2005 Saturn Ion Reliability ReportC+ grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown
Quick Facts · 2005 Saturn Ion
- The system most likely to surface first: transmission (automatic/cvt) (major severity).
- Has 5 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the electrical system:ignition.
- Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2006 Saturn Ion earns a 72.
Is the 2005 Saturn Ion Worth Buying?
The 2005 Saturn Ion can be a surprisingly affordable and practical commuter, but its notorious automatic and CVT transmissions, coupled with power steering vulnerabilities, demand careful consideration. Opting for a manual transmission model significantly improves your reliability outlook, transforming it from a risky gamble to a reasonable budget pick.
Biggest Strengths
- Affordable purchase price and parts
- Good fuel economy for its class
- Resistant to body rust due to plastic panels
What Tends to Fail First on the 2005 Saturn Ion
The systems that break first on the 2005 Saturn Ion. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
2005 Saturn Ion Recall History
5 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
What breaks on the 2005 Saturn Ion?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Other Saturn Ion Years to Consider
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Saturn Ion. Click any year for its full report.
2005 Saturn Ion Alternatives
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2005 Saturn Ion
Parts and accessories matched to your 2005 Saturn Ion
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Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
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