2003 Saturn L300 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2003 Saturn L300 sits mid-pack among L300 years: 62 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 62, with no recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 4 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across lighting (13), electrical system (11), and engine (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
62
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
4
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2003 compare to other L300 years?
What are the most common 2003 Saturn L300 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | 13 | 21% | new |
| Electrical System | 11 | 18% | new |
| Engine | 10 | 16% | new |
| Speed Control | 4 | 6% | new |
| Fuel System | 4 | 6% | new |
| Airbags | 3 | 5% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 5% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 5% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | new |
| Brakes | 2 | 3% | new |
| Suspension | 2 | 3% | new |
| Other | 1 | 2% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“AFTER TURNING ON MY LEFT BLINKER, SMOKE STARTING COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD IT REPAIRED THIS MORNING AT THE SATURN DEALERSHIP. I OVERHEARD TWO OTHER CALLS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. IN FACT, ONE OF THE SERVICE ADVISORS TOLD THE CUSTOMER NOT TO USE THEIR BLINKERS. *TR”
“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…”
“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…”
“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”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SATURN L300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A TREE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE…”
2003 Saturn L300 — common questions
Is the 2003 Saturn L300 reliable?
It is close to typical for the L300: 62 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
What are the most common 2003 L300 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (13 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints), engine (10 complaints).
Does the 2003 Saturn L300 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Saturn L300.
Is the 2003 Saturn L300 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation 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.