2004 Saturn L300
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Saturn › L300 › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Saturn L300. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2004 Saturn L300. 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.
Owner complaints
61 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
My vehicle is leaking fuel from the fuel pump. I can see the fuel collecting on the side of the fuel tank from the top of the tank where the fuel pump is located. This issue has been releasing gas fumes around my car and occasionally in the cabin. This not only makes my car invalid for emissions…
My vehicle is leaking fuel from the fuel pump. I can see the fuel collecting on the side of the fuel tank from the top of the tank where the fuel pump is located. This issue has been releasing gas fumes around my car and occasionally in the cabin. This not only makes my car invalid for emissions testing in many states across the country, it also poses a risk to the overall safety of the vehicle. This issue is extremely common on these cars, I have seen many reports on Saturn forums talking about the issue and just how dangerous / expensive it has been for them to deal with. Due to the way GM has made this car, you cannot replace this part without dropping the exhaust and fuel tank.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Our 2004 Saturn L300 developed a fuel leak at the fuel pump (cracked) which is not normal. There is a strong fuel smell while driving and after the vehicle is parked. We are afraid that the fuel leak could cause a fire. The fuel pump has been inspected by an independent mechanic. There’s an error…
Our 2004 Saturn L300 developed a fuel leak at the fuel pump (cracked) which is not normal. There is a strong fuel smell while driving and after the vehicle is parked. We are afraid that the fuel leak could cause a fire. The fuel pump has been inspected by an independent mechanic. There’s an error code that says that there’s a leak in the fuel system. I looked online and it seems that a lot of people are experiencing the same problem with this car. Other cars of the same manufacturer (General Motors) have been recalled for the same problem.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2004 saturn L300. The contact stated that while in reverse the gear shifter ceased and the vehicle failed to start-up. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and it was determined that the shifter cable was detached. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 155,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Service brakes
My brake lights and my 3RD brake light that IS on the inside of the rear window IS not working correctly and at times my front inside instrument panel lights will go dim and now have completely stopped working and also my inside interior lights have stopped working completely (example) when you…
My brake lights and my 3RD brake light that IS on the inside of the rear window IS not working correctly and at times my front inside instrument panel lights will go dim and now have completely stopped working and also my inside interior lights have stopped working completely (example) when you open the doors no interior lights come on at all and also will not even come on when you try to turn them on by hand and my map lights on the under side of my inside rear view mirror or map lites have stopped working and the 3RD brake lights located inside the center of the rear windshield now have 2 lites that are completely stopped coming on and my tag lights do not work any more and all this started appx. 4 months ago when a police officer pulled me over after dark and told me about my brake lights not working correctly and no tag lite and 3 weeks prior IS when the instrument panel inside started acting up and now no lights work at all inside and this happens whether the car IS moving or not and with it sitting in park al this happens and also no trunk lite or glove box lites up !
- Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Fuel pump on a 2004 saturn L300 cracked and release fuel and heavy gas smell into car making car un driveable. There IS already a recall on another make of saturn for the same incident. *js
- Exterior lighting
Third break light or over head break light havnt worked since I've bought the car out so been out B4 I bought it and dash lights dimmer switch flickers in and out unless wedge the dimming switch up been like that since bought the car don't know when or how it happened but it's got minor short and everything works as should dimmer switch moves as it should
- Electrical system
Wiper switch heats up on ignition and also randomly while running - causing smoke and burning smellfrom steering column and wipers to turn on by themselves. First replacement done by certified mechanic with certified gm part cost $365. 3 years later, it's the same issue again!
- Fuel/propulsion system
While driving and parked there IS a bad odor of gas that makes you feel sick.
- Engine · Power train · Service brakes
Car stalled while driving in traffic and would not restart. Car also failed to start on some mornings and also after filling at gas station. Its seems that this issue can go on for sometime between the times it happens. *tr
- Engine
I was driving up a small incline, preparing to stop for a traffic light, engine began to race, I could not stop, brakes were fine but engine was racing. I had to put car in park, checked for blockage with floor mat, there was not any. Put 4 -way blinkers on, shut car off. Restarted car and it was…
I was driving up a small incline, preparing to stop for a traffic light, engine began to race, I could not stop, brakes were fine but engine was racing. I had to put car in park, checked for blockage with floor mat, there was not any. Put 4 -way blinkers on, shut car off. Restarted car and it was fine. Happened again on feb. 22ND this time tried 4 times shutting down and still raced. Had to park car, upon returning 2 hours later car was fine. I have also had trouble starting car, started in june 2014, if ignition did not engage when key was turned car had to sit for 1/2 hour before starting. *js
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine
2004 saturn l 300, 6 cylinder . My daughter was driving on and the engine just shut off, loosing all power and all service lights appeared. Had it towed to my house. Hooked up a obd scanner to car. 8 codes appeared. Bcm/ecm malfunction.(4 codes of this), crankshaft position sensor (2 codes of…
2004 saturn l 300, 6 cylinder . My daughter was driving on and the engine just shut off, loosing all power and all service lights appeared. Had it towed to my house. Hooked up a obd scanner to car. 8 codes appeared. Bcm/ecm malfunction.(4 codes of this), crankshaft position sensor (2 codes of this), engine running too rich (2 codes of this). I have read many cases online through forums, and this seems too be a big problem. *tr
- Electrical system
The car just shuts down while in motion. Most of the time it shuts off when trying to stop the vehicle. It will eventually crank up in about an hour only to shut down again. The car shut down as I was with my wife and daughter on I-95 going 65 mph. We were stranded for about 3 hrs. On the…
The car just shuts down while in motion. Most of the time it shuts off when trying to stop the vehicle. It will eventually crank up in about an hour only to shut down again. The car shut down as I was with my wife and daughter on I-95 going 65 mph. We were stranded for about 3 hrs. On the interstate before the car cranked back up. The vehicle was purchased through drive time and has a warranty on it . After complaining to the company about the vehicle they instructed me to have a diagnosis done on it to find out what the problem was. I was also informed that a recall was out for saturn cars from the news. I contacted gm and explained what was happening and they gave me a case number but also stated that the model car I have was not on the recall list and for me to take it to a gm dealership near me to have another diagnosis done on the car which was an extra $125. U.S.A auto service performed a diagnosis on the car the to see if it was the ignition switch that was causing the car to shut completely off while the car was moving. They could not get a diagnosis from the ignition. I contacted the warranty company for drive time and they informed me that nothing was covered because it was electrical. Then I called gm back and told them the car was not safe to drive and what the diagnosis report said and they told me that there was nothing they could do unless I paid the $125 with them to have another one done. Then they would determine if it was the ignition. I am at my wits end because nobody wants to take responsibility for the electrical system that will cost close to $1,000 to have fix. I am currently making payments on this car and can't afford all this money. I had the car serviced with U.S.A auto service because drive time requires you to keep up with the maintenance of the car which I faithfully did. Now the whole electrical system has failed. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 saturn L300. The contact stated that while proceeding through traffic light at approximately 20 mph, another driver failed to see the contact in the intersection and crashed into the contact's vehicle passenger side. the driver's frontal air bag failed to deploy. the…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 saturn L300. The contact stated that while proceeding through traffic light at approximately 20 mph, another driver failed to see the contact in the intersection and crashed into the contact's vehicle passenger side. the driver's frontal air bag failed to deploy. the contact suffered a bruise left arm and pain to the neck and lower back. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The failure mileage was 127,000.
- Unknown or other
I have had problems with the vehicle stalling on numerous occasions while driving without warning, the last being on april 1, 2014, when I was almost rear-ended by another vehicle. I strongly believe that this particular make and model, being the L300, should be added to the recall list, as…
I have had problems with the vehicle stalling on numerous occasions while driving without warning, the last being on april 1, 2014, when I was almost rear-ended by another vehicle. I strongly believe that this particular make and model, being the L300, should be added to the recall list, as numerous complaints have been made by other drivers and still nothing IS being done to alleviate any of the issues raised. I cannot comprehend why other vehicles of the same make, being a saturn, are being recalled, yet individuals owning the L300 experiencing theses same issues are being ignored. it IS clearly apparent that numerous complaints have been and are being by individuals experience these problems which are blatantly being ignored. I strongly urge that this model, the L300 be added to the recall list. it should not be the responsibility of the owner for something that IS so egregiously defective that was clearly known about for over 10 years.
- Fuel system, gasoline
I own a 2004 saturn L300 and my dad owns a 2002 saturn lw300 (wagon). we both had troubles with a leaking fuel pump which IS a terrible fire hazard. there have been many recalls on the saturn ions with the same problem, but the L300 have not been recalled. 2004 saturn - I had my fuel pump…
I own a 2004 saturn L300 and my dad owns a 2002 saturn lw300 (wagon). we both had troubles with a leaking fuel pump which IS a terrible fire hazard. there have been many recalls on the saturn ions with the same problem, but the L300 have not been recalled. 2004 saturn - I had my fuel pump replaced on 5/23/2012 with 62,129 miles. I would parked the car and smell fuel so I decided to bring my car to my regular mechanic. the fuel was coming from the fuel pump towards the top of the pump. it cost me $881.01. at that time I thought I should have no problems with a fuel pump for another 75 to 100K miles. I was driving on the highway doing about 55 to 60 mph and my car stalled out. at first I thought it was a computer glitch or just a bad sensor. next day same problem. my car stalled out on the highway. so I took the car back to my regular mechanic. at the end result it was a defective fuel pump again. my car was not getting enough fuel pressure when the car reached 50+ mph. the mechanic was very nice and didn't charge me for the part, but it cost me another $283.78 just for labor. between the first pump / second pump it happened within 22 months and 24,143 miles. I have spend $1165 between the first / second fuel pumps not counting my father. I definitely understand parts wears out as car ages. replacing two fuel pumps within 86K miles IS unacceptable. I should be reimburse for gm negligence and I hoping you look into this so other drivers and cars do not catch fire and cause serious accidents on the highway. it IS very scary when you are driving on the highway and your car stalls out. it IS not fair and car manufactures do not want to help consumers like me until people gets killed and love ones loose families. if you have any questions or need me to clarify anything up, please do not hesitate to contact me. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
I own a 2004 saturn L300; on several occasions over the past several weeks I have seen wisps of smoke coming from the steering column, followed by a strong smell of burning plastic. The area behind the steering wheel IS extremely hot to the touch, and I am told it IS a fire hazard and that the…
I own a 2004 saturn L300; on several occasions over the past several weeks I have seen wisps of smoke coming from the steering column, followed by a strong smell of burning plastic. The area behind the steering wheel IS extremely hot to the touch, and I am told it IS a fire hazard and that the headlamp stalks need to be replaced for overheating, which may run up to $600 with labor. I have been forced to pull my car over on busy roads, in heavy traffic to let it cool before restarting, and am worried that the faulty wires will cause a fire. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Cpsc#20121128. 2004 saturn L300. Consumer stated the fuel pump cracked, release fuel and heavy gas smell into car making car undriveable. *ln the fuel pump was replaced at a cost of $ 350.
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
Problem synopsis: while driving at freeway speeds (65 miles per hour) the vehicle lost power, causing the "reduced engine power" (rep) and "service vehicle soon" (svs) lights to illuminate. upon pulling to the side of the road and shifting the vehicle into park, it would idle roughly until…
Problem synopsis: while driving at freeway speeds (65 miles per hour) the vehicle lost power, causing the "reduced engine power" (rep) and "service vehicle soon" (svs) lights to illuminate. upon pulling to the side of the road and shifting the vehicle into park, it would idle roughly until shutting the engine off. vehicle would start immediately after, with high rpm at idle and hard shifts into gear. vehicle would only exhibit these problems when the automatic transmission would shift gears, usually between 3RD and 4TH gear. /// repair history: a repair shop diagnosed the problem as a failed engine control module, and a new one was installed into the vehicle. cost of repair was approximately $1,100. three months later (oct. 2011), the vehicle started exhibiting the same problems. returned to the same shop, and repairmen could not find problem, simply clearing the obd-ii codes in the computer. vehicle exhibited same symptoms once in november 2011 after a rain storm; no action was taken as vehicle did it only once. in december 2011, vehicle exhibited same problems four time during a 25-mile drive. codes revealed p0606, p0700, p1811. vehicle to be taken for a third time to repair shop to get this problem fixed. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Gas filler pipe neck rusty and flaking. Could start leaking causing a fire and leaking on the ground if not fixed. Want to know where , how and how much to get the part. Saturn dealership said saturn has stopped making many parts and this IS one. If starts leaking will not be able to get sticker.…
Gas filler pipe neck rusty and flaking. Could start leaking causing a fire and leaking on the ground if not fixed. Want to know where , how and how much to get the part. Saturn dealership said saturn has stopped making many parts and this IS one. If starts leaking will not be able to get sticker. Trying to talk with gm and at first said they could help but now just ask if it's fixed. Can not fix until I can get the part. Talking with ruby at gm 866-790-5700 ext 42627 case # [xxx] . thanks information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Air bags · Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 saturn L300. the contact was driving approximately 20 mph and depressed the brakes very gently when the vehicle accelerated. the motored roared after accelerating. The vehicle crashed into a trailer that was in front of it. The contact then put the vehicle in neutral.…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 saturn L300. the contact was driving approximately 20 mph and depressed the brakes very gently when the vehicle accelerated. the motored roared after accelerating. The vehicle crashed into a trailer that was in front of it. The contact then put the vehicle in neutral. The contact was able to drive in reverse after the crash occurred. The air bag did not deploy. the police were called and a police report was taken. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and repaired. The contact stated that the mechanic repaired the vehicle but never informed her what caused the failure. The failure mileage was 21000 and the current mileage was 23000.
- Vehicle speed control
I have a 2004 saturn l300.1 sedan with cruise control. A couple of times over the past years when using the cruise control and pressing the cruise control accelerate button, the button stuck in the accelerate position causing the car to accelerate until the cruise control was turned off by brake or…
I have a 2004 saturn l300.1 sedan with cruise control. A couple of times over the past years when using the cruise control and pressing the cruise control accelerate button, the button stuck in the accelerate position causing the car to accelerate until the cruise control was turned off by brake or switch. Knowing this can happen, I am careful using cruise control and have not reported it. With the current publicity about acceleration problems, I thought it should be reported. Better late than never. Thank you. *Tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Steering
My wife and I own a 2004 saturn L300. My wife IS the primary driver and she reported seeing a wisp of smoke coming from the steering column. We took it to the saturn dealership and they said it was an electrical short. A couple of weeks later my wife reported the same wisp of smoke. We took it back…
My wife and I own a 2004 saturn L300. My wife IS the primary driver and she reported seeing a wisp of smoke coming from the steering column. We took it to the saturn dealership and they said it was an electrical short. A couple of weeks later my wife reported the same wisp of smoke. We took it back to the dealership to have them repair it again. The second time they repaired it, the turn signal would not turn off when the wheel was turned. Also, the wisp of smoke IS back again. This will be the third time into the dealership for the same problem. I am concerned because I don't want it to start a fire while it IS being driven. This does not include the other issues including the power steering rack failing, the water pump failing, and the plenum failing. The car only has 46,000 miles on it and my wife has put about 13,000 in 27 months. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
I was driving my 2004 saturn L300 at 55 mph. the car suddenly cut off. I was able to drift to the side of the road. I tried to restart the vehicle and it would not start. this has happened to me in a parking lot approximately 3 other times. I took the car to a mechanic and he said it may be the crankshaft position sensor. this could have caused a serious accident. *Tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 saturn L300. While driving 5 mph, a vehicle crashed into the drivers side of the vehicle, bent the frame and destroyed the vehicle. The contact also stated that the frontal and side air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained major injuries and was taken to the hospital by an ambulance. A police report IS available if needed. The failure mileage was 150,000.
- Electrical system
I have a saturn L300 and was driving on the highway in the left lane one day and the car just shut down and stopped running. when my mechanic read the electrical code on the car it was the bcm that had failed. I had read that this IS a known common issue with these vehicles and wanted to know why…
I have a saturn L300 and was driving on the highway in the left lane one day and the car just shut down and stopped running. when my mechanic read the electrical code on the car it was the bcm that had failed. I had read that this IS a known common issue with these vehicles and wanted to know why this IS not a recall on the vehicle since it could be a safety issue as in my case. I did avoid and accident and got to the side of the road without getting hit or hitting someone else but it was definitely could have been worse and I had my 4 year old in the vehicle with me at the time. since that happened I have notices other things going wrong on the vehicle that are attached the bcm, radio stopped working, keyless remote stopped working, defrost on side mirrors don't work...which are not safety issues but what cause it to shut my car down on the highway when I was driving was scary and unsafe!!! *Tr
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
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
- 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.
Every Saturn L300 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.