2002 Saturn LS

○ Not enough data

2002 Saturn LS
BUILT 2026-08-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2002: 493 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1999	0
2000	382
2001	582
2002	493
2004	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 19%

19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 93 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15%

15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 73 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 62 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

HELLO I AM CONCERNED THAT MY VEHICLE HAS HAD A RECALL ON IT AND I WAS NOT AWARE OF IT I WAS ASKED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU ALL ON SATURDAY WHEN THE KEYS TO MY SATURN WOULD NOT START MY VEHICLE , IT IS A USED VEHICLE, THE ONLY CAR I HAVE TO GET TO...

NHTSA ODI report, 20171226

ENGINE 9%

9% of complaints: engine — 43 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SATURN LS. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT FRACTURED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171121

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 5%

5% of complaints: exterior lighting — 27 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

HEADLIGHTS WERE FLICKERING, THEY DIMED AND WENT BACK TO NORMAL SEVERAL TIMES. NO DASH INDICATOR INLLUMINATES. IT APPEARS AS IF THE CHARGING SYTEM OUITS AND RESTARTS. *JG *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020107

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20030417 — PE (closed 20030825)

HEADLAMPS FLICKER OFF AND ON

R 20030701 — electrical system

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

I 20050210 — DP (closed 20050222)

INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS

I 20050215 — PE (closed 20050603)

INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS

R 20050425 — seat belts

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

R 20051017 — exterior lighting

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

I 20051220 — DP (closed 20060206)

TIMING CHAIN FAILURE

I 20060124 — PE (closed 20060606)

TIMING CHAIN FAILURE

I 20080618 — DP (closed 20081016)

TIMING CHAIN FAILURE-STALL

I 20081016 — PE (closed 20090408)

TIMING CHAIN BREAKS, ENGINE STALL

I 20090521 — PE (closed 20091027)

FUEL PUMP LEAKS

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Saturn LS — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (93 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (73 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (62 reports on file for this year).
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 2002 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 2002 Saturn LS?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Saturn LS have?

3 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.