2007 Saturn Ion

The 2007 Saturn Ion was a compact car offered in sedan and coupe (Quad Coupe) body styles. It was available with a 2.2L Ecotec inline-4 engine producing 145 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Some owners appreciated the Ion’s fuel efficiency and relatively spacious interior for its class. Common complaints included the car’s cheap interior materials, unrefined ride, and somewhat awkward styling. The Quad Coupe’s rear-hinged access doors were a distinctive feature, but not always universally liked.

Engine

2.2L Ecotec Inline-4

• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough running, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, hard starting, or no start condition. Check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Purge Valve Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, difficulty filling the gas tank, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the purge valve solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable jolts during gear changes, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear.
  • Solution: Fluid change or valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine revving without corresponding acceleration, delayed engagement of gears.
  • Solution: Full transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the rear suspension, particularly over bumps. Poor handling and alignment issues.
  • Solution: Replace the rear trailing arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noise from the front suspension, poor handling, and vibration.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Ignition Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Car stalls unexpectedly, key can be removed while the car is running, difficulty starting the car. This was a widespread GM issue affecting many models.
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: #09V044000, #14V047000, #14V053000
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window moves slowly or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The exterior door handle breaks or becomes difficult to use. This is especially prevalent on the Quad Coupe models.
  • Solution: Replace the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Instrument Panel Display Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The digital display on the instrument panel becomes dim, unreadable, or completely fails.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument panel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Steering Column Lock Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty turning the ignition key, steering wheel locked.
  • Solution: Replace the steering column lock.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Saturn Ion has several common issues, ranging from relatively minor sensor failures to more significant problems with the transmission and electrical system. The ignition switch recall is a critical safety concern. Suspension components like trailing arm bushings are prone to wear. While some repairs are inexpensive, transmission and electrical problems can be costly. The severity of these issues varies, but potential buyers should be aware of these common faults.