2000 Saturn LS recalls and problems

The 2000 Saturn LS has 6 safety recalls and 382 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saturn dealer.

Recalls
6
Complaints
382
Crashes / fires
10 / 5
Injuries / deaths
16 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2000 Saturn LS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2000 Saturn LS 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 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 00V-228: Seat Belts

Reported Aug 7, 2000 · 156,305 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and mini vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly.

Recall 99V-345: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Dec 2, 1999 · 36,848 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Fuel tank assemblies in these vehicles have an over pressure relief (Opr) valve that can become stuck open in a frontal collision. If the vehicle rolls over, fuel spillage could occur.

Risk: If an ignition source is present, a fire could result.

Fix: Dealers will permanently seal the outlet port of the opr valve.

Recall 99V-197: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 26, 1999 · 1,300 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 301, "fuel system integrity." these vehicles may have been produced with an inoperative valve within the fuel tank assembly.

Risk: If a vehicle with an inoperative valve were involved in a rollover, fuel spillage could occur.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles to ensure that the fuel tank assembly valve is operating as intended. They will replace the fuel tank assembly if necessary.

Recall 99V-199: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jul 26, 1999 · 1,395 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." because of a problem in the hazard warning switch assembly, the turn signal lamps may not work or may work intermittently when the driver uses the turn signal lever or hazard warning switch. If the vehicle turn signal indicators are not flashing, then the turn signal lamps may not be flashing.

Risk: Other drivers may not be alerted that the vehicle is turning and a crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will replace the hazard warning switch assembly.

2000 Saturn LS problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling142
Exterior Lighting73
Electrical System64
Steering39
Suspension29
Structure28
Power Train26
Service Brakes, Hydraulic23
Tires22
Visibility14
Unknown or Other11
Vehicle Speed Control10

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 36
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 30
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys — 20
  • Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights — 17
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump — 11
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 9
  • Structure › Body › Door — 9
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 9

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 77,000 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 2000 Saturn LS complaints

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

Service Brakes · reported Jun 7, 2024
I am listing this vehicle identification number to fulfill your request on the safety complaint form, however I believe what I am about to share is an issue that applies to all vehicles on the road today, regardless of their source of motive power, if they have a hydraulic-brake system. I believe the current federal specifications for brake lines are too susceptible to corrosion, and although the materials brake lines are made of on most vehicles, probably meet Federal standards. Federal standards for this and other vehicle parts should evolve more frequently, sensitive to modernization and…
Engine · at 170,000 miles · reported Jun 17, 2020
The whole subframe on my 2000 saturn ls is rotted so bad that I can't even drive the vehicle. It started with my car not starting and putting it up on a lift to see what the problem was. That not starting problem is a bad resonator, but in the process the subframe was found to be seriously rotted away.
Structure · at 5 miles · reported Aug 26, 2017
Nothing, thank god had happened yet, but it will in a matter of time, how much time I have no idea. The problem is the motor cradle or frame is rusting out, the front where the motor sets had wholes rusted in it, the whole thing is rusting away.
Unknown or Other · at 180,000 miles · reported Mar 20, 2017
While driving down the interstate my timing chain snapped. Car lost power and put me and my family at risk of an accident.
Engine · at 140,569 miles · reported Aug 24, 2016
Ref: 07v519 I AM filling this complaint concerning my 2000 saturn ls1 2.2l engine. While driving on a southern california freeway in july 2008 my timing chain broke. This caused us to try and get to the side of the freeway from the left side of the freeway, a very nerve-racking situation. After talking to the dealership and several independent repair shops I elected to replace the engine instead of fixing the timing chain and the other damage that was caused in the broken timing chain. The repair was completed by claremont auto center in pomona ca on 14/july/2008. If necessary I should be able…

Other Saturn LS years

Compare all Saturn LS years · All Saturn models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Saturn LS have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2000 Saturn LS: 05V-245 (exterior lighting), 03V-231 (electrical system), 00V-228 (seat belts), 99V-345 (fuel system, gasoline), 99V-197 (fuel system, gasoline) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Saturn LS?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (142 reports), followed by exterior lighting (73). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 77,000 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.