2003 Saturn L300
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Saturn › L300 › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Saturn L300. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
42 complaints5 involved a crash4 involved a fire4 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Exterior lighting · Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns a 2001 (na) saturn L300. The contact stated that the anti-freeze warning indicator illuminated, the rear passenger side tail light failed, and the wiper motor did not operate normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 (na) saturn L300. The contact stated that the anti-freeze warning indicator illuminated, the rear passenger side tail light failed, and the wiper motor did not operate normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the anti-freeze hose and connector were defective and needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was made aware of the resonator being damaged by another independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle also jerked after being operated from a stop. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. updated 09/20/17*lj *cn
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L300. The contact stated that the ignition key failed to turn into any direction after numerous attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the ignition switch was replaced. The contact also mentioned that both red plastic tail light covers faded into a…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L300. The contact stated that the ignition key failed to turn into any direction after numerous attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the ignition switch was replaced. The contact also mentioned that both red plastic tail light covers faded into a pinkish color. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
Ignition switch will not start the car. It IS in the off position. I am having a new switch installed. I do not understand why this car part IS not on the recall list. All other 2003 saturns are being recalled. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L300. The contact stated that the brake lights failed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 106,800.
- Exterior lighting
The cluster lights, brake lights, and parking lights have gone out. it shows for other models; but mine that it IS a safety concern. *Tr
- Electrical system
Computer which records and displays speed, engine rpm, mileage, and vehicle warnings failed completely. This failure meant the dash no longer records mileage, and will not display speed or rpm. Dangerous failure for untrained driver. Unknown speed could lead to unsafe driving or crash, having potential to cause deadly accident. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L300. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and caused the contact to crash into a tree. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 100,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L300. while driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was towed to the dealer, but they could not diagnose the cause of failure. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 93,000.
- Suspension
Left front spring in macpherson strut snapped at the bottom. the point of the break was heavily rusted. Repair had to be made with used parts, costing about $800, as aftermarket parts for this vehicle are not available, and dealer parts are overpriced to almost being at vehicle blue book value. *tr
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control
On a rainy night, jan 10, 2014, I came out of work and started my car. I thanked god it started because sometimes it wouldn't start at all. Even after replacing almost every engine part including the computer. I started driving out of the parking spot and I smelled something burning inside the car.…
On a rainy night, jan 10, 2014, I came out of work and started my car. I thanked god it started because sometimes it wouldn't start at all. Even after replacing almost every engine part including the computer. I started driving out of the parking spot and I smelled something burning inside the car. The engine started revving wildly up and down. I had no control of the car. White thick smoke filled the car fast. Flames started shooting out at me from under the dashboard. I was so panicked that I could hardly get out of the car. The insurance co totaled it and I still owe 500.00! I've spent more money trying to get the car to start when I want it to and to stop shutting off while im driving on the highway with my children and or infant granddaughter. This 2003 saturn L300 has been nothing but a financial and mental nightmare only to go up in smoke, ruin my credit, and leave me stranded with no vehicle once again. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L300. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated and there was a leak which allowed water to drip into the cabin. The contact also stated that the key failed to turn while in the ignition and was difficult to remove. The contact then mentioned that smoke…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L300. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated and there was a leak which allowed water to drip into the cabin. The contact also stated that the key failed to turn while in the ignition and was difficult to remove. The contact then mentioned that smoke emitted from the ignition and engine compartment and the instrument panel erroneously dimmed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was repaired. The contact was unsure of what exact repairs were done. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximately failure mileage was 86,112.
- Air bags · Electrical system
In february, 2007 and in april of 2008 I was involved separate front end crashes while driving my 2003 saturn L300. in both instances seatbelt restraints were used (as always), but the air-bags failed to deploy. fortunately, no one was injured. in both instances, I believed that I was fortunate…
In february, 2007 and in april of 2008 I was involved separate front end crashes while driving my 2003 saturn L300. in both instances seatbelt restraints were used (as always), but the air-bags failed to deploy. fortunately, no one was injured. in both instances, I believed that I was fortunate the air-bags didn't open because of the expense involved repairing a deployed air-bag. in late february-2014, general motors announced a large recall of numerous vehicles (saturn ion, saturn vue, chevy cobalt and other vehicles which are similar to my 2003 saturn L300) sitting a defective ignition switch which disables the activation of the vehicles airbags when it IS involved an accident! 13 deaths have been attributed to the defective switch, thusfar. although the 2003 saturn L300 IS not included in the recall, I believe it should be included because of the air-bag issue that I experienced twice with my L300. in addition, there IS a starting problem with the ignition switch, which has arisen since I've owned this car that has happened numerous times during the last 4-5 years. each day the L300 starts fine the first time . however, when the vehicle IS shut off, (to get gasoline or to go into a store) the vehicle will fail to re-start. after waiting anywhere form 15 minutes to 1-1/2 hours, the car will start like nothing IS wrong. although this happens mostly in the cold weather it has also happened during the summer time as well. I believe this IS due to the same defective ignition switch/pass-lock sensor issue as the recalled vehicles. *Tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
While engaging the high beams, smoke began to appear out of the turn signal stalk on the steering column. also, the high beams could no longer be turned off. I had to engage the switch several times before it would turn off. this has happened previously, and the fix was to replace the turn…
While engaging the high beams, smoke began to appear out of the turn signal stalk on the steering column. also, the high beams could no longer be turned off. I had to engage the switch several times before it would turn off. this has happened previously, and the fix was to replace the turn stalk. this IS now the second turn signal stalk this has happened to. I am questioning the design of the turn signal stalk. there appears to be some sort of short in the wiring or contacts for the high beams that causes this problem. this IS a fire hazard, and therefore a major safety concern. *tr
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L300. The contact stated when the brake pedal was depressed the brake lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not repaired nor was the failure diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
External fuel tank leakage due to broken plastic part on fuel pump module. This safety hazard complaint IS identical to the just published 9/30/12 recall of 2007-2009 saturn ions in florida for the exact same mechanical fault - broken plastic part on fuel module causing external fuel leakage.…
External fuel tank leakage due to broken plastic part on fuel pump module. This safety hazard complaint IS identical to the just published 9/30/12 recall of 2007-2009 saturn ions in florida for the exact same mechanical fault - broken plastic part on fuel module causing external fuel leakage. Gm/chevy will not honor recall on my 2003 saturn L-300 for the same deficiency and safety hazard. Infact my vehicle was in the shop for that repair at the same time a recall was published for that problem. I request that my vin be included in the recall repair. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
Engine stalls after 10 minutes of driving. Won't start again for 2 or 3 hours only to run for 10 minutes and stall again. Sometimes engine will stall while idling. Sometimes the engine light with the wrench in it comes on and the vehicle starts to shift roughly. If I turn off the vehicle and start it again, this light goes off and the vehicle shifts normally. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L300. the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing a recurring failure in which it would stall while driving at any speed, without warning. the contact would allow the vehicle to cool off before he was able to restart. the vehicle was taken to several…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L300. the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing a recurring failure in which it would stall while driving at any speed, without warning. the contact would allow the vehicle to cool off before he was able to restart. the vehicle was taken to several authorized dealers as well as independent repair facilities where they were unable to diagnose the failure. the vehicle was repaired but to no avail. The vehicle continued to stall intermittently at any speed. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 62,000.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor · Vehicle speed control · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L300. the contact stated that the vehicle would exhibit a sharp and abnormal increase in engine rpms when attempting to accelerate. In addition, the vehicle would also exhibit an unusually loud roaring but would not respond. As a result, the catalytic converter…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 saturn L300. the contact stated that the vehicle would exhibit a sharp and abnormal increase in engine rpms when attempting to accelerate. In addition, the vehicle would also exhibit an unusually loud roaring but would not respond. As a result, the catalytic converter failed. The dealer advised the contact that they are aware of the failure but they could offer no assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was approximately 133,000. the consumer stated the interior and exterior lights flicker along with the heater, which seems to come intermittently. The water pump and timing belt were replaced. Also, the catalytic converter motor and battery were replaced. updated 04/15/11
- Equipment · Steering
Steering column clunking. had intermediate shaft repaired when I purchased the car in 12/2007 which I included the lubrication of the intermediate shaft and replacing the sway bar links. in 3/2008, problem of clunking noise resurfaced. steering gear was failing and leaking and repairs were made.…
Steering column clunking. had intermediate shaft repaired when I purchased the car in 12/2007 which I included the lubrication of the intermediate shaft and replacing the sway bar links. in 3/2008, problem of clunking noise resurfaced. steering gear was failing and leaking and repairs were made. in 12/2008, clunking noise resurfaced. Find tie rod was loose and that the strut mounts needed to be replaced. clunking noise has resurfaced in late 2009, early 2010. saturn IS investigating repair needs based on previous work performed. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
I just put gas in the car and about 20 mins later I asked my 11 yr old do you smell gas and he said yes and within seconds we had smoke everywhere this could have kiiled us. *Tr
- Tires
2003 saturn L300 has firestone tires that are dry rotted. *nj the consumer stated the vehicle came equipped with 5 tubeless radial firestone tires which carried a manufacturer's date of 2002. Yesterday, the consumer noticed the right front tire had a gap around the circumference of the face of the tire where it joined the treads. *jb
- Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Saturn 2003 L300, purchased new, multiple issues. Interior lights flicker. Car will not start when gas IS under 1/4 tank, dealership says operating per design. Ignition, key froze, would not turn, key stuck, car had to be towed, ignition replaced. Major issue: steering. Intermediate shaft has been…
Saturn 2003 L300, purchased new, multiple issues. Interior lights flicker. Car will not start when gas IS under 1/4 tank, dealership says operating per design. Ignition, key froze, would not turn, key stuck, car had to be towed, ignition replaced. Major issue: steering. Intermediate shaft has been replaced twice. In addition to gear box. Problem makes steering loose, clunking feel and noise when turning left or right. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel pump failure -- disintegrated. have over $1,000 of repairs. this IS on top of $400 repairs last month to replace the heater core and a recommended $600+ to replace the oil cooler housing. the car has less than 80,000 miles on it and IS not paid off for 2 more months. I've gone to the…
Fuel pump failure -- disintegrated. have over $1,000 of repairs. this IS on top of $400 repairs last month to replace the heater core and a recommended $600+ to replace the oil cooler housing. the car has less than 80,000 miles on it and IS not paid off for 2 more months. I've gone to the website www.carsurvey.org and many others are having significant problems with this as well. luckily, the pump didn't disintegrate while we were driving, unlike some other owners. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal
After turning on my left blinker, smoke starting coming from the steering wheel. I had it repaired this morning at the saturn dealership. I overheard two other calls of the same problem. in fact, one of the service advisors told the customer not to use their blinkers. *tr
- Seat belts › Front
Tl*the contact owned a 2003 saturn L300. the contact's attorney stated that a ford vehicle lost control and struck the contact's vehicle on the driver side. the contact's wife struck her head on the left side and her hair was caught in the rear view mirror. the seat belt failed to restrain her…
Tl*the contact owned a 2003 saturn L300. the contact's attorney stated that a ford vehicle lost control and struck the contact's vehicle on the driver side. the contact's wife struck her head on the left side and her hair was caught in the rear view mirror. the seat belt failed to restrain her and she died due to her head injury. her son, seated in the front passenger seat, was properly restrained and sustained minor injuries. a safety restraint expert stated that the passenger side seat belt showed witness marks of proper restrain, but the driver side seat belt did not show any witness marks. parker heights police filed report number 05-00081. the dealer and speed information were unavailable. the current and failure mileages were 40,000.
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).
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 L300 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.