2002 Saturn LS lighting problems

The 2002 Saturn LS has 81 lighting complaints filed with NHTSA — 13% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Lighting complaints

13%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Lighting complaints by year

LS lighting complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

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 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

Common questions

How many lighting complaints does the 2002 Saturn LS have?

NHTSA has 81 complaints about the 2002 Saturn LS lighting — 13% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2002 Saturn LS 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.