2000 Saturn LS
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 |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 382 |
| 2001 | 582 |
| 2002 | 493 |
| 2004 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
37% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 142 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.
FIRE INJURY19% of complaints: exterior lighting — 73 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing brake lights and tail lights.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS1. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR-ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BREAK LIGHTS FAILED TO ALERT THE OTHER DRIVER THAT SHE WAS BRAKING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120615
17% of complaints: electrical system — 64 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and module.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING HOME I SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. I THEN NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. WITH THE CAR OFF THE SMOKE CONTINUED AND THE HIGH BEAMS WERE ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030822
CAR LEAKING OIL - NOW ENGINE TROUBLE
NHTSA ODI report, 20180212
Also filed under ENGINE and SERVICE BRAKES
10% of complaints: steering — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing pump and hydraulic power assist system.
INJURY8% of complaints: suspension — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and front.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH AN INOPERATIVE VALVE W
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES TO ENSURE THAT THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE IS OPERATING AS INTENDED. THEY WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY.
Campaign 99V197000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM IN THE HAZARD WA
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 99V199000 — check if this car was fixed
POST-COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES IN THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVER PRESSURE RELIEF (OPR) VALVE THAT CAN BECOME STUCK OPEN IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. IF THE VEHICLE ROLLS OVE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY SEAL THE OUTLET PORT OF THE OPR VALVE.
Campaign 99V345000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NO
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 00V228003 — 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
INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS
INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS
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
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE-STALL
TIMING CHAIN BREAKS, ENGINE STALL
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2000 Saturn LS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (142 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (73 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (64 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V197000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V199000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V345000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V228003 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V231000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V245000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2000 Saturn LS 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 2000 Saturn LS?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2000 Saturn LS have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.