VehicleVerdict

2003 Saturn L200 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2003 Saturn L200 sits mid-pack among L200 years: 207 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 207, with 4 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 55 reports (27% of the total).

207

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

13

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

What are the most common 2003 Saturn L200 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System5527%
Engine2713%
Lighting2211%
Fuel System189%
Visibility & Wipers147%
Steering126%
Brakes105%
Transmission94%
Airbags84%
Suspension73%
Body & Structure52%
Other42%
Tires & Wheels42%
Seat Belts42%
Speed Control42%
Latches & Locks31%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2003 Saturn L200 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V245000LightingJune 2, 2005 · 291,652 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

05V158000Seat BeltsApril 20, 2005 · 20,701 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED IN CRASH, THE RIGHT AND CENTER REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

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.

03V231000Electrical SystemJune 23, 2003 · 239,993 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L L4 (L61) ENGINES, A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION IN IDLE QUALITY, REDUCTION IN OVERALL ENGINE POWER, AND THE VEHICLE MAY BE HARD TO START. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AFTER SUCH AN IGNITION MODULE FAILURE WILL RESULT IN THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT FLASHING, AND MAY LEAD TO SECONDARY FAILURES OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND EXHAUST RESONATOR.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THE RESONATOR WILL CAUSE INCREASED EXHAUST NOISE. PROLONGED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING A RESONATOR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL (1) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, (2) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND SPARK PLUGS, OR (3) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SPARK PLUGS, AND UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT 3.

02V283000Visibility & WipersOctober 29, 2002 · 1,448 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COULD FAIL DURING USE BECAUSE OF IMPROPER MANUFACTURE.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR IN SEVERE WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 6, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT #3 OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*- WHILE DRIVING A 2003 SATURN L 200 AT A SPEED OF 25 MPH THE WIRING HARNESS FROM THE STEERING COLUMN CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL VEHICLE OVER AND TURN THE POWER COMPLETELY OFF. WHEN CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF THE WIRING HARNESS STOPPED BURNING. BEFORE INCIDENT THERE WAS NO PRIOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2006 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 SATURN AND WHEN I STOP IT MADE A NOISE IN THE ENGINE. WHEN I WENT TO START IT,IT TURNED OVER REAL FAST AND WOULD NOT START. IT HAS SPARK AND FUEL BUT NO NOT THINK IT HAS COMPRESSOR. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS CAR IS UNDER A RECALL FOR THE TIMING CHAIN. IT HAS 107,000 MILES ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 20, 2012

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN L200. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OR EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, THE HEADLIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF, THE GAUGES CONSTANTLY FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THE DOOR LOCKS WILL LOCK AND UNLOCK THEMSELVES, AND THE WINDOWS WILL ROLL DOWN AND BACK UP AUTOMATICALLY. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 1, 2008 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN L200. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH UP AN INCLINE WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE ENGINE FAILED TO RESTART AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL FILTER WERE REPLACED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 21, 2010

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN L200. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OR EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, THE HEADLIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF, THE GAUGES CONSTANTLY FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THE DOOR LOCKS WILL LOCK AND UNLOCK THEMSELVES, AND THE WINDOWS WILL ROLL DOWN AND BACK UP AUTOMATICALLY. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 1, 2008 · fire

2003 Saturn L200 — common questions

Is the 2003 Saturn L200 reliable?

It is close to typical for the L200: 207 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2003 L200 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (55 complaints), engine (27 complaints), lighting (22 complaints).

Does the 2003 Saturn L200 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Saturn L200. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Saturn L200 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.