NHTSA recall 05V-245 (05V245000)

exterior lighting recall reported June 2, 2005 - about 291,652 vehicles affected.

NHTSA campaign number: 05V245000
Also written as: 05V-245
Manufacturer number: 05052
Reported: June 2, 2005
Vehicles affected: ~291,652
Component: exterior lighting

What is being recalled

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.

Why it is dangerous

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.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

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.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 05V-245 when calling a dealer.

Affected 3 models

Saturn L200 - 2003

Saturn L300 - 2004

Saturn LS - 2000, 2001, 2002

Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.

Is YOUR car included? A campaign rarely covers every single vehicle of a model year. Check your exact car by its 17-character VIN with the free VIN decoder and recall check.

Source: NHTSA recall campaign data (public domain), refreshed weekly. See also the latest recall campaigns.