2003 Saturn L200

○ Not enough data
2003 Saturn L200
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:37:06.453Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
138
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

40% of complaints

Complaints per year

2003: 138 complaints 2003 138
2003: 138 complaints 2003 138
2003: 138 complaints 2003 138

2003: 138 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2003138

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

40% · 55 reports

Most commonly citing module and wiring.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

A tractor trailer was passing me on the interstate. Just as his trailer was approximately 2/3 past me, my lights dimmed out on my car by themselves.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-08

A tractor trailer was passing me on the interstate. Just as his trailer was approximately 2/3 past me, my lights dimmed out on my car by themselves.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-08

Brakelights have quit working twice. Also multiple electricle problems. On 1 occasion, ABS light was out, came on again with restart. Another time fuel gague showed empty, showed full on restart.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-20

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

Exterior lighting

12% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and switch.

FIREINJURY

Fuel system, gasoline

10% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and filler pipe and cap.

Steering

9% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion and pump.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn L200. The contact stated that the steering wheel became hot and started smoking. The contact stated that the battery was disconnected and the steering wheel continued to smoke.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-08

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2002-11-06Visibility02V283000 Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles exhibit a condition in which the windshield wiper motor could fail during use because of improper manufacture.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor assembly. Owner notification began November 6, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon…

  2. R
    2003-07-01Electrical system03V231000 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…

    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…

  3. R
    2005-04-25Seat belts05V158000 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…

    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…

  4. R
    2005-10-17Exterior lighting05V245000 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.

    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.

  5. I
    2005-12-20Defect petitionClosed 2006-02-06 Timing chain failure
  6. I
    2006-01-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-06-06 Timing chain failure

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Saturn L200 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 55 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 18 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 02V283000 · Visibility
  • Recall 03V231000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 05V158000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 05V245000 · Exterior lighting

FAQ

Is the 2003 Saturn L200 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Saturn L200?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Saturn L200 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.