2003 Saturn L200 lighting problems

The 2003 Saturn L200 has 22 lighting complaints filed with NHTSA — 11% of the year's total, and the first year with meaningful reports in this category.

Lighting complaints

11%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many lighting complaints does the 2003 Saturn L200 have?

NHTSA has 22 complaints about the 2003 Saturn L200 lighting — 11% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Saturn L200 lighting?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the lighting: 05V245000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.