2003 Saturn Ion engine problems
The 2003 Saturn Ion has 79 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 8% of the year's total, and the first year with meaningful reports in this category.
79
Engine complaints
8%
Share of year
1
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Engine complaints by year
What owners report
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN ION. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE. ALSO, THERE WAS SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT…”
Common questions
How many engine complaints does the 2003 Saturn Ion have?
NHTSA has 79 complaints about the 2003 Saturn Ion engine — 8% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.