All of a sudden, while driving, slow the power steering on our 2006 Saturn Ion 2 sedan went out and the pwe str light came on; we turned the car off and restarted it and after about 30 seconds it happened again. We are senior citizens and frightened to drive the car. We have read that this is a problem with the Ions, has there been any recall on this or what should we do?

It has electric power steering and there is a fault with it. The ECM recognises this and won't left you drive it.

There was a recall on it.

Only 2006-2007 Chevrolet Malibu, Malibu Maxx, and Pontiac G6 models built between April and June 2006 are included in this recall. As with the initial recall-which included the Saturn Ion, Saturn Aura, Chevy HHR, and Chevy Cobalt-the electric power steering (EPS) in these vehicles can fail at any time while driving.Feb 17, 2015

GM Recalls 70,000 More Cars for Power-Steering Failures ...

https://www.google.com/search?safe=off&rlz=1C1QJDB_enCA643CA644&sxsrf=ALeKk01HQzYypitCRqe32O1Donf47kEk9g%3A1608928801265&ei=IU7mX5_fD8Tm_QaRm434AQ&q=2006+saturn+ion+power+steering+recall

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there is no power steering fluid on an 06 saturn ion...they are electronic power steering

These vehicles have electric power steering. There is an electric motor under the steering column that provides the power steering assist. GM also had a special policy coverage on this motor as it has been notorious for causing the problems you are describing. Read on:

Some customers of 2004-2007 model year Saturn ION vehicles, equipped with electric power steering, may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist, which could occur at any time while driving the vehicle. If the power steering assist is lost, a chime will be heard and the Message Center will display a "PWR STR" warning message. The vehicle can still be steered in a safe manner but will require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds or when stopped. Typically, the next time the vehicle is started, the power steering assist will return and the "PWR STR" message would no longer be displayed..................
This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.
Retailers are to replace the power steering motor. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

are you shure this isn't electronic power steering? if so no power steering fluid on these. i have a 2006 gmc vehicle and it has electonic power steering. I had trouble with it and went looking for the fluid level only to learn there is none. i fixed the problem at least for now by finding the fuse for the power steering and pulling it. then replaced it and started the car and everything was ok. there have been some recalls on gm electronic steerings systems so you may have to check with a dealer. if this helps please reply and good luck

the electric power steering motor is going bad,the motor is about $100 not installed,thats the issue bad motor,easy to fix

the electric power steering motor is the problem,,,the new motor is only $92,,,,, and 15 mintues to replace,,,,easy easy

sounds like ur power steering pump is going

my power steering light came on what is a matter

you should check the main fuse its the large one you probably blew it and hopefully not the ecu.

I have a 2006 Saturn ION as well and the PWR STR light came on and the power steering went out. When i turn off the car and turn back on it's fine for a while but goes out again in a day or so. I called Saturn and they said it is the power steering which is electric and to fix it i would have to replace the whole steering column! If it is not the fuses which i haven't checked yet then it will cost me $850.00 to replace. that's not counting whatever else they find and charge me for. I was looking under 2004 Saturn Ion and they have a lot of the same issues. I don't know where to look for the fuses at though I'm thinking under the steering wheel if anyone knows please let me know.

Thanks

Mom!