2003 Saturn L200
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 138 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: electrical system — 35 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20031008
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, 20031008
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, 20180520
8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 11 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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, 20180520
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 8 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 SERVI
Campaign 02V283000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 CONTRO
Campaign 03V231000 — check if this car was fixed
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 B
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 1-800-972-887
Campaign 05V158000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 05V245000 — check if this car was fixed
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Saturn L200 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V283000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V231000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V158000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V245000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
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 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Saturn L200 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.