2003 Saturn L300: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 42 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is exterior lighting (17% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
42
owner complaints
4
fire reports
64,635
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaigns4 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)17% · 7 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)14% · 6 complaints
Tires7% · 3 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)7% · 3 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)7% · 3 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)7% · 3 complaints
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2015
“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”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2014
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2014
“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.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2014
“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.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2013
“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”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2013
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2013
“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”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2012
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2012
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2003 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Body stylesSedan/Saloon
How other years compare
Check your exact L300 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Saturn L300 reliable?
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Saturn L300. The most complained-about area is exterior lighting (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Saturn L300 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 64,635 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.