2003 Saturn L200
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Saturn › L200 › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Saturn L200. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2003 Saturn L200. Newest first.
On certain sedans and wagons, the plastic housing in the rear tail lamp assembly can become distorted if the brake lamps remain on for an extended time.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can cause (1) an intermittently inoperative brake/tail lamp bulb or (2) a short circuit that opens a fuse causing inoperative brake lamps (including the center high-mounted stop lamp) or tail lamps. a following driver may not know when the brakes have been applied, and a rear-end crash could occur without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will install two new tail lamp reinforcing socket adapters and sockets free of charge. the recall began on october 17, 2005. owners may contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
Certain wagons fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." the seat belt anchor may separate from the floor of the vehicle before holding the required test load for the required time.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If a separation occurred in crash, the right and center rear seat occupants may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will install a rear seat center belt anchor reinforcement plate to the floor pan of the vehicle free of charge. the recall began on april 25, 2005. owners may contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.2L L4 (L61) engines, a failure of the ignition control module may cause deterioration in idle quality, reduction in overall engine power, and the vehicle may be hard to start. continued operation of the vehicle after such an ignition module failure will result in the "service engine soon" light flashing, and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure of the resonator will cause increased exhaust noise. prolonged operation of the vehicle following a resonator failure may lead to a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will (1) replace the ignition control module, (2) replace the ignition control module and spark plugs, or (3) replace the ignition control module, spark plugs, and update the powertrain control module calibration. owner notification began on august 4, 2003. owners should contact saturn at 1-800-553-6000, prompt 3.
Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles exhibit a condition in which the windshield wiper motor could fail during use because of improper manufacture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to occur in severe weather, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor assembly. owner notification began november 6, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact saturn at 1-800-553-6000, prompt #3 or hummer at 1-866-486-6376.
Owner complaints
138 complaints7 involved a crash7 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn L200. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 45 MPH, an abnormal whirling sound was coming from the vehicle and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact's wife was unable to restart the vehicle and with the assistance of a police officer, she…
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn L200. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 45 MPH, an abnormal whirling sound was coming from the vehicle and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact's wife was unable to restart the vehicle and with the assistance of a police officer, she coasted the vehicle off to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective timing chain which resulted in engine failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Visibility/wiper
Passenger side wiper blade stopped working while driving in rain.
- Structure › Body
The front bumper plastic fasteners that hold the bumper to the chassis degrade and break over time and the front bumper will fall off without notice. This happened to me as my car was slowly moving forward in a parking lot and I had to get out and pick up the bumper and put it in my back seat to…
The front bumper plastic fasteners that hold the bumper to the chassis degrade and break over time and the front bumper will fall off without notice. This happened to me as my car was slowly moving forward in a parking lot and I had to get out and pick up the bumper and put it in my back seat to get it home. When I got home upon inspection I noticed the plastic fasteners had broken and I was not able to put the bumper back on. I had to use wire to attach it to the chassis because the plastic fasteners were all broken and brittle.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Brakelights have quit working twice. Also multiple electricle problems. On 1 occasion, ABS light was out, came on again with restart. Another time fuel gague showed empty, showed full on restart. Another time turned key and no elecric at all, unplugged battery and all was well.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L200. While starting the vehicle, the check engine indicator illuminated and an abnormal noise was heard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
While driving with two kids in the car my stearing became odd. I slowed down and my car started pulling to the left I could barely keep it in a straight line. My stearing wheel was turned all the way to the right when suddenly it sounded like I had a flat tire. I stopped the car the wheel it's self…
While driving with two kids in the car my stearing became odd. I slowed down and my car started pulling to the left I could barely keep it in a straight line. My stearing wheel was turned all the way to the right when suddenly it sounded like I had a flat tire. I stopped the car the wheel it's self looked odd. I got back in and tried to drive and my car made a aweful noise and I could not go anywhere! I was sranded in the dark on a hillside with the kids. I had my car towed home to discover the frame of my car has split at the a-arm, the engine cradle has caused this problem. My insurance wont pay this IS our only car and my kids have medical needs please help !
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L200. While driving 50 mph, the steering wheel caught fire. A police report was not filed. The contact extinguished the fire. There were no injuries. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
- Electrical system
Light flashing on dash board, climate control goes on and off ,oil light keep coming on and of. Everything that's electric like the sun roof. Am afraid of getting stuck in the middle of a high way. Please help me. [Xxx]. I like to know if this car IS on recall. Thank you. we are second owner information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Unknown or other
Car stalls without warning while in motion. No check engine lights or sputtering. Took it to the mechanic and they changed the water pump after diagnosing that as an issue, got about a week and it happened again in traffic. Very scary. Started and got up the road about a mile then sied again. Mechanics are baffled.
- Electrical system
Three times in the past few years, while driving the vehicle's electrical system would shut off, leaving the passengers stranded. after awhile, the vehicle electrical system would because functional. twice, the vehicle elcectrical system was checked, and no problems were found. note: the last date and mileage noted below of the vehicle IS approx.
- Air bags
Airbag dash light on, technician says code refers to short in steering column. Dash light remains on
- Engine · Service brakes · Unknown or other
I was stopping to turn right at a red light and my cars breaks stopped working. My car ran through the intersection, started violently shaking and then stopped. The car was still on but it would not drive. I turned the car off and tried to start it up 6 times and it wouldn't work. Then finally it…
I was stopping to turn right at a red light and my cars breaks stopped working. My car ran through the intersection, started violently shaking and then stopped. The car was still on but it would not drive. I turned the car off and tried to start it up 6 times and it wouldn't work. Then finally it started and I drove home. I went to start my car later that day and now it refuses to start. The battery light comes on, the car shakes, there's a very loud tapping/rattling sound, the ABS light flashes, the 'service engine soon' light IS on. in the vehicle information section of this form, it asking me to enter the vehicles make, model and year. It's a saturn L200 2002 but it's not giving me an option for the 2002. Only the 2003.
- Engine · Power train · Visibility/wiper
Bottom engine 2 cells gone dealership M676 electrical system interior and exterior blew eengine
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L200. While driving at low speeds, the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic five times. The technician diagnosed that the power steering pump failed and needed to be replaced.…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L200. While driving at low speeds, the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic five times. The technician diagnosed that the power steering pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was later taken back to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000. ma 10/19/2015 updated 11/28/2017*cn
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L200. The contact stated that the anti theft security system pass lock failed and caused the engine not to start and the odometer reading to increase. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,500.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2002 (na) saturn L200. While driving at various speeds, the contact heard a noise coming from the front and rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer who diagnosed that…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 (na) saturn L200. While driving at various speeds, the contact heard a noise coming from the front and rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer who diagnosed that the rear struts needed to be replaced. The technician replaced the rear passenger side struts; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000. The vin was unavailable. updated 5/29/15*cn updated 10/05/2017*cn
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 (na) saturn L200. The contact stated that while the engine was turned on, the odor of fuel was present inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who indicated that the fuel pump was faulty and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000.
- Steering
Smoke IS intermittently coming out of the steering column while driving or starting the vehicle. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Passlock security light stays on constantly, no problem with car start. Also passlock security light and interior dome light flicker simultaneously (in sync) when interior light in on position. Also odometer light bulb went out about two years ago as well. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L200. While driving approximately 30 mph, another vehicle ran a stop light and crashed into the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact sustained injuries…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L200. While driving approximately 30 mph, another vehicle ran a stop light and crashed into the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L200. While parked, the key failed to release from the ignition switch and an unknown warning indicator illuminated. After removing the key, the contact discovered that it was bent and the vehicle would not restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Visibility · Visibility/wiper
I purchased a 2003 saturn L200 in january 2014. About 4 months later I noticed that the lights were flashing on and off in the car. The lights would dim and come back on. The wipers would stop working or sometimes they would just slow down. One evening I went to the store and when I returned to the…
I purchased a 2003 saturn L200 in january 2014. About 4 months later I noticed that the lights were flashing on and off in the car. The lights would dim and come back on. The wipers would stop working or sometimes they would just slow down. One evening I went to the store and when I returned to the car the headlights were still on I continued on home and as I started the vehicle the steering column started smoking. When I arrived back into the parking lot the headlights would not go off. I called the saturn dealership and also the saturn headquarters who both stated there are no opened recalls on the car. So I asked them if I could get a copy of the service repairs for the recalls done on the car. They said there are no such records but I have a printout of recalls for the vehicle. Nhtsa reference #05v245000 for the break lights #03v231000 for the ignition module and #02v283000 for the windshield wipers. The problems I have experienced are the same problems as the recalls. They informed me that I should file a complaint with your organization and maybe you would initiate a recall on the vehicle. The lady at the dealership wanted me to bring it to her so they could take a look at it. But according to the articles I read on the ignition module if you continue to drive it in that condition it may cause a fire, so I did not want to do that.
- Steering › Column · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L200. The contact stated that the steering wheel became hot and started smoking. The contact stated that the battery was disconnected and the steering wheel continued to smoke. Additionally, while driving 30 mph, the accelerator pedal failed to respond. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L200. The contact stated that the steering wheel became hot and started smoking. The contact stated that the battery was disconnected and the steering wheel continued to smoke. Additionally, while driving 30 mph, the accelerator pedal failed to respond. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,274.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L200. The contact stated that gasoline fuel fumes were emitted in and around the vehicle. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000. The vin was not available.
- Electrical system › Ignition · Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L200. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 mph, the vehicle stalled and the key failed to turn in the ignition without warning. An independent mechanic went to diagnose the vehicle and replaced the ignition control switch. In addition, a…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L200. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 mph, the vehicle stalled and the key failed to turn in the ignition without warning. An independent mechanic went to diagnose the vehicle and replaced the ignition control switch. In addition, a strong odor of fuel emitted inside of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Timing chain failure
On december 12, 2005, odi received a defect petition (dp05-008) requesting the investigation of timing chain failures that could cause stalling in saturn vehicles equipped with the 2.2L (L61) engine. Odi opened pe06-006 on january 24, 2006, with 24 vehicle owner complaints that alleged a broken timing chain caused the…
On december 12, 2005, odi received a defect petition (dp05-008) requesting the investigation of timing chain failures that could cause stalling in saturn vehicles equipped with the 2.2L (L61) engine. Odi opened pe06-006 on january 24, 2006, with 24 vehicle owner complaints that alleged a broken timing chain caused the vehicle to stop operating.on april 12, 2006, odi received information from general motors (gm) concerning timing chain failures in approximately 412,000 model year (my) 2000 through 2003 saturn l-series and ion vehicles with 2.2L engines. Gm's response included 1,020 owner complaints and field reports concerning timing chain failure, including 228 that alleged the failure caused the vehicle to stall while driving.gm also provided warranty claim data that showed 1,902 subject vehicles receiving timing chain repairs, including 261 which indicated that a stall while driving resulted from the failure.the gm complaints, field reports and warranty claims that did not contain sufficient information to determine that a stall while driving occurred were provided in the category other.gm stated that the majority of these incidents probably occurred while the vehicles were parked since the timing chain IS more likely to break during high chain load situations, such as engine startup.gm's data showed elevated failure rates in approximately 20,500 my 2001 l-series vehicles produced during a four month period from november 2000 through february 2001.over one-third of gm's total complaints and field reports (34.3%) and warranty claims (38.2%) involved l-series vehicles built during the 4-month period, which are only about 5% of subject vehicle production.the timing chain failure rate in the vehicles built during this range IS over 10 times greater than the remaining subject vehicle population. For the my 2001 l-series vehicles built during the 4-month period, the 36-month failure rate for repairs involving stall while driving IS slightly under one percent.however, if the incidents coded as other are added, the 36-month failure rate rises to nearly five percent for those vehicles.odi and gm are continuing to assess the number of complaints and warranty claims coded by gm as other that involve incidents of stall while driving.gm's statistical modeling of the failure data initially concluded that the failure rates were declining with age and mileage for any set of warranty data analyzed (e.g., stall while driving, other or combined).however, subsequent analysis showed that the failure rates are increasing. Based on the high complaint and warranty rates for timing chain failure in the 4-month production period for the my 2001 l-series vehicles, this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further assess the frequency of stall incidents due to timing chain failures in those vehicles (ea06-009).
- Timing chain failure
Analysis undertaken in response to the petition identified 26 complaints alleging timing chain failures in my 2000-2003 saturn l-series vehicle equipped with the 2.2L L4 engine.most complaints of timing chain failure reportedly resulted in a sudden loss of engine power and stalling.odi also noted that certain my…
Analysis undertaken in response to the petition identified 26 complaints alleging timing chain failures in my 2000-2003 saturn l-series vehicle equipped with the 2.2L L4 engine.most complaints of timing chain failure reportedly resulted in a sudden loss of engine power and stalling.odi also noted that certain my 2002-2003 saturn vue and my 2003 saturn ion model vehicles with the 2.2L engine vehiclescovered by a technical service bulletin (03-06-01-017) that addressed timing chain design and service procedure changes, exhibited no complaints of timing chain failure.odi will grant the petition and open a preliminary evaluation to assess the frequency, trend, scope and safety consequences associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.refer to pe06-006.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10233330This bulletin provides an updated repair procedure to correct a customer concern of a musty odor from A/C system, most noticeable at vehicle start-up.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10228906This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10227674This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10222796This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10222770This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10214869This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10212625This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10211658This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10210321This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 10209980This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
Every Saturn L200 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.