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Ryan of Anaheim CA (05/07/08)
My car was not starting, had to wait 10-15 minutes each time. Same problem as I Have read many times on blogs and posts. Went to dealership was charged 131.60 to replace ignition switch. This was on 4/15/2006. Last night I tried to turn the car off and the key got stuck and car would not turn off! Also I can pull the key out while driving and have it run with out the key in the ignition. Before all this The car was randomly turning off while in motion, so I took the car into Santa Ana dealer because the Anaheim dealer (who replaced my ignition switch) was closed down. They found nothing wrong with the car. The Anaheim dealer put new tires on my car... 3 out of 4 were on wrong. Apparently there is an inside and outside (which is labeled clearly on the tires) When I asked them to fix this the Santa Ana dealership said we do not sell those tires, as though I were lying (I have the receipt). I do not want to take it back to the dealer for this new ignition problem. I do not trust them now and have decided not to buy another Saturn (which i was planning on) I located the parts I needed but am unclear whether it is the ignition switch or Ignition Lock Cylinder or both that need to be replaced. The parts are cheap (30-40$) but the cost at the dealership labor is insane (100+) The warranty on the ignition switch was only for 90 days or 4000 miles.
Ken of Ankeny IA (05/06/08)
I have a 2007 Saturn ION that the ignition switch locked up. Luck was with me that it failed at home. I could not turn the lock to start. This is the 1st time I had ever bought an extended service agreement and GM provided a tow truck with a straight forward process of getting the tow. It was fixed same day and I picked it up. Now it is one week later and the same thing happened, with the difference now I couldn't turn the key to shut it off. I opened the fuse panel and started pulling fuses until the engine shut off. Called for service, Saturn got me a rental car and they fixed it next day. In all the service is great, but I'm a little worried about the equipment. Will this car be dependable enough to get me home some time in bad weather. I'm in the Midwest and weather can be life threating. If your from this area you know I'm not stretching the truth, an Iowa winter can kill in certain circumstances. So far I'm impressed with the system dealing with the problem, but not with the car. This is my 3rd Saturn, 2 SL's and this ION. The SL's are still running for my kids and get mid to upper 30 MPG on the road. This ION can't get out of the mid 20's MPG. That is just plain wrong. It isn't any more of a car then the SL's. I think Saturn is going down the wrong road in making SUV's and dropping good dependable, good mileage cars.
Pam of Bettendorf IA (04/28/08)
I have a Saturn Ion and have been having problems with it not starting. If I wait 10-15 min it will start. I finally got in to my mechanic and found out it was the ignition switch. He told me I would have to take it to Saturn because of the programming. Which I did, and Saturn is telling me this is something that is not covered. Keep in mind there is a bulletin that helps the tech when this happens. Must be a big enough problem that this was issued. However Saturn is not going to recall this at all. After looking at this I was amazed at how many people are having the same problem. This is my 5th Saturn and until now have been very pleased with the car and service they give.
Jayme of Porter IN (04/23/08)
I too have had my Saturn's ignition lock. In May of 2007 the key would not turn and I had to have the ignition replaced $200. Well it happened today 4/23/08 - After 40 minutes of working on the key I got it started and drove straight to my dealership. The work was warrantied for 1 year or 12,000 miles. Of course I was over the milleage since I drive about 100 miles a day to and from work. Thankfully the dealership honored the warranty and I will not have to pay this time but what happens when it goes out again? I think this part should be recalled by Saturn!!!!
Tricia of Daphne AL (04/14/08)
Wow I had no idea there were so many problems with the ignition! I probably have the oldest car so far 1997 Saturn SL1 with around 160,000 miles. My car has a standard transmission and has been running great! I have had mostly maintenance and only a few minor problems with the car....no big expenses so far. Over the past year or two I have had problems with the ignition. I have almost gotten stranded several times but have been able to figure out a way to get the key to turn. Part of this is becaues I know my car so well since I have been driving it for over 10 years. I am able to wiggle the wheel while it is locked and then gently force it to the left while at the same time turning the key ( I have not tried the WD 40 trick). This always works for me but my husband or others that use my car always have problems. This is no longer my primary vehicle and I am worried because I will be loaning it out to my brother, his wife, and their new baby when they fly into town for a week this month. Guess I need to try to get it fixed so they don't get stranded.
Mariano of Murrieta CA (03/31/08)
We purchased a brand new 2004 Saturn Ion. Up until about a year ago, we started having problems with the key not starting. Apparently we weren't the only ones since many people are complaining about the Saturn Ion not starting because of faulty ignition switch.
Sarah of San Diego CA (03/31/08)
That's RIGHT!! The ignition switch doesn't work. The key will not turn! I know that after I get it fixed I will have to fix it again. I did NOT design the car and should not have to pay to keep fixing the same problem!!
Roger of Elburn IL (03/17/08)
the key wouldn't turn in the ignition in my wifes 2001 saturn.tried lubes no help. i took the key out and hit the lock with a hammer. thats worked twice so far,i keep one in the trunk.
Elizabeth of Rockport IN (03/16/08)
I own a 1994 Saturn SW1. Today I stopped at the store and when I came back out to leave, the key got stuck in my ignition in the ACC position. I couldn't get the key to turn back to the lock position or forward to the start position, nor could I remove my key.
Paula of Claremore OK (03/12/08)
Same problem with the Saturn SL2. I had zero problems with it until last year. Then the key would not turn. Replaced the ignition switch and it worked until today. Now the same problem is back!
Robert of Katy TX (02/12/08)
My wife and I purchased a Saturn ION 2003 from Carmax less then 2 years ago. The first problem I had was the keylock mechanism, it locked while the car was running, could not turn the car off, that repair cost around $350.00, i have a receipt. Now the steering is locking up while the car is in motion. Yes that's correct, the steering locks. This makes it VERY dangerous when turning. I have contacted Saturn, they have stated that they have no intentions on issuing a recall. Even though you google this problem you will find 100's and 100's of Saturn ION owners with the SAME problem. However, i found on this website, that Saturn did issue a recall to fix front lights and turn signals!! The cost of the repair is approximately $1,200.00, they have to replace the entire steering assembly!!!!
Mark of Olney MD (02/05/08)
2002 Saturn L200, the key just would not turn in the ignition. I've had issues with this since I bought the car but was always able to get it to turn by turning the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key. But today no such luck, car is unable to be started. Very frustrating when you have important meetings at work and can't get there.
Aimee of Danielson CT (01/22/08)
I have a 2004 Saturn Ion 2. I had the ignition switch replaced in January 2005 because it was locking up, and the car wouldn't start. Saturn said that there was too much of the wrong lubricant in the switch. Now, in January 2008, my car was not starting again. I took it back to the dealership, and they said that again, it is the ignition switch. I contacted Saturn Customer Care, and they are claiming no responsibility for the faulty switch. If the switch had failed within 12 months, they said they might have been able to help me. I spoke with a couple of mechanic friends, and they say that replacing an ignition switch twice in a 4 year old car is ridiculous. As a resolution to my customer service issue Saturn offered me a few free oil changes. This is not a feasible solution for help me since the closest dealership is over an hour away, and I would have to take a day off of work to get an appointment.
J Clyde NC (11/14/07)
There are many cases where the ignition switch needs to be replaced on the Saturn VUE. With all these case documented Saturn Corp will not fix the issue as a recall and charges the customer if the car is not under warranty
Janice of Highland Lakes NJ (08/28/07)
I have had nothing but annoying problems, some big, some small, with my Saturn 2005 Ion almost since purchase (bought it new). Since then, I've had problems with the ignition (stalled on the road once and wouldn't start on a couple of occasions when I first bought it), car always feels like it's going to stall out when backing up, (but no one ever finds the problem), wheel locks, sway bar bushings and struts needed to be replaced at 54,000 miles (thank god still under warranty), problems with signals, and THE MOST annoying problem -- the driver side glass slips into the door, and you cannot pull it out, and it hampers the locking mechanism so you cannot get out. This just happened to me tonight -- after DRIVING OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MY CAR SERVICED!! The first time it happened was back in November and I was driving to Philadelphia --- luckily no tolls. Numerous other little problems in the 2 1/2 years I've had it. Granted I drive a lot, but I had problems with my other Saturn, electrical ones to be exact, but too many problems for a supposedly good car. Want to know if I have any rights or any claims as I am almost up to my 600000 warranty. WOULD NOT PURCHASE another Saturn. The quality of their vehicles has decreased drastically since their inception. I'm over them.
Linda of Colleyville TX (08/26/07)
Key/ignition problem on 2000 year SC1 model Saturn. I purchased this used vehicle from a dealer around Nov 2007 (about 9 months ago). Donating my savings to help my 19 year old daughter commute between part time jobs and classes. Her long days mean that she must often drive at night. We made several keys as a precaution for lost keys. None of them work. Vulnerable teen is now left to fend for herself when this car leaves her stranded. She hasn't been raped yet, but it could happen if some stranger desides to help himself. Her father now lives in another state and no degrees ever taught me how to hotwire a car to get it started. Hot wire starts must be an important section of the Saturn Owners Manual.
Linda of Somerset MA (08/22/07)
I have had several issues with the ignition of my car. First issue I went to Saturn on Raynham in Raynham MA and was told that they had given me the wrong key for my 2002 Saturn SC1. I had bought this car brand new on the same day my aunt bought her brand new 2002 Saturn SL. This key issue was resolved with a new key and a bit of a scolding (that I weighted down my key chain...I had two other keys and a small key ring holding all keys) after I had only had the car for 1 year. Then into the 3rd year, the ignition started having issues again..I was told to keep flipping the key and there will be no problem.
Now on the 5th year, the car shorted out when I was driving on highway, all my dashboard lights flicked, my headlights when out and then back on, I parked the car in the driveway and it would sputter but not fire. I towed the car to my mechanic, who tried to figure out the problem. I was told to have it towed to Saturn on Seekonk. They were not very customer friendly and when asking about my car was told that they will call me back when it was ready. I never authorized any work to be done execpt for the $90 fee for the Diagnosis.
When they did call me regarding the status of my car (two days later) I was told that they did not have a problem with my engine and provided me with yet another key. I am extremely dissatisfied with any service I have received regarding this Saturn and with the Saturn copy itself. Between the situation with the dealer and my own mechanic I am now going on 2 weeks without a car.
Thank goodness my husband and I work in the same industsrial park. I have read several other complaints regarding the same treatment and issues from Saturn. Is there anything else that can be done to prevent someone else the same anguish?
Deborah of Hewitt NJ (08/22/07)
A couple months back I went through a period where my key would very rarely not start my car on the first attempt. Sometimes, it would after trying a few times, or letting it sit a while. We spent money on a new battery, that we likely didn't need, and it still happened, but then we forgot about it for a while. Then, my key stopped working altogether for my trunk - not a big deal, I just pop it with the interior button. But, shortly after that, before I got to the dealer to get another key made, today my key stopped working in my ignition. It first sounded like it would turn over, but then it just got locked in place & I had to do the jiggle the steering wheel (didn't work) and open the trap door to hit the little release under the steering wheel to get the key out. But, still it won't start. Now, I'm waiting until my husband gets home to have him try his key! Now, to see if I need a rental while mine gets worked on, or if I just need a new key! Either way, I'm annoyed that I had to be somewhere today, and I'm stranded! How can a company know that a problem exists with their ignition system, their keys, or whatever it is, and not say anything?
Becky of Grand Blanc MI (08/01/07)
I too have had problems with the ignition locking on my '06 VUE. In fact it is back in the shop for the second time in 2 weeks, so clearly it was not fixed the second time. I work 35 miles from home and have a 2 year old to pick up on the way home. What happens if I can't get my car started to get to pick him up? I am furious that I keep hearing all of these stories and yet Saturn is not doing anything to fix the problem! Seems they are making a lot of $$ off of these issues!
Heather of Grafton VA (07/30/07)
I have been the owner of a 2006 saturn Ion for 1 year almost to the dot. Last after returning from filling my gas tank, and pulling into my driveway, the key would not come out of my ignition and my car would not turn off. I turned the wheel from side to side, even drove back around the block and tried switching gears... nothing. I pushed the little blue onstar button that I pay monthly for and the woman told me that all the service station in my area were closed (it was 12:00 midnight) and she could not send anyone out to help me. She told me I had the option of reading my owner manual for some tips on how to remove the key or call back and she would connect me to saturns roadside service. I told her I would try the owners manual and if I still had no luck, I would call back.
The owners manual says to remove a small plate underneath the steering wheel and stick your finger inside and move the plunger towards the drivers side door which should release the key. Well, there is no button, switch, or anything of the sort in that little hole, just some grease and wires. I called her back and she connected me to saturns roadside service. The man on the phone told me that there was nothing he could do for me. They could not tow my car since it was not off and they could not send anyone out to do a repair at this time of night. I was thinking to myself why do I pay extra for all this stuff that is supposed to help me in situations like this and now no one will help me I just wanted a guy to come out and turn my car off somehow! BUt they would not send me any help. They told me I would have to let my car run out of gas, remember I just got home from filling my tank! That means I would have had to let my car run all night, possibly overheating, getting stolen, or catching fire. He also told me that another possibility would me to unhook the battery. I asked him if that was dangerous and he said yes you need tohave someone that knows what they are doing do that.
HMMMMMMM maybe a roadside assistance employee?!?!?!? SO no I had to call my uncle at 2:00 am and bribe him with money to drive to my house and see what he could do. We unhooked the battery in the trunk and NOTHING!! THE CAR WAS STILL ON!!! SO finally he unplugged the wire under the hood which runs the computer system and my car turned off. It stayed in the ON position all night with the key stuck in it, until this morning when they finally sent me a tow driver to pick it up. THe tow truck Driver took my car the saturn dealership and I'm waiting to hear the results.
My car is under warranty, but I don't care.. its less than a year old and it should not be doing this. Its like the movie tommy boy, i could take a dump in a box and guarantee it. I m very disappointed at the customer service of saturn and their disregard for my safety. I would strongly recommend taking your business to a company that makes their customers and their safety a priority. They also told me that they have never heard of this situation before! what a lie! They had to recall an older model because of ignition problems.
Also you can look up information and find HUNDREDS of customer complaints on the this company and the ignition problems. Is is going to take someone dying to recall this? Saturn needs to realise that this is a common problem with their product and they need to ATLEAST offer someone to come out to shut off the car and tow it. It took my uncle about 15 minutes to figure it out... Changing a tire is just as easy, but they WILL come out and do that for you. That should be part of their roadside service program... they need to be there for the customers that are giving them their paychecks. From what I gathered online Saturn is making alot of money off of the people without warantees that have this problem. They are issuing cheap keys that are tearing up the tumblers. So they are saving money on the keys and making money off of you.
Billie Jo of Elkhart Lake WI (07/23/07)
After three years of ownership, the last two months have been awful. I am experiencing what many seem to have been experiencing. I attempt to start my car, and if I don't immediately turn the key all the way to start, the anti-theft option kicks in, thereby not allowing me to start my vehicle for ten minutes. I used my spare key, thinking that the first key was worn, and it helped for the first couple of weeks. The spare key has begun to react in the same manner as the first key.
Jill of San Antonio TX (06/27/07)
I am having this same issue with the ignition of my 1999 SL2 Saturn. This car has been very reliable, and I have enjoyed driving if for a number of years now... but if I can't count on it to start and it could lock up while I am driving... this is scary and something Saturn needs to address if they want to keep their customers coming back!!
Theo of Morton Grove IL (06/19/07)
Also own a Saturn 2000 SL2 and have 'joined the club' with ignition problems. The key will not turn to start the car regardless of amount of recommended wiggling of steering wheel while turning key. Tried having new key made by dealer. No luck. Called Service Dept of Saturn dealership and have been told the cylinder will have to be replaced (price range $300-$500). After reading the comments to date from others with this problem, I can see there is no guarantee this will solve the problem once and for all. I HAVE BEEN A GM CAR BUYER SINCE I GOT MY LICENSE, MORE THAN 40 YEARS AGO. But this is the straw that broke the camel's back in my case. They know they have a defective ignition set up which they address in the new car owner's manual, and yet they sell the cars anyway. Count me, my 3 sons, wife and daughter, among the lost future customers of the US car industry.
Monica of Charlotte NC (05/30/07)
On the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend I stopped by Walgreen's to pick up some medicine for a sinus infection, jumped back in my car to go to a friend's house in the key would not turn in my ignition.
After numerous customers stopped to assist me, including the policeman I called, to no avail I had to have my car towed to Saturn of Va Beach. After researching all of the information about Saturn ignition problems, I discussed the recall that was placed on Saturn L-Series. Scott Rowland said that it was not for the part of the ignition that was broken on my car. It was not covered by recall and would cost me $425 to repair.
Melissa of Bakersfield CA (04/25/07)
This is the second time we have taken our 2006 Ion back to Saturn. The key gets stuck in the ON position, you can not turn the car off. (We have a 5 speed so we can just kill it, but the battery still stays on.) The first time they had to send a tow truck out due to the battery died, after unhooking it in the trunk. They stated the tumblers slipped due to a plastic ring fell off in the ignition. This was on 03/27/07. On 04/24/07 the same thing happened again. The key would not turn off. This time, we drove the car to the dealership, and after two car salesmen (it was after hours) said I can get it out, with the button under the steering wheel (There is no button on a 5 speed) they pulled it in the shop and pulled the batt fuse. We are still waiting on the results...the warranty is about to expire due to my husband works 30 miles out of town. Has anyone had this happening? The key will not turn at all, it gets stuck in the on position?
Sam of Burley ID (04/05/07)
My wife and I bought our 2003 Saturn Ion about a year ago with approximately 14,000 miles on it. We purhcased an extended warranty. A few months later we started having ignition problems.
Unlike many others where the key would get locked in the ignition, ours would come out while in the on position. We took our Ion to Saturn of Boise where we were told that the problem could not be duplicated. Boise is approximately a 2 hour drive and the only Saturn dealer in Idaho. We returned a few weeks later when the problem occured again.
This time Saturn of Boise was able to duplicate the problem and replaced the ignition cylinder. A few weeks ago I had taken our Saturn to work. As I was attempting to turn the Ion off, the ignition locked in the ON position and would not unlock. Even though the ignition was locked in the on position, I could pull the key out. I called Saturn of Boise.
They told me to open the ignition access panel underneath the steering column and press the release switch. I opened the panel to find that there was no release button. I asked Saturn what I could do to get the Ion to shut off. They told me I had to allow the Ion to run out of gas! I had a few co-workers who are mechanically inclined look at the Ion.
They stated they had never seen anything like it. I had an extra key so I locked the door and allowed the Ion to run. I had a family member come and pick up the Ion. My family member took the Ion back to their house to wait for my wife to get off work. My wife called a local tow company who came over and pulled out the computer chip out, which stopped the vehicle. The ignition switch was left in the on position. The battery is now dead to to being locked in the on position. Today we spoke with Saturn again.
They stated that the ignition problem is unrelated to our previous ignition problem, thus not being covered under the warranty. They stated that we would have to get the Ion to Boise in order to get it fixed. We have two Dodge vehicles with excess of 150,000 each. We have never had any problems other than basic repair and maintenance. Next time I am sticking with Dodge.
Doris of Ypsilanti MI (03/08/07)
I have a 2005 Ion that's not even 2years old yet. My Key would stick in the ignition and would not ocme out? I would start the car, turn the stirring wheel and the key would not come out. Mind you that I had takin the car in 5 different times, for this problem they have replace the ignition 2X, lube the ignition even replaced my keys. I took my bcar in to the dealer3 weeks ago and then another return visit on 03-06-2007.
I told the dealer that I wasn't leaving until they fixed the car. This just don't make sence. The very next day I went to the gas station and the key stuck again. My husband said to give it a couple of days and see if it will stick again.
Leslie of Nashville TN (02/26/07)
My 2002 Saturn SL2's ignition is totally locked up and the key will not turn. This has happened several times, but somehow we've gotten it to turn eventually. This last time I was stuck in an emissions testing lane for 2 hours and had to get my car towed. This is utterly ridiculous that the same thing is happening to so many Saturn vehicles, and they will not accept responsibility or issue a recall. I cannot afford to pay hundreds of dollars to get this fixed, nor can I afford to have my car towed each time this happens.
Katherine of Lake Worth FL (02/20/07)
Brought my 2003 Ion in because the key kept getting stuck in the ignition. I only had so much money so when they told me 2 days later that they couldn't find the problem I went to pick up the car after authorizing a transmission flush and a new key. When I got to the dealership they said the key was stuck now and they really hadn't looked at it because they weren't sure what the problem was (I was EXTREMELY specific) Now the trans flush was done and I had no money to fix the ignition which the mechanic himself told me was a sticky accuator in the shifter and the service guy said it would be another $200 so I took the car home.
I felt like they hadn't taken my ignition problem seriously and I would have never authorized a trans flush over the ignition problem so I called Saturn headquarters. They got the service manager Larry on the phone and he said he wanted to keep me as a customer so he would split the difference on the ignition cost but that the repair would now cost $100 more. Some deal. Called a reliable local mechanic to see how much he would charge and when he called a Saturn dealership for the part he was told there was no such part as an accuator. Go figure.
I then looked up all the problems with Saturns on the web and found hundreds upon hundreds of the same complaints. Instead of recalling these cars GM must have decided that they could make more money by having them brought in for repair numerous times. And if you look at my keys (both old and new) you can easily see how soft the metal is so i believe they are actually making bad keys to make a bundle on repairs. GM should be forced to recall these cars and stop these bait and switch repair tactics. I will never buy another Saturn and make a point to tell everyone I can to never buy one either. Besides all this the value of the car dropped 50% on kelly blue book and I've owned it less than a year
Richard of Altamonte Springs FL (02/07/07)
Went to put key in the ignition and the wheel would not turn/unlock. After reading others input/temp solutions I flooded the ignitions slot, where the key inserts, with WD 40 and somehow it turned. We are contacting the dealer in the A.M THis car is a 2000, but it only has 20,000 miles on it. (We bought it off my elderly Mother-in-law
Bruce of Spokane, WA (01/21/07)
My son's 94 Saturn SL2 ignition was locked and the key would not turn. After lubing the lock and playing with the steering wheel, the steering wheel lock broke free. Then the key finally popped out the ignition switch so the car was able to be started.
I just found this website after a little research to see if it a common problem. Now I am worried that this could happen again at a more inopportuned time. This time it was in front of the house. Next time, it could be anywhere.
Cory of Mariposa CA (01/17/07)
How is Saturn able to get away with this travesty of safety? Does someone have to be killed before any changes are made by Corporate? I have a 2002 Saturn L200 that is having the same problem as everyone else, with the ignition locked up. I have exhausted all options and my energy trying to repair this myself. I have no money and live an hour and a half from the nearest certified dealer. I have no idea what I am going to do. I have had several problems with this vehicle and I only have 48,000 miles on it.
Jim of Livermore CO (01/17/07)
I have a 2001 Saturn SL2 with 107,000 miles on it that has just blown its second manual transmission because the pin came loose and irreparably damaged the transmission. The last repair cost $1,700 for a used transmission replacement, and this time it will cost $1,900 for a replacement transmission that already has 81,000 miles on it. How long will this one last before it loses it's pin? I love this car otherwise and simply cannot afford to buy a new car right now.
On the other hand, how many chances should I give this car? It has been suggested that I drive the car too roughly, specifically, I shift into reverse while moving forward. I don't think so. I do live up 10 miles of dirt road, but the Saturn dealer has told me this would not cause the problem. Maybe if enough people complain about this we can recoup some of our losses.
Stan of Wolcottville IN (12/28/06)
The ignition on our brand new 2006 Saturn Vue started sticking from the first day we had it. We thought it was just because it was new, or my wife needed to use more pressure when turning key. After only a couple of months, it locked up completely and had to be towed from her work to the dealership. We were not given a vehicle to use until it was fixed. Since that time, we have had it back to the dealership because of it sticking 2 more times. Until we can get to the dealership, we have to leave a key in the ignition.
We bought the vehicle in May and this is Dec. Saturn has offered to give us free tire rotations and free oil changes! ( We live 50 miles away from dealer!) Or extended warranty on the ignition! Which has had to be worked on 3 times in 7 months!! We thought Saturn was a good place to buy a vehicle. We were wrong!!!!
Milton of Birmingham AL (12/27/06)
2006 Saturn Ion- This vehicle was purchased brand new 0n 12/31/2005. Since this time the vehicle has locked up four times, the key sticks in the ignition. The first and second time the dealership stated the battery was bad, the third time they claimed the battery cables were bad. The fourth time they replaced the ignition cylinder. Each time the car locked up it was parked except the fourth time it was at a busy intersection, the police were dispatched to direct traffic. I bought this car for my daughter who attends college which is a long way from home. I bought a new vehicle because I wanted something reliable but this vehicle is anything but.
Edmond of Newark DE (12/13/06)
I have the same problem on a 2000 Saturn sl as discribed by many other individuals concerning the ignition locking up and had to replace the entire lock cylinder. I also own a 2003 Saturn Ion which is now going in to a security mode for no reason when trying to start the car which locks the ignition. I was told by saturn to turn the ignition on and wait ten minutes for it to reset and then try to start the car. my daughter uses the car and i do not want to see her waiting in a parking lot for ten minutes. is this another common problem?
Sara of Rochester MN (12/05/06)
I have a 2004 Saturn Ion which I purchased brand new in the summer of 2004. Since that time, I have had to replace the ignition switch two times, which I think is a little excessive for a two year old vehicle.
My car wouldn't start and after determining it wasn't low fuel, the battery, or some other problem, it was determined that it was the ignition switch. I am frustrated, as this has occurred at very inopportune times.
Tyler of Lethbridge (11/21/06)
Ignition locks up and leaves me stranded on my 2001 Saturn SC. Many other Saturn owners have the same problem.
I am constantly left stranded and saturn refuses to rectify the situaton.
Karen of Scarsdale NY (11/14/06)
We have a 2002 Saturn L-series wagon. We have had ongoing problems with not being able to turn the key in the ignition. The advice in the owner's manual--to jiggle the steering wheel from side to side--does not help, as when this happens it is usually impossible to turn the wheel more than a couple of inches in either direction. The first few times it happened, my husband finally got the key to turn by using brute strength.
When it happened to me while I was in a parking garage with my two sons (and no husband), I called my Saturn dealer and was told by the service department to hit the key with something heavy to try to force it to turn (!) This finally worked, and I immediately took it in for servicing. They replaced the ignition cylinder and housing and cut me a new key, which had become bent from all my efforts to start the car(cost: over $200.) 15 months later (a couple of weeks ago), my husband and I were at the garden center. We had the car full of plants and large bags of mulch. Went to turn the car on...it was locked up again. This time neither my husband or myself could get the key to turn. (By the way, the car was NOT parked with the wheels turned in any direction other than straight ahead.)
We had to call a tow truck (cost: over $100) to bring the car to Saturn. There, Saturn just said they'd have to replace the cylinder and housing AGAIN. We complained at having to pay this cost again, and although the warranty on the previous repair was expired, they did take $100 off the cost. Now I am becoming nervous about driving the car at all. I'm afraid I'm going to be stuck somewhere really inconvenient and not be able to get the car started. I am sure this is a flaw in the car's design and not anything to do with driver error, as we are doing everything we were told to do in terms of turning the car on & off and parking correctly. This is a serious problem and we are most likely going to get rid of this car as soon as we can.
Monica of Longmont CO (11/13/06)
I own a 2000 Saturn LS1, last week I had to have the ignition swith and lock cylinder replaced. I just now started researching the problem after having paid $400 to get it fixed, and it just really frustrates me to know there area lot of others out there with the same problem.
Sue of Des Moines IA (11/01/06)
I own a 2003 Saturn SC2. I have the same problem as all these other folks. The ignition locks, and the key won't turn. I tried my spare key, and it seems to work just fine. So, just in case, I've made 3 copies of this key, but I hope to hear that Saturn is going to make this a recall.
Pamela of Dublin OH (10/01/06)
My daughter just drove 2 hours away to find that her 2000 Saturn SL2 steering wheel locked up! Of all times!! It is upsetting to see that so many others have had this problem and yet Saturn is unwilling to acknowledge us! If there is a class action count me in!
Roy of Columbia TN (09/09/06)
I purchased a 2000 Saturn SL2 in 2005. I have been experiencing the same complaint as many others who have written in. The key locks up in the ignition and you have a hard time getting it to work right.I know Saturn will not fix it, as it is out of warranty. They must know that this is a problem and they should step in and fix it. Seems they must be using inferior parts for this to happen in so many vehicles. This is just another example of how G.M. is losing market share because of the inferior quality. A problem of this magnitude is one reason they get a bad name.
Cynthia of Dacula, GA (09/06/06)
I have the same problems as everyone else here - the key sticks, will not turn and the wheels lock up on my 2002 Saturn SL. Furthermore I have a friend who's key is permently stuck in his 1999 Saturn wagon.
OK Saturn it is time you step up and clearly state your cars are having this problem!
Doris of Oak Park MI (07/02/06)
I have a problem with ignition lock up on my 2002 SL2 that I purchased used in 2005. The key gets stuck and I have to shake the steering column to get the key to turn over. The Saturn dealership quoted me a price of $250.00 to get it fixed. Strange as it sounds a co-worker of mine has an 01 SL1 with the same problem !
Teresa Las Vegas NV (05/30/06)
In October of 2001, I purchased a 2002 Saturn L-100. In December of 2001, my husband purchased a 2002 Saturn L-100. In November of 2005 my husband's ignition lock cylinder locked up and needed to be replaced- at a cost of approx. $350.00.
I just picked up my Saturn from the local dealership because the steering wheel locked up on Friday. The ignition lock cylinder needed to be replaced, along with the housing! This cost me 539.35. The dealership told me it's just coincidence that both of our cars had the same problem within 6 months of each other. Statistically, I find this hard to believe. I have been driving for a good many years; some cars I had were very old (>10 years) and I have never had this kind of problem. Is there anything you can do to assist me in recovering the money spent for a vehicles manufactured with a probable defective part?
Both cars have less than 35,000 miles on them. Any assistance you can provide would be of great help, as I work for Clark county school district and cannot afford this type of repair work; especially when it occurs on two different cars within 6 months. Thanks.
Rosemary of Lake Mills WI (04/08/06)
I have owned a 2000 Saturn SL2 for about 2 years now. It's comfortable, gets good gas mileage and has a little get-up-and-go when I need it on the expressway. Several times in the last 2 years I have experienced not being able to turn the key, the steering wheel locks and occasionally the key gets stuck. So far this has not happened while driving down the expressway at 65 mph. Several times I have had to have help with the ignition key and have always been able to eventually get it to turn in the ignition. This has caused several tardies at work and arguments about how "It must be the way I force the key" when I put it in or take it out.
Now, here's my big fear. I have a 16 yr.old daughter that has just gotten her driver's license and this is the car she will be using at times. So far I have had to go to her rescue 3 times because of the ignition issue. Frustrated, I went to Google Search wanting to find out if anyone has dealt with a similar issue and low and behold I found your site. I'm horrified by what I have read so far! Something must be done! We live paycheck to paycheck and are unable to afford an expensive fix or a different vehicle. I drive on the expressway 60 miles per day and I will now only allow my daughter to drive it to school and back. Thank you for a having a place to vent my frustration. Someone needs to be held accountable for this malady NOW!
Donald of Stuart FL (10/15/05)
I purchased a used 2000 Saturn Lw100 in 2003 . Soon I had a problem with the ignition key refusing to turn. The car could not be towed ,started or driven. I was at home at the time this happened. I used wd 40 and an air hose to try and clear any thing from the lock. After 45 mins of effort it "broke loose" and it was OK. I use this car for the tow vechicle for my RV and travel great distances for the summer months and need a reliable vehicle. I took the car to my local dealer to have the ignition changed.The rep told me that this was a problem as the keys were too soft and shaved off in the lock. He told me to go to Walmart and have a key made as their key "blanks" were harder than Saturns and this would solve the problem.
I followed his suggestions. The problem surfaced again at a neighbors house. He had tools and we removed the plasiic covers fron the steering coloum and did the same treatment as before.It worked again but this prompted me to go to the dealer again with the same story. Gett a new key. I did and allwas well until last Friday, Oct 7th when I returned an elderly visitor to her home in Sarasota Fl. On the return trip I was in Arcadia, Fl (a small town ) when I stopped for some lunch around noon. I tried to start the car and the lock would NOT turn. I went to a auto store and got WD 40 and tried hard for an hour. I called a locksmith, he made a new key, still would not work. He tried for an hour to no avail.
I called the only GM dealer in the area, they said they couldn't fix the Saturn lock and recommended a local auto mechanic who only works on Saturns. I towed the car to him by now it is 5:00 on Fri night and he was unable to fix the problem. I rented a car for 4 days and drove the 100 miles home. The first lock sent by Saturn did not work. The second one had not arrived by quitting time of Friday. I have renewed my contract for the rental car for a ten day period hoping the second lock works when it arrives.
I just contacted Saturn of Stuart this morning and talked with the service manager who told me that they have problems and change the locks "frequently".. When I told him of my story he checked the records and said the man who spoke to me when I wanted to change the lock no longer works there and I should talk to Saturn corp, as he could do nothing for me.
Kate of Greensboro NC (08/28/05)
I have a 2000 Saturn L-series Wagon. The key gets stuck in the ignition. Sometimes unable to start it. Others not able to turn it off. This happened with the original keys (so it is not faulty keys - it is in the ignition system). It seems this has happened to several other Saturns on this site.
Pat of Salisbury MD (07/26/05)
I own a 2000 SL1 Saturn and began encountering problems with the ignition lock on the car a few months ago. Over time the lock began to freeze up and this past weekend I spent 30 minutes trying to free up the steering column using the recommended procedures in the owner manual. Presumably someone who wrote this manual either experienced the same problem or they expected that others would encouter the problem in the future.
I was told that the key that I was using was worn and over time had deposited a some filings or other debrie in the tumblers on the lock and it had to be replaced. It cost me $280.00 and now it looks like others have had the same problem. Since they only provided 1 key for the replacement switch it cost me another trip to get two additional keys made. I don't intend on paying extra based on my reading this article on other similar problems.
My biggest fear is that this lock would go up during driving and lock the steering column causing an accident.
Victoria of Cave Creek AZ (5/20/04):
My daughter was driving her 2003 Saturn Ion home last week when she felt a slight lunge in the vehicle just prior to the steering wheel locking up! She had zero turning capacity, as if the car were turned off, but did not lose power.
Fortunately it was late at night and there were no other vehicles around her. She brought the car to a complete stop, then turned the ignition off then back on to release the steering and was able to drive home. That night I surfed the net looking for recall issues that maybe we were unaware of, and found your site with "Nancy's" posting (below) from Ohio describing the same problem with her son's Ion.
The next day I had the car towed to the dealership and asked if they had ever seen this problem before. They said they had seen issues with the ignition but none that involved the steering wheel locking up. They replaced the ignition housing stating that that was "probably" the component responsible for the problem, but they had no technical explanation to offer describing the exact nature of the failure.
I contacted Saturn and spoke with area manager Donna Miller. When I asked her the same question she stated there were no "documented" cases of this happening. What about Nancy? I then said I was asking for Saturn to buy back this vehicle - there is no way I can risk this happening again! She said that was not "feasible". I believe there is something wrong with the electronic steering technology Saturn is using in these cars. I do not believe they will acknowledge this or aggressively investigate the problem until somebody dies and they're pressed with legal action.
I feel my daughter was very lucky to have escaped what could have been a terrible accident!
Nancy of Cleves OH (9/14/03):
My son was involved in an accident involving my new 2003 Saturn Ion. After attending a football game, he and his friends went to a local restaurant. When he tried to leave the restaurant, the key went into the ignition, but would not turn. The steering wheel locked, and he couldn't get the key out. After getting help from several people the key finally turned and they drove away.
Ten minutes later while making a slight turn the steering again locked up and my son could not control the car. He ended up continuing in a straight line, and hitting a telephone pole going approximately 30-40 MPH. The air bags did not deploy. Thankfully all involved had on their seatbelts and my son had the only injury, a broken collarbone. I contacted Saturn, and was told to give them 7-10 days to look at the car. After 10 days I visited the dealer where I bought the car. I was told to call Saturn every two hours until someone responded. Which I did.
The first time I spoke to "Barbara." The second time I asked for Barbara, and was told there was no one there by that name. I was told I needed to speak to the Product Team, however they were in a half-day meeting. I called a third time, and was told that it was only 2:00, and that someone would call me back. I have no contact person, only the run around. I want answers to the steering locking and the air bags not deploying. This accident could have been much worse, and I'm thankful that there were no horrific injuries.
The car was a total loss, the insurance company is paying for everything, but I feel it's Saturn's fault for the entire accident. My son's insurance rats will skyrocket, and being a minor, he has to go to court.
Nancy should retain an attorney to represent her son in court and negotiate a settlement with Saturn.
Anne of Cordova TN (3/11/04):
I own a 2000 Saturn SC2 and have experienced small problems that others seem to have experienced, including my key getting locked into the ignition, noisy engine, vibrating, crummy brakes, etc. However, I have had a problem no one else seems to have had and this being the second time, I'm ready to get rid of this car.
While driving at about 40 mph in the right lane, I had to suddenly change lanes to avoid fast braking cars ahead of me. I didn't make a particularly jerky or short lane change, but my steering wheel locked up and the wheel and car started jerking left to right. I had no control over the car whatsoever. It would jerk into the oncoming traffic and then jerk back into my lane, back and forth my car went until after what seemed like an eternity but was probably 15 seconds, it stopped and I was able to regain control.
This is the second time this has happened! The first time was on the interstate. It's a miracle that I wasn't killed or didn't kill someone else. I called my Saturn dealer to ask them about it and they were not very concerned.
Leslie of Southgate MI (12/21/03):
I purchased a used Saturn 2000 LW2 wagon on October 28,2003. On December 16,2003 I was unable to turn the key in the ignition or move the steering wheel. It was 6:45 a.m. and the dealer was not open yet so I called roadside assistance and was told that sometimes the steering column will freeze up if the wheels are not straight. According to the operator all I needed to do was jiggle the key and steering wheel and it should unlock.
After 15 mins. of jiggling I still could not turn the key or move the steering wheel. I needed to get to work so I woke up my mother and asked to borrow her car. After calling in to work I waited for her to come. When she arrived I explained the situation and she said she would call the dealer when they opened at 7:30. Needless to say I was late for work. This may be a minor issue for some people but the purpose of buying a new car was to prevent just this sort of thing from happening.
She explained the situation and the dealer sent a towing company to pick up the car. The first driver could not move the car so he had to call another man to help get the car out of the drive because of the locked up wheels at a cost of $62.50. After inspection it was determined that the ignition lock cylinder (housing) needed to be replaced at a cost of $425.12.
Kelly of Pittsburgh PA (11/10/03):
I bought my car on July 10, 2003. In September of this year, my power steering came on and my steering wheel locked up. I took it in and they said there was nothing wrong with it. The very next day, it happened again. I had to get a tow truck. They said there was a wire from the ignition to the power steering that came "loose."
Recently, a new problem happened. My key got stuck in the ignition just like Nancy from Cleveland. Luckily, I didn't lose control of my car. They had to replace the whole system costing over $800, warranty covered. They said there were four broken wires and many other problems with the ignition. However, I am affraid of it happening again. My car is now acting up when I shift it. I have only 1000 miles on the car and I think my transmission might be going due to it not shifting.
Carol of Penn Valley CA (10/11/03):
I bought a 2002 SL2 in Sept of 2001. At 49,000 miles I'm leaving a meeting at 8:30pm. I put the key in to the ignition and it would not turn after figthing with it for 20 min. I called a tow truck. Saturn had to replace the inition housing. Cost me $100.00.
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