Model year guide

2004 Saturn ION

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Saturn ION is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 107 on record.

2004 Saturn ION — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Saturn ION at a glance

Safety recalls10
Owner complaints898
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$1,932

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2004 Saturn ION recalls 10

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V171000 · 10/04/2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for ea…

Steering:electric Power Assist System NHTSA Campaign #14V153000 · 31/03/2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin …

Electrical System:ignition:switch NHTSA Campaign #14E021000 · 30/04/2014

UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditi…

Fix: UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners r…

Air Bags NHTSA Campaign #14V047000 · 10/02/2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicl…

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014…

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal NHTSA Campaign #04V547000 · 16/11/2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE TURN SIGNAL LAMP AND DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP (DRL) ON EITHER FRONT SIDE CAN STOP WORKING BECAUSE OF LOSS OF CONTACT BETWEEN THE BULB AND SOCKET.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRL/TURN SIGNAL BULB ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SIDE AND INSPECT FOR AND ADD A DRL JUMPER KIT IF NOT PRESENT. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.

Fuel System, Other:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #04V281000 · 08/06/2004

CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SUPERCHARGED 2.0L 4-CYLINDER (LSJ) ENGINE WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL FEED PIPE THAT COULD CRACK AND LEAK FUEL NEAR THE FUEL RAIL. IF FUEL LEAKS FROM THE FUEL FEED PIPE, THERE WOULD BE A NOTICEABLE FUEL ODOR AROUND THE VEHICLE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FEED PIPE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.

Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls NHTSA Campaign #04V004000 · 05/01/2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 118, "POWER-OPERATED WINDOW, PARTITION, AND ROOF PANEL SYSTEMS." THE POWER WINDOWS AND/OR SUNROOF MAY BE OPERABLE AFTER THE IGNITION HAS BEEN TURNED TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR IS OPENED.

Fix: DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 30, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #04V003000 · 05/01/2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L 4-CYLINDER (L61) ENGINES WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL FILTER THAT COULD CORRODE PREMATURELY ON THE EXTERIOR SURFACE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 30, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.

Structure:body:bumpers NHTSA Campaign #04V002000 · 06/01/2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, SOME WELDS BETWEEN THE PASSENGER'S SIDE MOTOR RAIL AND THE FRONT BUMPER BRACKET DO NOT MEET ENGINEERING SPECIFICATIONS.

Fix: ALL VEHICLES ARE STILL IN DEALER'S POSSESSIONS.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2004 Saturn ION common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 898 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.

2004 Saturn ION safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2004 Saturn Ion 2-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2004 Saturn ION MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,688

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2004 Saturn ION worth?

Low
$800
Typical price
$1,932
High
$3,500

From 100 comparable 2004 Saturn ION listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Saturn ION costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,440
Fuel only$13,440
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2004 Saturn ION trims & engines on record

Trims
2 · 3 · 1 · Red Line
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl 170 hp · 2.0L 4-cyl 205 hp

2004 Saturn ION vehicles on record

2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 21G8AJ52F34Z198178 2004 Saturn ION 11G8AF52F94Z205877 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 11G8AG52F24Z114673 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION Red Line1G8AY12PX4Z208539 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 11G8AG52F84Z183562 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 31G8AW14FX4Z144075 2004 Saturn ION 21G8AJ52F14Z175644 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 21G8AJ52F84Z163216 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 21G8AZ52F44Z184556 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 21G8AJ54F04Z115898 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 21G8AJ52F84Z226797 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 11G8AG52F94Z128702 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 21G8AN12F34Z153934 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 31G8AK52F54Z192122 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 21G8AJ54F04Z165510 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 31G8AW12F24Z163822 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 21G8AJ52F74Z173137 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 21G8AM12F94Z144772 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 21G8AJ52F94Z169798 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 31G8AL52F24Z163741 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 21G8AJ52F54Z211142 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 31G8AL52FX4Z143916 2004 Saturn ION 21G8AJ52F84Z196393 2004 Saturn ION 2004 Saturn ION 31G8AW14FX4Z149647

Other Saturn ION model years

2007 2006 2005 2003

2004 Saturn ION — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Saturn ION have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls for the 2004 Saturn ION. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Saturn ION?

Based on 898 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, fuel/propulsion system, electrical system.

What is the 2004 Saturn ION safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2004 Saturn ION crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Saturn ION get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Saturn ION at about 24 mpg combined (21 city / 29 highway).

How much is a 2004 Saturn ION worth?

Comparable 2004 Saturn ION listings run roughly $800–$3,500, typically around $1,932 (from 100 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.