VehicleVerdict

Saturn Ion years to avoid

The Saturn Ion years to avoid are 2006 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2008 is the cleanest year on record.

5,468

Total complaints

12

Recall campaigns

2003–2008

Years covered

1

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Saturn Ion NHTSA complaints by model year1,537 complaints2003: 958 complaints2004: 1,124 complaints2005: 755 complaints2006: 1,537 complaints2007: 1,090 complaints2008: 4 complaints
Saturn Ion NHTSA complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Ion years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
2006High complaint rate1,537

Every Ion year

YearComplaintsRecalls
200840
20071,0907
2006avoid1,5376
20057555
20041,12410
20039587

Common questions

What are the worst Saturn Ion years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Ion years to avoid are 2006. The cleanest year on record is 2008.

What is the best year for the Saturn Ion?

By complaint volume, 2008 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Ion years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Saturn Ion have?

Across all model years, the Ion has 12 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 5,468 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.