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Campaign 14V153 Posted March 31, 2014 1,373,177 units

2004-2010 Saturn Ion/Malibu/G6 Recall 14V153: EPS Loss

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 14V153 affects 1,373,177 2004-2010 Saturn Ion, Malibu Maxx, Malibu, G6, Aura, Hhr, and Cobalt vehicles for loss of electric power steering. Free repair once available.

Saturn recall 14V153 covers 1,373,177 2004-2010 Ion, Malibu Maxx, Malibu, G6, Aura, Hhr, and Cobalt vehicles because electric power steering assist can suddenly stop while driving. If assist is lost, low-speed steering takes more driver effort and crash risk increases; the dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The electric power steering assist system on affected 2004-2010 Saturn Ion, Malibu Maxx, Malibu, G6, Aura, Hhr, and Cobalt vehicles helps the driver turn the wheel. It uses electric assistance to reduce steering effort, especially during parking, slow turns, and quick steering corrections. The steering linkage still does the basic steering job, but the assist system supplies the extra force that makes the wheel easier to turn.

In this recall, the assist can stop working suddenly while the vehicle is being driven. When that happens, the driver has to steer without the added electric help. The wheel becomes harder to turn, and the change in steering effort can catch the driver off guard.

There is no warning sign before failure. The loss of assist can occur suddenly, so an included vehicle should be repaired through the recall path even if the steering feels normal today.

Who's affected?

This scope spans Ion, Malibu Maxx, Malibu, G6, Aura, Hhr, and Cobalt across the 2004-2010 model years, all tied to the power steering system.

2004 Saturn Ion power steering system
2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx power steering system
2007 Saturn Ion power steering system
2006 Saturn Ion power steering system
2004 Chevrolet Malibu power steering system
Units affected1,373,177

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.

What's the safety risk?

A loss of power steering assist makes the vehicle harder to steer at low speeds and increases crash risk. If steering effort suddenly rises, slow down, move out of traffic when safe, and contact the dealer for current recall guidance. Repair will be free at any franchised Saturn dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2010 Saturn Ion, Malibu Maxx, Malibu, G6, Aura, Hhr, or Cobalt is included in this recall.
  2. Wait for the owner letter before scheduling the final dealer repair, because this recall is listed as under development.
  3. Contact a franchised Saturn dealer after the repair notice arrives and ask which steering bulletin applies to your VIN.
  4. Reference recall number 14V153 when you call the dealer.
  5. Drive carefully until the repair is complete. Use extra effort at low speeds if the electric power steering assist stops working.

What happens at the repair

GM's remedy remains under development, so the final dealer repair is free once parts are available. The applicable service bulletin depends on the vehicle. At the dealer, a Saturn technician replaces the EPS motor, the torque sensor assembly, the EPS motor controller unit, or a combination of those parts. The repair path is tied to the specific model and build range, so the service desk matches the VIN to the correct bulletin before work begins. Parts and labor are covered under the recall once the repair opens.

Timeline

March 31, 2014 NHTSA published the recall
May 16, 2014 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
July 17, 2014 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 14V153?

Recall 14V153 covers 1,373,177 2004-2010 Saturn Ion, Malibu Maxx, Malibu, G6, Aura, Hhr, and Cobalt vehicles with electric power steering assist that can stop working while driving. Loss of assist requires more steering effort at low speeds and increases crash risk.

What should I do if my 2004-2010 Saturn Ion, Malibu Maxx, Malibu, G6, Aura, Hhr, or Cobalt is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 14V153. If it is, contact a franchised Saturn dealer and reference recall 14V153 and GM number N140115. The dealer applies the correct steering bulletin based on model, year, and build details.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 14V153, the dealer applies the relevant steering bulletin, including EPS motor, torque sensor assembly, or EPS motor controller unit work, depending on the vehicle.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is sudden loss of electric power steering assist while driving. If assist is lost, steering still works, but the driver needs greater effort at low speeds. That added effort increases crash risk, especially during parking, turning, and low-speed maneuvers.

What if I bought this vehicle used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or where the vehicle was purchased. Check your VIN, then give the dealer recall 14V153 and GM number N140115 when you call for service.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V153000
Saturn customer service1-800-630-2438
NHTSA recall #14V153
NHTSA recall # (full)14V153000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →