MYRModel Year Report

2002 Saturn LS

○ Not enough data
2002 Saturn LS
BUILT 2026-10-10

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
493
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
8

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

41% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 382 complaints 2000 2001: 582 complaints 2001 2002: 493 complaints 2002 493 2004: 1 complaint 2004
2000: 382 complaints 2000 2001: 582 complaints 2001 2002: 493 complaints 2002 493 2004: 1 complaint 2004
2000: 382 complaints 2000 2001: 582 complaints 2001 2002: 493 complaints 2002 493 2004: 1 complaint 2004

2002: 493 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19990
2000382
2001582
2002493
20041

Known problem areas

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

Engine and engine cooling

41% · 204 reports

Most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.

CRASH

Electrical system

23% · 112 reports

Most commonly citing module and ignition.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Electrical system failed without warning, causing the ignition relay to ignite the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle was consumed totally by fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-27

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, 2017-12-26

Also filed under Steering

Exterior lighting

15% · 73 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and brake lights.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Saturn L200. The contact stated she was made aware by a police officer that the tail lights were not illuminating. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the light bulb socket and plastic insert had melted.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-15

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-01-07

Engine

9% · 43 reports
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, 2017-11-21

Fuel system, gasoline

7% · 34 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Saturn L100. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated as engine power began to reduce independently.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-01

Also filed under Service brakes

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    2003-04-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-08-25 Headlamps flicker off and on
  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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2005-02-10Defect petitionClosed 2005-02-22 Inoperative tail lamps
  4. I
    2005-02-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-06-03 Inoperative tail lamps
  5. 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    2005-12-20Defect petitionClosed 2006-02-06 Timing chain failure
  8. I
    2006-01-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-06-06 Timing chain failure
  9. I
    2008-06-18Defect petitionClosed 2008-10-16 Timing chain failure-stall
  10. I
    2008-10-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-04-08 Timing chain breaks, engine stall
  11. I
    2009-05-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-10-27 Fuel pump leaks

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Saturn LS — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 204 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 112 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 73 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 03V231000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 05V158000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 05V245000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Saturn LS have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-06 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.