VehicleVerdict

2002 Saturn LS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Saturn LS sits mid-pack among LS years: 631 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 544, with 3 recalls and 8 closed investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 247 reports (39% of the total).

631

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

8

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

21

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other LS years?

LS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted708 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 544 complaints2001: 708 complaints2002: 631 complaints2004: 2 complaints
LS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Saturn LS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine24739%
Electrical System11518%
Lighting8113%
Fuel System457%
Transmission264%
Suspension193%
Brakes163%
Tires & Wheels142%
Steering122%
Other112%
Visibility & Wipers112%
Body & Structure102%
Speed Control81%
Airbags61%
Seat Belts30%
Latches & Locks30%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)30%
Seats10%

Does the 2002 Saturn LS have recalls?

3 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN L200. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND THERE WAS A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED. AS OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 29, 2007 · crash

“SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN IT GOT WORSE AND THEN THE HANDLE MELTED OFF AND THEN IN MINUTES THE FLAMES IGNITED AND THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY INFLAMED. RIGHT BEFORE THIS HAPPENED MY DAUGHTER DROVE THE CAR UP THE STREET TO TAKE MY SON TO THE BUS STOP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 16, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN SATURN LS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SMOKING, THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WAS SMOKING AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 7, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN L100. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS ENGINE POWER BEGAN TO REDUCE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER, SHUT OFF AND THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN SAW SMOKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 15, 2012 · fire

“LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN ON BEHALF OF HIS CONSTITUENT REGARDING A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT THAT OCCURRED WHEN HIS VEHICLES WHEEL ASSEMBLY DETACHED. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED HE SUDDENLY FELT THE VEHICLE SHAKE AND THEN HE BEGAN RIDING ALONG THE GUARDRAIL. THERE WAS NO STEERING AND THE CONSUMER COULDN'T…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 1, 1901 · crash

2002 Saturn LS — common questions

Is the 2002 Saturn LS reliable?

It is close to typical for the LS: 631 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 8 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2002 LS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (247 complaints), electrical system (115 complaints), lighting (81 complaints).

Does the 2002 Saturn LS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Saturn LS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Saturn LS under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 8 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.