2004 Saturn L300
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
- 61
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
25% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 61 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 42 |
| 2004 | 61 |
| 2005 | 25 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
25% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing interior/under dash and switch.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-22
I own a 2004 Saturn L300; on several occasions over the past several weeks I have seen wisps of smoke coming from the steering column, followed by a strong smell of burning plastic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-26
Exterior lighting
20% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing headlights and high/low beam dimmer switch.
Show complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-19
Engine and engine cooling
15% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing cooling system and catalytic convertor.
Power train
10% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) and automatic transmission.
Fuel system, gasoline
8% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing fuel pump.
Show complaint excerpts
Fuel pump on a 2004 Saturn L300 cracked and release fuel and heavy gas smell into car making car un driveable. There is already a recall on another make of Saturn for the same incident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-24
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-13
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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…
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Saturn L300 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V158000 · Seat belts
- Recall 05V245000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 2004 Saturn L300 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 2004 Saturn L300?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Saturn L300 have?
- 2 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.