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 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 powertrain problem on the 2007 Saturn Ion?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 65,948 and 92,000 miles, with the median around 76,350. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,948; a quarter make it past 92,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2007/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.