2002 Saturn LS recalls and problems
The 2002 Saturn LS has 3 safety recalls and 493 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saturn dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2002 Saturn LS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2002 Saturn LS recalls
Recall 05V-245: Exterior Lighting
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
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
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.
2002 Saturn LS problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 204 | |
| Electrical System | 112 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 73 | |
| Engine | 43 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 34 | |
| Power Train | 26 | |
| Suspension | 19 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 12 | |
| Tires | 12 | |
| Steering | 12 | |
| Visibility | 11 | |
| Structure | 10 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 73
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 27
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys — 22
- Electrical System › Ignition › Module — 11
- Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 11
- Electrical System › Ignition — 9
- Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 6
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 6
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 75,755 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 2002 Saturn LS complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Saturn LS years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Saturn LS have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Saturn LS: 05V-245 (exterior lighting), 05V-158 (seat belts), 03V-231 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Saturn LS?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (204 reports), followed by electrical system (112). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 75,755 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.