2006 Saturn Ion

The 2006 Saturn Ion was a compact car offered as a sedan or a coupe (Quad Coupe). Engine options included a 2.2L Ecotec I4 producing 140 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L Supercharged Ecotec I4 producing 205 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque (Red Line Only). Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners generally appreciated the Ion’s fuel economy and relatively sporty handling (especially the Red Line). Common complaints included the cheap interior materials, unrefined engine, and quirky center-mounted gauges.

Engine

2.2L Ecotec I4

• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough running, check engine light illuminated.
  • Solution: Replace the camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, difficulty starting, check engine light illuminated.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, vacuum leak, poor fuel economy, check engine light illuminated.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Supercharged Ecotec I4

• Supercharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whining noise from supercharger, check engine light.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the supercharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Boost Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, hissing sound, poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace any damaged vacuum lines or intercooler hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts between gears, transmission slipping, delayed engagement.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush may temporarily alleviate the issue. If the problem persists, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid flush) / $1,500 - $3,500+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, especially when turning or going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the front strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Sway Bar Links
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or clunking noise from the suspension, especially when driving over uneven surfaces.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems such as lights not working, power windows malfunctioning, or door locks not operating correctly.
  • Solution: Diagnosing BCM issues can be complex. It may require reprogramming or replacement of the BCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, stalling, or electrical issues. This was a significant issue across multiple GM vehicles.
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: Recall Number: 14V047000 - Ignition Switch Defect

Exterior

• Door Handle Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: The exterior door handles are prone to breaking, especially in cold weather.
  • Solution: Replace the broken door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Center Console Cracking/Breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: The plastic center console can crack or break easily.
  • Solution: Replace the center console (often requires sourcing from a salvage yard).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ (depending on source and condition)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Headliner fabric begins to sag and detach from the roof of the car.
  • Solution: Replace the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Saturn Ion has a mix of minor and more significant issues. Electrical problems, particularly with the BCM and ignition switch (covered by a recall), can be frustrating and costly. Engine issues are relatively common, with the 2.0L supercharged version having expensive supercharger repairs as a possibility. Suspension components also tend to wear out. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, like transmission work or supercharger replacement, can be quite costly. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision.