2004 Saturn L300: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 61 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (18% of complaints); the 2005 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2005
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2023
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2021
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2019
“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!”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2018
“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”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2015
“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”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Jan 2015
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2014
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2014
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
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 2004 Saturn L300 reliable?
NHTSA has 61 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Saturn L300. The most complained-about area is electrical system (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Saturn L300 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 66,010 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Saturn L300 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:brake lights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.