2003 Saturn L200 recalls and problems

The 2003 Saturn L200 has 4 safety recalls and 138 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saturn dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
138
Crashes / fires
7 / 7
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Saturn L200 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Saturn L200 recalls

Recall 05V-245: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jun 2, 2005 · 291,652 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: This can cause (1) an intermittently inoperative brake/tail lamp bulb or (2) a short circuit that opens a fuse causing inoperative brake lamps (Including the center high-mounted stop lamp) or tail lamps. A following driver may not know when the brakes have been applied, and a rear-end crash could occur without prior warning.

Fix: 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.

Recall 05V-158: Seat Belts

Reported Apr 20, 2005 · 20,701 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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 before holding the required test load for the required time.

Risk: If a separation occurred in crash, the right and center rear seat occupants may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: 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 1-800-972-8876.

Recall 03V-231: Electrical System

Reported Jun 23, 2003 · 239,993 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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 may be hard to start. Continued operation of the vehicle after such an ignition module failure will result in the "service engine soon" light flashing, and may lead to secondary failures of the catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, and exhaust resonator.

Risk: Failure of the resonator will cause increased exhaust noise. Prolonged operation of the vehicle following a resonator failure may lead to a fire.

Fix: 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 control module calibration. Owner notification began on august 4, 2003. Owners should contact saturn at 1-800-553-6000, prompt 3.

Recall 02V-283: Visibility

Reported Oct 29, 2002 · 1,448 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles exhibit a condition in which the windshield wiper motor could fail during use because of improper manufacture.

Risk: If this were to occur in severe weather, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor assembly. Owner notification began november 6, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact saturn at 1-800-553-6000, prompt #3 or hummer at 1-866-486-6376.

2003 Saturn L200 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System55
Engine and Engine Cooling18
Exterior Lighting17
Fuel System, Gasoline14
Steering12
Visibility10
Power Train9
Engine9
Air Bags8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic7
Suspension7
Interior Lighting5

Most reported parts

  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 8
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Module — 8
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 5
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 3
  • Electrical System › Horn — 3
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 3
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 3
  • Structure › Body › Bumpers — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 63,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Saturn L200 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2003 Saturn L200. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 45 MPH, an abnormal whirling sound was coming from the vehicle and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact's wife was unable to restart the vehicle and with the assistance of a police officer, she coasted the vehicle off to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective timing chain which resulted in engine failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be…
Structure · at 76,000 miles · reported Oct 5, 2018
The front bumper plastic fasteners that hold the bumper to the chassis degrade and break over time and the front bumper will fall off without notice. This happened to me as my car was slowly moving forward in a parking lot and I had to get out and pick up the bumper and put it in my back seat to get it home. When I got home upon inspection I noticed the plastic fasteners had broken and I was not able to put the bumper back on. I had to use wire to attach it to the chassis because the plastic fasteners were all broken and brittle.
Electrical System · at 162,000 miles · reported May 20, 2018
Brakelights have quit working twice. Also multiple electricle problems. On 1 occasion, ABS light was out, came on again with restart. Another time fuel gague showed empty, showed full on restart. Another time turned key and no elecric at all, unplugged battery and all was well.
Engine · at 148,000 miles · reported Mar 8, 2017
The contact owns a 2003 saturn l200. While starting the vehicle, the check engine indicator illuminated and an abnormal noise was heard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Structure · at 150,000 miles · reported Feb 4, 2017
While driving with two kids in the car my stearing became odd. I slowed down and my car started pulling to the left I could barely keep it in a straight line. My stearing wheel was turned all the way to the right when suddenly it sounded like I had a flat tire. I stopped the car the wheel it's self looked odd. I got back in and tried to drive and my car made a aweful noise and I could not go anywhere! I was sranded in the dark on a hillside with the kids. I had my car towed home to discover the frame of my car has split at the a-arm, the engine cradle has caused this problem. My insurance wont…

Other Saturn L200 years

No other model years have data.

Compare all Saturn L200 years · All Saturn models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Saturn L200 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Saturn L200: 05V-245 (exterior lighting), 05V-158 (seat belts), 03V-231 (electrical system), 02V-283 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Saturn L200?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (55 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (18). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 63,000 miles.

Are Saturn recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Saturn dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.