I have a 2006 Saturn Ion. You can hear a very faint clunk when turning the steering wheel at slow speeds. Any thoughts?

check that the wheel nuts are tight and right for the rim. Check all ball joints and steering joints. Check wheel bearings for condition and adjustment.

Either your steering gear failed or the connection joint between the steering wheel and steering rack input has broken. Since you have turned the wheel around in such a way, the clock spring for the air bag will also need to be replaced or you can have accidental airbag deployment or it can fail to deploy in a wreck.

think you are being given the run around here ,no power steering
?? have a look under the bonnet for a belt driven pump or an electric one

I have had that problem with my wifes car,i called a mobile repair guy to come out and tighten something in the steering column,cost me about $50

I have a 2006 Mazda 6 wagon - same car under the skin as your fusion. If you have a telescoping steering wheel, it might be that the grease they used for the steering column is substandard. I just fixed my clunky steering by releasing the telescoping/tilt lever and pushing the steering wheel in and out a few times (i repeated twice after 2 short test drives with the problem improving each time); this eliminated the noise. Blogs for the Mazda 6 indicated this. Give it a try as it's a free fix. If the problem comes back, and some indicate it will, the dealer may need to relubricate the steering column with a better grease. This is the fix for the Mazda6.

the electri power steering unit is going bad its overheats then shuts down till it cools off anf the is ok till next time,,,,hopefully you car is under warranty yet as this is part of the steering cloumn,,they are some money,probably like $750-$1000 installed but thats what you need ,its a common gm issue

you need a new ignition for sure

1) the NHTSA will do nothing as its not a safety issue, as a lock cylnder can never lock up a steering wheel while in the run position..it is impossible.
2) most times it not a quality problem with the lock cylnder but that people have too many keys and things on their key ring and that weight ruins the lock cylnder

Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/sean_54c3a3dc48a7773c

Sounds like you have a bad CV joint, this will make a clunking or clicking noise like you described only when turning, and varies with vehicle speed.

Have it repaired before it breaks and leaves you stranded, or damages anything else.

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!