2003 Saturn Ion

On certain vehicles, a defect may allow the ignition key to be removed from the ignition switch when the key is not in the "Off" position. This could result in unintended vehicle movement if the transmission is not in the "park" position (automatic transmission) or not in the reverse gear with the parking brake engaged (manual transmission), and increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the ignition lock cylinder and/or ignition key.

On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition switch could allow the switch to move out of the "run" position if the key ring is carrying added weight and the vehicle goes off-road or is subjected to some other jarring event. The timing of the key movement out of the “run” position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may result in the airbags not deploying, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the ignition switch. Note: Until the correction is performed, all items should be removed from the key ring. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2014-038.

Certain vehicles equipped with electric power steering may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving.  If the power steering assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Centre and a chime sounds to inform the driver.  Typically, at the next ignition cycle, power assist is regained and the Driver Information Centre message will be off.  Steering control can be maintained, as the vehicle will revert to a manual steering mode, but would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury.  Correction: Vehicles will receive a special extended warranty coverage of 10 years/240,000 km from first registration.  Under this special coverage program, vehicles which experience this condition will have the electric power steering motor replaced.

On certain vehicles, the turn signal/daytime running lamp (DRL) bulb on either front side can become inoperative because of inadequate contact between the bulb and socket.  If a front turn signal lamp is inoperative, others may react slowly to a turning vehicle and a crash could occur.  Correction:  Dealers will replace the DRL/turn signal bulb on both the left and right front side.

Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 118.  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.  If unsupervised children are left unattended in the vehicle and operate the power windows or sunroof, there is an increased risk of personal injury to the child.  Correction:  Dealers will upgrade the Body Control Module (BSM) calibration.