2002 Saturn LS

○ Not enough data

2002 Saturn LS
BUILT 2026-09-02

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

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 41%

41% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 204 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.

CRASH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 23%

23% of complaints: electrical system — 112 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing module and ignition.

FIRE INJURY

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20031027

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

Also filed under STEERING

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 15%

15% of complaints: exterior lighting — 73 distinct reports on file, 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, 20130415

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

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

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 7%

7% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 34 distinct reports on file, 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, 20121101

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES

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 (204 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (112 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (73 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 41% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Saturn LS have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.