VehicleVerdict

2003 Saturn L200 electrical system problems

The 2003 Saturn L200 has 55 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 27% of the year's total, and the first year with meaningful reports in this category.

55

Electrical System complaints

27%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2003 Saturn L200 have?

NHTSA has 55 complaints about the 2003 Saturn L200 electrical system — 27% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Saturn L200 electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 03V231000.

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.