2004 Saturn Ion

Introduction:

The 2004 Saturn Ion is a compact sedan offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine is a 2.2-liter inline-four that produces 140 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. A 2.0-liter Ecotec inline-four engine that produces 160 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque is also available, paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Owners praise the Ion’s affordability, fuel efficiency, and handling, but some complain about its lack of power, cramped interior, and poor reliability.

Engine

2.2-Liter Inline-Four

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, engine overheating, loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0-Liter Ecotec Inline-Four

• Oil Consumption:
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the piston rings or perform an engine rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: NHTSA ID - 08V446000

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• Clutch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch, loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Shift Solenoid Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or not shifting properly.
  • Solution: Replace the shift solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

• Transmission Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, slipping transmission, no forward or reverse gears.
  • Solution: Replace the CVT assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: NHTSA ID - 11V121000

Suspension

• Front Strut Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise when driving over bumps, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the front struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle battery drains quickly, especially when parked.
  • Solution: Identify and fix the source of the parasitic drain, such as a faulty alternator or electrical component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tail Light Moisture:
  • Description/Symptoms: Water condensation inside the tail lights.
  • Solution: Replace the defective tail lights.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Window Regulator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows cannot be rolled up or down.
  • Solution: Replace the window regulator assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: NHTSA ID - 14V357000

Summary:

Overall, the 2004 Saturn Ion has some significant issues that can be expensive to repair, particularly with the transmission and engine. The CVT transmission is prone to complete failure, while the 2.0-liter Ecotec engine often experiences excessive oil consumption. Other common problems include electrical issues, suspension failures, and interior component failures. While the Ion may be affordable and fuel-efficient, its reliability concerns should be considered before purchasing one.