2006 Saturn Ion shifts on own

Hello we purchased for our daughter a 2006 Saturn ION with 49500 miles. It has an automative transmission. The problem is that the vehicle just will not start sometimes. All the guages work, the door dinger and lights but when you turn the key there is nothing. Then pretty soon it will start. But the biggest problem is that the car shifts to 1st gear on it own. This has happend a couple of times and the gear shift actually goes to the 1st gear postion. I am VERY concerned that this might happen when cruising down the road. It has been back to the dealer several times. Have you heard of this happening to any other vehicles. Thank you