RoadVitals

2004 Saturn L300 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
61
Latest Apr 7, 2023
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Saturn L300, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical1317.3%
  • Engine1114.7%
  • Fuel system79.3%
  • Driver assistance56.7%
  • Brakes45.3%
  • Powertrain (other)45.3%
  • Airbags34.0%
  • Body & structure34.0%
  • Interior & seats34.0%
  • Steering34.0%
  • Tires & wheels34.0%
  • Transmission22.7%
  • Suspension11.3%
  • Other / unspecified11.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 !

NHTSA ID 11282504 · filed Nov 26, 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!

NHTSA ID 11141749 · filed Oct 22, 2018
All 13 reports naming electrical

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 !

NHTSA ID 11282504 · filed Nov 26, 2019

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

NHTSA ID 11233264 · filed Jul 19, 2019
All 12 reports naming exterior lighting

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10692792 · filed Mar 8, 2015

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

NHTSA ID 10690661 · filed Feb 25, 2015
All 11 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11515990 · filed Apr 7, 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.

NHTSA ID 11447698 · filed Jan 16, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10678617 · filed Jan 23, 2015

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.

NHTSA ID 10316014 · filed Mar 3, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 !

NHTSA ID 11282504 · filed Nov 26, 2019

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

NHTSA ID 10692792 · filed Mar 8, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11327720 · filed Jun 8, 2020

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

NHTSA ID 10692792 · filed Mar 8, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10659646 · filed Nov 20, 2014

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.

NHTSA ID 10316014 · filed Mar 3, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY TRUNK FILLS WITH WATER IF I GO THROUGH A CAR WASH. I DIDN'T NOTICE FOR A WHILE BECAUSE I RARELY USE THE TRUNK. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS DUE TO BROKEN SEALS, IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD COST ABOUT 300.00 DOLLARS. I DON'T HAVE 300.00 DOLLARS. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN A ACCIDENT SO THERE SHOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM WITH THE SEALS UNDER IT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10248739 · filed Nov 13, 2008

WE HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE DOORS SLAMMING US ALMOST FROM THE DAY WE GOT THE CAR. IT IS AN LW 300.1 2004 SATURN WAGON. MY SMALL GRANDDAUGHTER, AND A PASSENGER HAVE BEEN HIT BY THE DOOR. MY WIFE AND I HAVE BEEN HIT MANY TIMES ON THE BACK, ARM, AND LEGS. THE DOORS HAVE TWO STOP POSITIONS. IT IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE TO OPEN THE DOOR TO ITS WIDEST POSITION, AND THE OTHER POSITION DOES NOT PROVIDE ENOUGH ROOM TO ENTER AND LEAVE COMFORTABLY. THEREFORE, IF THE DOOR IS NOT PUT IN ONE OF THE TWO STOP POSITIONS, IT SLAMS IMMEDIATELY INTO THE PERSON. WE HAVE FELT PAIN AND BRUISING. WE FEEL LUCKY THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO SERIOUS INJURIES, BUT THAT COULD OCCUR THE NEXT TIME THE DOOR "ATTACKS". WE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. BOTH THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER CLAIM THAT THE CAR IS PERFORMING AS IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO. THAT IS THE PROBLEM -- POOR DESIGN. OUR OTHER CARS HAVE AND DO STAY OPEN WHEREVER WE OPEN THEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10217029 · filed Feb 5, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTSBLINK ON AND OFF. THE LIGHTS WOULD STAY OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN COME BACK ON AGAIN. THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THIS WAS PERFECTLY NORMAL. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED FOUR TIMES IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. *AK THE CONSUMER INDICATED THA THE VEHICLKE ALSO LOST POWER WHILE DRIVNG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINED THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *NM

NHTSA ID 10076170 · filed Jul 19, 2004

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 THIS TIME AND TO GET THE PROBLEMS CORRECTED. AFTER TAKING THIS ISSUE TO OUR SATURN DEALERSHIP, WE WERE TOLD THAT ACCORDING TO A MEMO DATED FEBRUARY 2004 THAT "THIS IS NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC" FOR THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP AND CORP. HAVE REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING TO ASSIST WITH CORRECTING THIS PROBLEM. THE CAR IS ONLY 3 MONTHS OLD AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY SUGGESTED THAT WE PAY $450 FOR A NEW ALTERNATOR AND PURCHASE ANOTHER EXTENDED BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. ALL STATING THAT THIS MAY NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS GOING TO RESULT IN SOMEONES DEATH IF NOT CORRECTED. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET THIS HANDLED? PLEASE ADVISE WITH ASSISTANCE IN PURSUING A RECALL OR HAVING MY CAR DECLARED A LEMON.*AK

NHTSA ID 10078476 · filed Jun 19, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10315338 · filed Mar 2, 2010

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

NHTSA ID 10181545 · filed Feb 4, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NOTICED LOUD RUMBLING SOUND FROM TIRES. HAD CAR IN FOR OIL, TIRE ROTATION AND BALANCE AND WAS TOLD THE TIRES ON THE REAR ARE WEARING IN A WAVY MANNER. WAS TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. COULD FEEL WAVES ON TIRES WHEN FELT WITH HAND. *JB

NHTSA ID 10181045 · filed Jan 29, 2007

I HAVE A 2004 SATURN L300. AROUND 34,000 I NOTICED NOISES COMING FROM MY TIRES. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, WHICH IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND FOUR NEW TIRES. THIS WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE FACTORY BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY AND WOULD COST ME OVER 700.00. I NEVER HAD TO GET A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT THIS EARLY ON A CAR AND I TAKE CAR OF MY CARS. I THINK THIS IS INSANE, I CALLED SATURN IN TENNESSEE COMPLAINED, THEY STATED THAT TIRES AND ALIGNMENTS ARE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE. WELL HOW ABOUT THAT. I EVEN PAID THE EXTRA FEES, INCLUDED IN MY PAYMENTS TO COVER OIL CHANGES AND ALIGNMENTS. IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD HAVE CAUGHT IT WHEN THE CAR WAS BEING SERVICED. ANYWAY, WHILE DOING RESEARCH ONLINE, THERE ARE OTHER CASES OF THIS OUT THERE, LOTS OF THEM. CHECK OUT WWW.SATURNFANS.COM, WWW.AUTOMOTIVEFORUMS.COM AND EVEN THIS SITE, WWW.NHTSA.DOT.GOV. SO MUCH FOR PEOPLE FIRST. I PLAN TO POST THIS INFORMATION ON OTHER FORUMS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE IS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. [email protected] *JB

NHTSA ID 10139063 · filed Oct 7, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I OWN A 2004 SATURN L300 SEDAN. ON OCTOBER 25, 2007, I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE PASSING LANE GOING ABOUT 65 TO 70 MPH AND THE CAR STALLS AND THE GAS PEDAL SHOWS NO RESPONSE. THE CAR ENGINE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON ALONG WITH THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND LOSS OF POWER LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD. I HAD TO CROSSOVER A LANE AND PULL THE CAR OVER. WHILE PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK THE CAR SHAKES. I TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND START THE CAR AGAIN AND I AM ABLE TO GO BUT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY HARD. THERE WERE NO PRECURSOR SIGNS THAT THE CAR WAS HAVING PROBLEMS. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE SATURN DEALERSHIP, AND THEY EXPRESSED THAT CODE P0606 SHOWED UP AND THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM/PCM) BECAUSE IT WAS FAULTY. ON JANUARY 31, 2008, I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR STALLED AGAIN WHILE I WAS IN THE PASSING LANE. I TOOK THE CAR TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE SO THAT THEY COULD GET A QUICK SCAN ON THE COMPUTER. AGAIN THE CODE P0606 SHOWS UP. I HAD THE GENTLEMAN PRINT ME OUT A COPY OF THE CODE, FOR MY OWN RECORD. THE RECEIPT STATED THAT THE PROBABLE CAUSE FOR THE PROBLEM IS A FAILED ECM. SO I RETURN TO THE SATURN DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM CHECK UP ON THE PROBLEM. LATER THAT DAY, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM AND THEN WHEN I SHOWED THEM THAT I HAD THE CODES READ JUST BEFORE I CAME IN, THEY HAD TOLD ME THAT "YES , THAT CODE CAME UP, BUT THAT WAS AN OLD CODE FROM BEFORE, SO WE JUST ERASED IT". EVEN THOUGH I HAD PROOF THAT IT WAS A NEW CODE, THEY IGNORED MY CONCERNS. ON FEBRUARY 12, 2008, JUST 12 DAYS AFTER BEING IN THE SHOP, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR STALLS WHILE I AM IN TRAFFIC GOING ABOUT 65 MPH. I AGAIN GO TO THE AUTO STORE TO OBTAIN THE RECEIPTS OF WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE SAME CODE COMES UP AGAIN P0606 (ECM/PCM FAULT). I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE DECIDE TO REPLACE TO MASS AIR SENSOR BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THEY THINK IS WRONG WITH IT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10217964 · filed Feb 13, 2008

2004 VUE PURCHASED NEW, LATE 2004; CURRENTLY HAS ONLY 16,000 MILES, SERVICED BY THE DEALER. FOR THE PAST EST OF 2000 MILES IT WILL DEVOID ITSELF OF POWER WHILE MAKING TURNS AND GOING FORWARD. IT WILL NOT BUCK, BUT REDUCE THE POWER. KEEP ROLLING AND THEN VERY GRADUALLY PICK UP SPEED. DEALER INFORMED AT LAST OIL CHANGE, I WAS TOLD TO BRING IT IN FOR A DAY TO BE CHECKED. DEALER WILL BE CONTACTED FOR LONER CAR, I CANNOT SIT AND WAIT ALL DAY. CAR IS NECESSARY FOR TRANSPORTATION FOR WIFE WHO WORKS. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD ANYTIME THE CAR IS MOVING FORWARD. *NM

NHTSA ID 10176559 · filed Dec 19, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SATURN L300. THE TIRES WERE WORN ON THE INSIDES AND WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WOULD RIDE AS NORMAL AND THE FAILURE WAS ONLY VISIBLY NOTICED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE REAR SPRINGS AND BOLT KIT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

NHTSA ID 10217847 · filed Feb 12, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10252332 · filed Dec 20, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .