2004 Saturn L300 recalls and problems

The 2004 Saturn L300 has 2 safety recalls and 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saturn dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
61
Crashes / fires
3 / 1
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Saturn L300 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Saturn L300 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.

2004 Saturn L300 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System15
Exterior Lighting12
Engine and Engine Cooling9
Power Train6
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Vehicle Speed Control4
Tires3
Structure3
Steering3
Air Bags3
Engine3
Fuel/Propulsion System3

Most reported parts

  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 7
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 2
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 66,010 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 2004 Saturn L300 complaints

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

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Apr 7, 2023
My vehicle is leaking fuel from the fuel pump. I can see the fuel collecting on the side of the fuel tank from the top of the tank where the fuel pump is located. This issue has been releasing gas fumes around my car and occasionally in the cabin. This not only makes my car invalid for emissions testing in many states across the country, it also poses a risk to the overall safety of the vehicle. This issue is extremely common on these cars, I have seen many reports on Saturn forums talking about the issue and just how dangerous / expensive it has been for them to deal with. Due to the way GM…
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jan 16, 2022
Our 2004 Saturn L300 developed a fuel leak at the fuel pump (cracked) which is not normal. There is a strong fuel smell while driving and after the vehicle is parked. We are afraid that the fuel leak could cause a fire. The fuel pump has been inspected by an independent mechanic. There’s an error code that says that there’s a leak in the fuel system. I looked online and it seems that a lot of people are experiencing the same problem with this car. Other cars of the same manufacturer (General Motors) have been recalled for the same problem.
Power Train · at 155,000 miles · reported Jun 8, 2020
The contact owns a 2004 saturn l300. The contact stated that while in reverse the gear shifter ceased and the vehicle failed to start-up. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and it was determined that the shifter cable was detached. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Service Brakes · at 131,342 miles · reported Nov 26, 2019
My brake lights and my 3rd brake light that is on the inside of the rear window is not working correctly and at times my front inside instrument panel lights will go dim and now have completely stopped working and also my inside interior lights have stopped working completely (Example) when you open the doors no interior lights come on at all and also will not even come on when you try to turn them on by hand and my map lights on the under side of my inside rear view mirror or map lites have stopped working and the 3rd brake lights located inside the center of the rear windshield now have 2…
Fuel System, Gasoline · reported Jul 24, 2019
Fuel pump on a 2004 saturn l300 cracked and release fuel and heavy gas smell into car making car un driveable. There is already a recall on another make of saturn for the same incident.

Other Saturn L300 years

Compare all Saturn L300 years · All Saturn models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Saturn L300 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Saturn L300: 05V-245 (exterior lighting), 05V-158 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Saturn L300?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (15 reports), followed by exterior lighting (12). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 66,010 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.