VehicleVerdict

2004 Saturn L300 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2004 Saturn L300 sits mid-pack among L300 years: 78 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 62, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (16), lighting (13), and engine (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

78

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other L300 years?

L300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted78 complaints2003: 62 complaints2004: 78 complaints2005: 30 complaints
L300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all L300 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Saturn L300 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1621%
Lighting1317%
Engine1215%
Fuel System810%
Transmission68%
Speed Control45%
Brakes45%
Airbags34%
Steering34%
Body & Structure34%
Tires & Wheels34%
Other23%
Suspension11%

Does the 2004 Saturn L300 have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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! ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 18, 2018 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 12, 2019

“I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 SATURN L300 AT 55 MPH. THE CAR SUDDENLY CUT OFF. I WAS ABLE TO DRIFT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD NOT START. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME IN A PARKING LOT APPROXIMATELY 3 OTHER TIMES. I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT MAY BE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 23, 2010

“CPSC#20121128. 2004 SATURN L300. CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL PUMP CRACKED, RELEASE FUEL AND HEAVY GAS SMELL INTO CAR MAKING CAR UNDRIVEABLE. *LN THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $ 350. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 19, 2012

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 6, 2020

2004 Saturn L300 — common questions

Is the 2004 Saturn L300 reliable?

It is close to typical for the L300: 78 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2004 L300 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (16 complaints), lighting (13 complaints), engine (12 complaints).

Does the 2004 Saturn L300 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Saturn L300. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.