U.S. public vehicle records

Saturn L300 brakes problems

13 complaint narratives mention brakes terms.

Key facts

128 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

54,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 to 2005 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 95 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Braking behavior evidence

13 of 128 complaints match this topic (10.2%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 10041322 · 2003-10-06 (October 6, 2003)

WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 65 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON, TAPPED BRAKE TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, RESTARTED THE ENGINE. POWER APPEARED TO BE RESTORED BUT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. DEALER RELOADED EEPROM SOFTWARE. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 5,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10041322 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10059854 · 2004-04-01 (April 1, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING 50-70 MPH FRONT END SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY. *AK THE BRAKES SQUEAK AND THE ROTORS WARPED. THE METALLIC SURFACE AREA RUSTED ABNORMALLY FROM "MORNING COMPENSATION." THE WHEELS WOBBLED AS A RESULT OF THE WARPED ROTORS. *SC

Owner-reported narrative. 8 miles reported. Look up ODI 10059854 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10535084 · 2013-08-13 (August 13, 2013)

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-reported narrative. 114,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10535084 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10606478 · 2014-06-27 (June 27, 2014)

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-reported narrative. 102,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10606478 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10621457 · 2014-08-11 (August 11, 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-reported narrative. 160,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10621457 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

128 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

74.2%Usable mileage95 / 128 records

96.9%Valid incident date124 / 128 records

100.0%Valid filing date128 / 128 records

96.1%Ordered incident and filing dates123 / 128 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2003	2004	2005
Electrical System	921.4% ODI 10159352 · 28,500 mi DT*: THE CONTACTS STATED AFTER DRIVING LONG ENOUGH FOR THE MOTOR TO GET WARM THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER FROM DIM TO BRIGHT. THIS IS A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM. IF THE HEATER OR AIR CONDITIONER FAN IS TURNED ON, THE FLICKERING BECOMES MORE RAPID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS FOR THIS PROBLEM. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THIS WAS NORMAL OPERATIONS FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. Look up ODI 10159352 at NHTSA ↗	1016.4% ODI 10062722 · 3,000 mi THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS DIM ALMOST ALL THE WAY OUT UNPREDICTABLY. THE DASH LIGHT DIMMING DRAWS THE DRIVER'S ATTENTION AWAY FROM THE ROAD, WHILE THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMING DRAWS THE ATTENTION OF OTHER DRIVERS AND THE POLICE. MANY DRIVERS THINK THAT YOU ARE SIGNALING THEM AND THIS CAN LEAD TO ROAD RAGE INCIDENTS. ALSO, IN MANY STATES SIGNALING OTHER DRIVERS OF A POLICE PRESENCE IS AGAINST THE LAW. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS ON MANY OCCASIONS I HAVE LOST SIGHT OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING. IT IS ONLY BLIND LUCK THAT PREVENTED ME FROM BEING INV… Look up ODI 10062722 at NHTSA ↗	728.0% ODI 10136763 · 50 mi TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE. *NM Look up ODI 10136763 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	37.1% ODI 10005721 PURCHASED NEW 2003 SATURN L300 AND THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT REFLECTS LOWER THAN THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WHICH CREATES A STEP EFFECT WHEN LOOKING OUT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO RECREATE THIS SCENARIO IN THE GARAGE AND THEREFORE CONCLUDED THERE WAS NOT A PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP MUST BE WILLING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT TO VIEW THE PROBLEM. Look up ODI 10005721 at NHTSA ↗	711.5% ODI 10048714 THE HEADLIGHTS CREATED A SHADOW ON THE ROAD WHICH CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE DEALER INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER THAT THE HEADLIGHTS COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED TO REMOVE THE SHADOW. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM Look up ODI 10048714 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine	511.9% ODI 10466854 · 84,500 mi 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 Look up ODI 10466854 at NHTSA ↗	34.9% ODI 10678617 · 74,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10678617 at NHTSA ↗	14.0% ODI 11020936 · 129,472 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN L300. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD FRACTURED AND ENTERED INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IN ADDITION, THE MECHANIC NOTICED A LARGE HOLE IN THE ENGINE COVER, WHICH ALLOWED THE DRIVE BELT TO ENTER INTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE INDEPENDENT ME… Look up ODI 11020936 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	511.9% ODI 10535084 · 114,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 10535084 at NHTSA ↗	46.6% ODI 10252332 I CAN NOT GET A REPLACEMENT PART FOR MY 2004 SATURN WAGON. THE TAIL LIGHT IS BROKEN, GM SAID THE SUPPLIER QUITE MAKING THE PART. THE CAR IS NOT LEGAL TO DRIVE WITH A BROKEN TAIL LIGHT. *TR THANK YOU ROBERT EMANUEL Look up ODI 10252332 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Vehicle Speed Control	49.5% ODI 10041322 · 5,700 mi WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 65 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON, TAPPED BRAKE TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, RESTARTED THE ENGINE. POWER APPEARED TO BE RESTORED BUT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. DEALER RELOADED EEPROM SOFTWARE. *JB Look up ODI 10041322 at NHTSA ↗	34.9% ODI 10110932 WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY 70 MPH ACCELERATION WILL DROP DOWN TO 5 MPH. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH COMPUTER THAT THREW THE VEHICLE INTO IDLE MODE. THIS PROBLEM ALSO OCCURRED IN THE OWNER'S PREVIOUS SATURN MODEL L200 2002. THE CAUSE WAS STILL UNDETERMINED. *AK Look up ODI 10110932 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	46.6% ODI 10229004 · 40,000 mi THE BATTERY WARNING AND EMERGENCY SERVICE LIGHTS (I.E., "THE CAR WITH THE WRENCH" SIGNAL) FLASHED ON MY 2004 SATURN L300 IN MID-MAY 2008. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE TIME. AS I SLOWED DOWN TO EXIT THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED. I MADE IT HOME AND PARKED IT IN THE CAR PORT. I HAD IT TOWED TO SATURN OF BIRMINGHAM (SOB) THE NEXT MORNING. SOB HAS HAD IT FOR 4 DAYS NOW. THE SERVICE TECH'S (AT LEAST THREE HAVE LOOKED AT IT) HAVE HAD A DIFFICULT TIME DETERMINING WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. FOR NOW, THE POWER TRAIN (PCM) HAS BEEN REPLACED. BUT THE SERVICE REP INFOR… Look up ODI 10229004 at NHTSA ↗	28.0% ODI 10506053 · 60,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN L300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED VIOLENTLY AND JERKED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY IN WARM WEATHER TEMPERATURES. IN ADDITION, THE AIR CONDITIONER/HEATER FAILED TO OPERATE TO THE DESIRED SELECTION AND DID NOT CIRCULATE THE APPROPRIATE FLOW OF AIR THROUGH THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. Look up ODI 10506053 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	24.8% ODI 10318995 · 69,346 mi 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 Look up ODI 10318995 at NHTSA ↗	23.3% ODI 10181545 · 61,000 mi A YEAR AGO, A GRINDING NOISE CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEN TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME, WHILE I WAS MAKING THE APPOINTMENT, THAT IT WAS THE STEERING SHAFT. *JB Look up ODI 10181545 at NHTSA ↗	28.0% ODI 10152484 · 36 mi MY NEW 2005 L300 HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES FOR THE SHAKING IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, IT THUMPS AND SHAKES THROUGHOUT THE FRONT BODY, PEDALS AND STEERING MAKING HANDLING DIFFICULT AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND ESPECIALLY IN SLUSH AND SNOW. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWO TIMES AND BALANCED 5 TIMES. EVEN THOUGH CHANGING TIRES NEVER STOPS THE SHAKING. I'VE LOST CONTROL ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE DUE TO THE CONTROL LOSS DUE TO SHAKING. ALTHOUGH THE DEALER CORRECTED SOME OF THE STEERING ISSUES ON THE LAST VISIT … Look up ODI 10152484 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	24.8% ODI 10024323 · 1,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AT 20/25 MPH VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND NONE OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT.*AK Look up ODI 10024323 at NHTSA ↗	34.9% ODI 10283911 · 150,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 10283911 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	20,500–98,500 mi	60,000 mi	23	ODI 10159352 · 28,500 mi DT: THE CONTACTS STATED AFTER DRIVING LONG ENOUGH FOR THE MOTOR TO GET WARM THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER FROM DIM TO BRIGHT. THIS IS A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM. IF THE HEATER OR AIR CONDITIONER FAN IS TURNED ON, THE FLICKERING BECOMES MORE RAPID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS FOR THIS PROBLEM. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THIS WAS NORMAL OPERATIONS FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. Look up ODI 10159352 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10357847 · 133,000 mi 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 LIG… Look up ODI 10357847 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10466854 · 84,500 mi 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 Look up ODI 10466854 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	Too few reports for a range	9,650 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10078476 · 3,700 mi WE HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED AN 04 L300 AND HAVE STATED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS HAVE GONE OFF AND COME BACK ON. ON ONE SUCH OCCASSION, A TRACTOR TRAILER PULLED OVER ON US THINKING WE HAD NOTIFIED HIM TO DO SO. IT WAS JUST BY THE GRACE OF GOD WE WERE NOT CRUSHED. LATER THAT SAME NIGHT, A POLICE OFFICER PULLED US OVER WANTING TO KNOW WHY WE WERE BLINKING OUR HEAD LIGHTS AT HIM. WE EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM AND WERE TOLD THAT HE COULD RIGHT US A TICKET BUT WOULD NOT… Look up ODI 10078476 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10083597 · 11,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT TIME BOTH HEADLIGHTS GLAZED OVER, ALMOST OPAQUE, RESULTING IN EXTREMELY REDUCED HEADLIGHT VISIBILITY DURING THE NIGHT. THUS, OBSTRUCTING CONSUMER'S VIEW. DEALERSHIP INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER THAT HEADLIGHTS OPERATED AS DESIGNED BY THE MANUFACTURER, NOTHING THEY COULD DO.AK Look up ODI 10083597 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10094022 · 8,300 mi WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. AK *SC Look up ODI 10094022 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	86,112–129,472 mi	112,000 mi	9	ODI 10466854 · 84,500 mi 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 Look up ODI 10466854 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10573351 · 86,112 mi 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. T… Look up ODI 10573351 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10592355 · 93,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 10592355 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	101,000–130,336 mi	113,000 mi	8	ODI 10535084 · 114,000 mi 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. Look up ODI 10535084 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10554959 · 130,000 mi 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 HAZ… Look up ODI 10554959 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10606478 · 102,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10606478 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	14,625–90,000 mi	40,500 mi	6	ODI 10041322 · 5,700 mi WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 65 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON, TAPPED BRAKE TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, RESTARTED THE ENGINE. POWER APPEARED TO BE RESTORED BUT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. DEALER RELOADED EEPROM SOFTWARE. JB Look up ODI 10041322 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10357847 · 133,000 mi 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 LIG… Look up ODI 10357847 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10577366 · 12,500 mi 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 … Look up ODI 10577366 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	67,750–121,250 mi	100,500 mi	6	ODI 10229004 · 40,000 mi THE BATTERY WARNING AND EMERGENCY SERVICE LIGHTS (I.E., "THE CAR WITH THE WRENCH" SIGNAL) FLASHED ON MY 2004 SATURN L300 IN MID-MAY 2008. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE TIME. AS I SLOWED DOWN TO EXIT THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED. I MADE IT HOME AND PARKED IT IN THE CAR PORT. I HAD IT TOWED TO SATURN OF BIRMINGHAM (SOB) THE NEXT MORNING. SOB HAS HAD IT FOR 4 DAYS NOW. THE SERVICE TECH'S (AT LEAST THREE HAVE LOOKED AT IT) HAVE HAD A DIFFICULT TIME DETERMINING WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. FOR NOW, THE POWER TRAIN (PCM) HAS BEEN REPLACED. BUT THE SERVICE REP INFOR… Look up ODI 10229004 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10439123 · 91,000 mi 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 HI… Look up ODI 10439123 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10692792 · 125,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10692792 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	19,000–69,346 mi	61,000 mi	5	ODI 10318995 · 69,346 mi 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 Look up ODI 10318995 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10627094 · 140,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10627094 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10181545 · 61,000 mi A YEAR AGO, A GRINDING NOISE CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEN TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME, WHILE I WAS MAKING THE APPOINTMENT, THAT IT WAS THE STEERING SHAFT. *JB Look up ODI 10181545 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	21,000–127,000 mi	45,000 mi	5	ODI 10024323 · 1,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AT 20/25 MPH VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND NONE OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT.AK Look up ODI 10024323 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10566458 · 45,000 mi 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 M… Look up ODI 10566458 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10283911 · 150,000 mi TLTHE 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. Look up ODI 10283911 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	1	None	ODI 11719339 Drivers seat suspension separated under the seat. Sudden drop caused temporary loss of full visibility, poor driver controls contact, distraction and potential collision. Problem is permanent and therefore unrepeatable and not presented to dealer or service center. Managed somewhat poorly afterwards with a pillow atop the seat. Problem has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representative or others. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to failure. None after failure. Look up ODI 11719339 at NHTSA ↗
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2004: 23 complaints · 2005: 14 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2004	15	18	23
2005	8	14	14

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2004	59	1	1
2005	25	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System	Exterior Lighting:Headlights	Engine	Exterior Lighting	Vehicle Speed Control	Power Train	Steering	Air Bags
Electrical System	—	0	3 ODI 10466854 · 84,500 mi 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 Look up ODI 10466854 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10573351 · 86,112 mi 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. T… Look up ODI 10573351 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10627094 · 140,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10627094 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10554959 · 130,000 mi 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 HAZ… Look up ODI 10554959 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10509633 · 75,000 mi 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… Look up ODI 10509633 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11282504 · 131,342 mi 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 INS… Look up ODI 11282504 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10357847 · 133,000 mi 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 LIG… Look up ODI 10357847 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10577366 · 12,500 mi 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 … Look up ODI 10577366 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10110932 WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY 70 MPH ACCELERATION WILL DROP DOWN TO 5 MPH. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH COMPUTER THAT THREW THE VEHICLE INTO IDLE MODE. THIS PROBLEM ALSO OCCURRED IN THE OWNER'S PREVIOUS SATURN MODEL L200 2002. THE CAUSE WAS STILL UNDETERMINED. *AK Look up ODI 10110932 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10229004 · 40,000 mi THE BATTERY WARNING AND EMERGENCY SERVICE LIGHTS (I.E., "THE CAR WITH THE WRENCH" SIGNAL) FLASHED ON MY 2004 SATURN L300 IN MID-MAY 2008. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE TIME. AS I SLOWED DOWN TO EXIT THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED. I MADE IT HOME AND PARKED IT IN THE CAR PORT. I HAD IT TOWED TO SATURN OF BIRMINGHAM (SOB) THE NEXT MORNING. SOB HAS HAD IT FOR 4 DAYS NOW. THE SERVICE TECH'S (AT LEAST THREE HAVE LOOKED AT IT) HAVE HAD A DIFFICULT TIME DETERMINING WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. FOR NOW, THE POWER TRAIN (PCM) HAS BEEN REPLACED. BUT THE SERVICE REP INFOR… Look up ODI 10229004 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10506053 · 60,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN L300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED VIOLENTLY AND JERKED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY IN WARM WEATHER TEMPERATURES. IN ADDITION, THE AIR CONDITIONER/HEATER FAILED TO OPERATE TO THE DESIRED SELECTION AND DID NOT CIRCULATE THE APPROPRIATE FLOW OF AIR THROUGH THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. Look up ODI 10506053 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10627094 · 140,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10627094 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10315338 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 PROBLE… Look up ODI 10315338 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10566458 · 45,000 mi 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 M… Look up ODI 10566458 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Headlights	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Engine	3 ODI 10466854 · 84,500 mi 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 Look up ODI 10466854 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10573351 · 86,112 mi 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. T… Look up ODI 10573351 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10627094 · 140,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10627094 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	1 ODI 10885944 · 112,000 mi 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 ST… Look up ODI 10885944 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10692792 · 125,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10692792 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10627094 · 140,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10627094 at NHTSA ↗	0
Exterior Lighting	3 ODI 10554959 · 130,000 mi 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 HAZ… Look up ODI 10554959 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10509633 · 75,000 mi 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… Look up ODI 10509633 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11282504 · 131,342 mi 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 INS… Look up ODI 11282504 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10885944 · 112,000 mi 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 ST… Look up ODI 10885944 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0
Vehicle Speed Control	3 ODI 10357847 · 133,000 mi 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 LIG… Look up ODI 10357847 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10577366 · 12,500 mi 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 … Look up ODI 10577366 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10110932 WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY 70 MPH ACCELERATION WILL DROP DOWN TO 5 MPH. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH COMPUTER THAT THREW THE VEHICLE INTO IDLE MODE. THIS PROBLEM ALSO OCCURRED IN THE OWNER'S PREVIOUS SATURN MODEL L200 2002. THE CAUSE WAS STILL UNDETERMINED. *AK Look up ODI 10110932 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0	0	1 ODI 10316014 · 21,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 10316014 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	2 ODI 10229004 · 40,000 mi THE BATTERY WARNING AND EMERGENCY SERVICE LIGHTS (I.E., "THE CAR WITH THE WRENCH" SIGNAL) FLASHED ON MY 2004 SATURN L300 IN MID-MAY 2008. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE TIME. AS I SLOWED DOWN TO EXIT THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED. I MADE IT HOME AND PARKED IT IN THE CAR PORT. I HAD IT TOWED TO SATURN OF BIRMINGHAM (SOB) THE NEXT MORNING. SOB HAS HAD IT FOR 4 DAYS NOW. THE SERVICE TECH'S (AT LEAST THREE HAVE LOOKED AT IT) HAVE HAD A DIFFICULT TIME DETERMINING WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. FOR NOW, THE POWER TRAIN (PCM) HAS BEEN REPLACED. BUT THE SERVICE REP INFOR… Look up ODI 10229004 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10506053 · 60,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN L300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED VIOLENTLY AND JERKED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY IN WARM WEATHER TEMPERATURES. IN ADDITION, THE AIR CONDITIONER/HEATER FAILED TO OPERATE TO THE DESIRED SELECTION AND DID NOT CIRCULATE THE APPROPRIATE FLOW OF AIR THROUGH THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. Look up ODI 10506053 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10692792 · 125,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10692792 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0
Steering	2 ODI 10627094 · 140,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10627094 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10315338 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 PROBLE… Look up ODI 10315338 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10627094 · 140,000 mi 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 Look up ODI 10627094 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0
Air Bags	1 ODI 10566458 · 45,000 mi 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 M… Look up ODI 10566458 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	1 ODI 10316014 · 21,000 mi 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 … Look up ODI 10316014 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

7 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

15 mentions · 11.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 77,000 mi (13 usable records).

ODI 10123807 · 51,869 mi

SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER IN ENGINE, HAD TO PULL OFF ROAD. ENGINE DID NOT STALL. AFTER 5 MINUTES AT IDLE, WAS ABLE TO CONTIUE. FIRST HAPPEND IN JUNE 2004. MILEAGE NEAR 35000 ON CAR. DEALERSHIP REPLACED TANK FUEL PUMP, SAID IT WAS OVERHEATING AND FAILED. NON SHELL GAS HAS BEEN USED. MAY 2005, MILEAGE NEAR 52000, EXACT SAME PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP WAS PERPLEXED.

Look up ODI 10123807 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10361564 · 60,000 mi

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 C…

Look up ODI 10361564 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10466854 · 84,500 mi

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

Look up ODI 10466854 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

8 mentions · 6.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 64,950 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10297623

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

Look up ODI 10297623 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10479924 · 67,770 mi

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 RE…

Look up ODI 10479924 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10489661

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.

Look up ODI 10489661 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

8 mentions · 6.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 7,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10192028 · 44,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN L300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RECENTLY RAN OUT OF WARRANTY AT 45,000 MILES. THREE SEPARATE FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT AS ELECTRICAL FAILURE. FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE EXPERIENCED MASTER ENGINE FLOW FAILURE. THREE MONTHS LATER THE ENGINE FAILED AGAIN. THE CONTACT HAS SPENT ALMOST $1,200 ON REPAIRS. HE HAS CONTACTED THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AND THEY REFEREED H…

Look up ODI 10192028 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10885944 · 112,000 mi

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 ST…

Look up ODI 10885944 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10124867 · 7,000 mi

CAR WILL HESITATE AND STALL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON THE CAR WILL AT TIMES NOT BE ABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILING AND CLOGGING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM

Look up ODI 10124867 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

5 mentions · 3.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 40,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10190240 · 40,000 mi

HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM ON THE 2003 SATURN L300. OUT OF THE BLUE THE CAR WON'T START. SOMETIMES THE PASS LOCK LIGHT COMES ON AND SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT. IF A WAIT ABOUT 10 MINUTES AND THEN TRY TO START THE CAR IT WILL WORK. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING EVERY DAY FOR THE PAST WEEK. BASED ON MY ONLINE SEARCH, IT SOUNDS LIKE A LOT OF GM CARS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE.*AK

Look up ODI 10190240 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10466854 · 84,500 mi

Look up ODI 10466854 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10314965 · 99,700 mi

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

Look up ODI 10314965 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Hard or delayed shifting

3 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 91,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10885944 · 112,000 mi

Look up ODI 10885944 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10439123 · 91,000 mi

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 HI…

Look up ODI 10439123 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10506053 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN L300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED VIOLENTLY AND JERKED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY IN WARM WEATHER TEMPERATURES. IN ADDITION, THE AIR CONDITIONER/HEATER FAILED TO OPERATE TO THE DESIRED SELECTION AND DID NOT CIRCULATE THE APPROPRIATE FLOW OF AIR THROUGH THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Look up ODI 10506053 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

3 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 35,250 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10181043 · 51,500 mi

GRINDING NOISE FROM POWER STEERING WHILE MAKING TURNS. HAD TWO MECHANICS LOOK AT THE CAR AND WAS TOLD THE RACK AND PINION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT IS A COMMON FAILURE IN THIS MODEL. *JB

Look up ODI 10181043 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10315338

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 PROBLE…

Look up ODI 10315338 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10173588 · 19,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT BE ABLE TO TURN AND CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED, AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO COULD NOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTALED.

Look up ODI 10173588 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 1.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 62,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10535084 · 114,000 mi

Look up ODI 10535084 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10170681 · 11,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR OR BRAKE PEDAL AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, BOTH WERE PRESSED DUE TO THE CLOSE PLACEMENT OF THE TWO. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THIS WAS THE WAY THE PEDALS WERE DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

Look up ODI 10170681 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule