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 ↗2007 Saturn Ion steering problems
severe 406 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
406
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
18crashes
12injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 406 steering complaints filed for the 2007 Saturn Ion, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 406 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 service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Power steering failures dominate these complaints. Owners describe the PWR STR warning light and chime appearing without warning, followed by complete loss of power steering assist. The wheel becomes extremely hard to turn, forcing drivers to pull over and restart the engine to restore function. Failures are random and unpredictable—happening after a few miles or several hours of driving—and often recur within minutes on subsequent trips. Several owners were on highways at 65–70 mph when this happened, and multiple narratives detail near-crashes and actual collisions resulting from steering loss. Dealers quote $900–$1,200 to replace the steering column or electric power steering motor control module, and many owners report the same failure recurring within weeks of repair.
Ignition problems are equally serious. The key locks in the RUN or ON position and will not turn to OFF, preventing normal engine shutdown. Owners must disconnect the battery to stop the engine. This problem recurs even after dealership replacement of the ignition lock assembly, sometimes within months. Mechanics attribute this to metal flakes from key wear accumulating inside the faulty assembly.
Recall repairs have not resolved these issues. Owners report power steering failures continuing after dealer service, incomplete recall work, disputes over warranty coverage, and long service delays. One owner's car remained in the dealership for 3.5 months; another was charged $200 for a dead battery while the power steering recall sat incomplete. The 10-year/100,000-mile reimbursement program GM offered excludes many owners, and those seeking reimbursement for out-of-pocket repairs face denials or disputes about what was actually covered.
Same Saturn Ion steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering Failure
The electric power steering system loses assist intermittently or completely, forcing drivers to steer manually with heavy force. The PWR STR warning light illuminates on the dash, and power typically returns after restarting the vehicle. Failures occur unpredictably—sometimes after minutes of driving, sometimes after hours—with no consistent trigger.
When: Typically 30,000–100,000 miles, though reported as early as 9,000 miles and as late as beyond 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: PWR STR warning light and chime on dashboard; Sudden loss of power steering assist, requiring extreme force to turn wheel; Power steering returns after turning car off and restarting; Intermittent failures occurring randomly during normal driving; Failures on highways at 65–70 mph and at low speeds in residential areas; Progressive worsening over time (some cars fail every 10–15 minutes after initial incident)
Codes mentioned: PWR STR (displayed on odometer/dashboard)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers quote $900–$1,200 for replacement of steering column or electric power steering motor/control module. Some owners report repeated failures even after dealership repair. One narrative mentions part 19257875 (power steering motor control module) replaced at no charge under a GM service program.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM initially claimed no official recall existed; later issued a recall for 2004–2007 Saturn Ions (and similar GM vehicles like Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5/G6), but coverage disputes arose regarding electric vs. hydraulic steering. Some owners reported the recall was incomplete and the vehicle remained defective after repair. No TSB mentioned in narratives; GM offered reimbursement program limited to 10 years/100,000 miles.
Ignition Switch Sticking / Key Stuck in Ignition
The ignition key becomes stuck and will not turn to the OFF position, preventing the engine from shutting off normally. The key locks in the RUN position. Owners must disconnect the battery to kill the engine. The problem recurs after dealership replacement of the ignition lock assembly.
When: Most reported 2005–2007 model years; some failures within 6 months to 1 year after initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Key stuck in ignition, will not turn to OFF position; Engine continues to run even when key is turned as far as it will go; Difficulty removing key from ignition after shutting engine off; Key locked in ON or RUN position; Steering wheel lock-up when key jams
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacement of ignition lock assembly costs exceed $500. Mechanics report small metal flakes from the key wear into the assembly, causing binding. Repeated failures occur within months of replacement, suggesting the replacement assembly is also defective.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued a recall (campaign 14V-047 / 14E021000) for ignition switch defects in 2007 Saturn Ions. However, owners report the recall remedy failed and the problem recurred. One owner paid $512.36 out-of-pocket before receiving a recall letter and requested reimbursement. No full resolution documented in narratives.
Steering Column Locking or Steering Wheel Seizure
The steering wheel locks or becomes immobilized, especially during turns or when braking. May occur in conjunction with ignition key problems. Stalls can occur if the key jams during driving.
When: Variable; some at low mileage, others after 70,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up, especially during turns; Steering wheel becomes immobilized mid-drive; Vehicle stalls when steering column locks; Combination with brake failure (in some narratives); Difficulty turning key in ignition due to steering wheel lock (design interlock)
Repairs/costs cited: One mechanic found steering column loosely connected after recall repairs. Some narratives suggest the steering column itself must be replaced; others mention a dry/binding steering shaft that required lubrication. Costs are high when full column replacement is needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner was told by GM that the steering column needed replacement but GM disputed whether the defect was the power steering element itself. GM offered to pay for parts but not labor. No clear recall remedy for steering column seizure identified in narratives.
Power Steering Failure Leading to Loss of Vehicle Control / Crashes
Power steering loss during highway driving results in sudden loss of control, forcing drivers to take emergency actions. In several narratives, this directly caused or nearly caused accidents, including head-on collisions and embankment crashes.
When: 2007–2016 model years; some failures at low mileage, others at higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden power steering loss at highway speeds (45–70 mph); Loss of steering control, forcing emergency maneuvers; Near head-on collisions or crashes into guardrails; Inability to steer away from obstacles or traffic; Airbags did not deploy in some crash scenarios
Codes mentioned: PWR STR
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $1,000 at a local shop after GM refused to tow to a dealership; GM later stated they 'might' reimburse. Another owner paid $500 at a dealership after power steering failed on the Ben Franklin Bridge. Costs range $500–$1,200 for module or column replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged the power steering issue in some vehicles but claimed no official recall for Saturn Ions initially, then later offered a service program with reimbursement capped at 10 years/100,000 miles. One owner's vehicle was recalled but remained defective post-repair. No full resolution of the crash safety issue documented.
Steering Column Replacement After Recall / Recall Repair Failures
Dealerships performed recall repairs (fuel pump, ignition switch, power steering) but the repairs either failed, were incomplete, or created new problems. Owners report long delays, miscommunication, and disputes over warranty coverage for failures after recall work.
When: Post-2013 (when recalls were issued); some failures within days to weeks of repair
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering still fails after recall repair; Engine stalls after ignition switch recall work; Steering column issues persist or worsen after recall service; New faults appear (e.g., computer not reset, new parts fail quickly); Recall status shows 'incomplete' on VIN search
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light (after ignition coil/spark plug work)
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership kept a car for 3.5 months for recall work, then charged $200 for a dead battery and still did not complete the power steering recall. Another owner's car was serviced for recall but the computer was not reset, preventing diagnosis of other issues. Replacement parts have failed within days of installation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM recalls issued (14E021000, 14V-047, and power steering recall for 2004–2007 Ions) but remedies are disputed. One owner was told the power steering pump was replaced under recall, but GM's own documents state the pump was never part of the recall. Dealers refuse further warranty work post-recall. GM offered limited reimbursement program but disputes eligibility.
Synthesized from 406 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
While driving on city streets at approx. 25 miles an hour the steering wheel disengaged from the steering mechanism. This was very frightening for my daughter. The vehicle was pushed into a parking lot. We spoke with the manufacture and we were told to that the vehicle did not have any recalls that were outstanding. We had the vehicle towed to the the nearest dealership to be evaluated. We were…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated as the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was moved to the shoulder and was later towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the issue. The failure and current…
The power steering goes out randomly on my 2007 Saturn ion almost causing 2 severe accidents. Once the car is restarted power steering is fine and who knows when it just goes out causing steering to be quite difficult especially depending on who is driving the car and when it goes out!!! Completely unsafe. Is this covered anywhere to get fixed? *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn ion. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v153000 (steering). The failure mileage was 78,000. Updated…
This car is experiencing the same issue that gm has issued a recall for. The electronic power steering motor is failing and the pwr strng warning light comes on. The steering is very difficult (two hands absolutely necessary) for a strong driver during slow sharp turns. A potential collision is highly likely. Other complaints are on the web with many people avoiding driving the vehicle at all…
Power steering goes out on 2007 Saturn ion. *tr
Power seering indicator came on in the display (not the low fluid warning light) and power steering was no longer available. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality returns for a variable length of time. This has happened multiple times now with the time between incidents ranging from 5 minutes to several hours. This has happened with speeds ranging from 25…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Saturn ion. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the power steering warning light illuminated and the power steering failed. The vehicle only had manual steering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also mentioned that the air bag warning light…
My power steering light came on and I noticed that I had lost the power steering ability. With difficulty, I steered the car to the side of the road and turned the car off and then back on and the power steering was working again. This has happened multiple times and with the research I have done, I feel it needs to be recalled for my specific Saturn. I bought the car used 1.5 years ago and did…
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2007 Saturn Ion?
It's a meaningful issue. 406 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 361 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 44,258 and 92,000 miles, with the median around 62,110. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,258; 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 $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/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.