2004 SATURN L300 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

78

Owner Complaints

4 Crashes 1 Fire

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

10

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2004 SATURN L300

The 2004 SATURN L300 has received a total of 78 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS, SEAT BELTS. 10 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (10 complaints), Exterior Lightingheadlights (7 complaints), and Exterior Lighting (4 complaints).

Recalls for the 2004 SATURN L300

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2004 SATURN L300, potentially affecting up to 312,353 vehicles.

Recall 05V245000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

| 291,652 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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.

View full details →

Recall 05V158000 — SEAT BELTS

| 20,701 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED IN CRASH, THE RIGHT AND CENTER REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

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 1-800-972-8876.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2004 SATURN L300

78 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 SATURN L300. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 10 1 Fire
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 7
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 4
Power Train
Complaints: 4
Air Bags
Complaints: 3 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 3
Tires
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes
Complaints: 2
Steering
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1 2 Injuries
Suspensionrearsprings
Complaints: 1
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11515990 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles
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 has made this car, you cannot replace this part without dropping the exhaust and fuel tank.
#11447698 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles
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.
#11327720 | POWER TRAIN | | 155,000 miles
TL* 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.
#11282504 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 131,342 miles
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 LITES THAT ARE COMPLETELY STOPPED COMING ON AND MY TAG LIGHTS DO NOT WORK ANY MORE AND ALL THIS STARTED APPX. 4 MONTHS AGO WHEN A POLICE OFFICER PULLED ME OVER AFTER DARK AND TOLD ME ABOUT MY BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY AND NO TAG LITE AND 3 WEEKS PRIOR IS WHEN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INSIDE STARTED ACTING UP AND NOW NO LIGHTS WORK AT ALL INSIDE AND THIS HAPPENS WHETHER THE CAR IS MOVING OR NOT AND WITH IT SITTING IN PARK AL THIS HAPPENS AND ALSO NO TRUNK LITE OR GLOVE BOX LITES UP !
#11282504 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | 131,342 miles
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 LITES THAT ARE COMPLETELY STOPPED COMING ON AND MY TAG LIGHTS DO NOT WORK ANY MORE AND ALL THIS STARTED APPX. 4 MONTHS AGO WHEN A POLICE OFFICER PULLED ME OVER AFTER DARK AND TOLD ME ABOUT MY BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY AND NO TAG LITE AND 3 WEEKS PRIOR IS WHEN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INSIDE STARTED ACTING UP AND NOW NO LIGHTS WORK AT ALL INSIDE AND THIS HAPPENS WHETHER THE CAR IS MOVING OR NOT AND WITH IT SITTING IN PARK AL THIS HAPPENS AND ALSO NO TRUNK LITE OR GLOVE BOX LITES UP !

View all Electrical System complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2004 SATURN L300

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2004 SATURN L300 in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2004 SATURN L300

General Motors, LLC has issued 10 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2004 SATURN L300. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

PIE-0012 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

SATURN: E109213-FUEL SMELL/ODOR OR LEAK NEAR FUEL TANK AREA *ENGINEERING INFORMATION). CUSTOMERS COMPLAIN ABOUT A FUEL SMELL/ODOR WHILE DRIVING OR AFTER THE VEHICLE IS PARKED. SOME DAMPNESS MAY ALSO BE NOTICED ON THE GROUND NEAR THE FUEL TANK AREA. *PE

030089033A — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TRAILER, RECREATIONAL AND DISABLED VEHICLE TOWING INFORMATION. *TT *SC

030849022A — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYS AN ERRATIC OR FALSE READING OR NO START CONDITION AFTER VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF WITH LOW FUEL LEVEL. *TT THIS BULLETIN REPLACES PREVIOUS DATED 12/01/03. *TT THIS BULLETIN REPLACES PREVIOUS DATED 08/01/04. *TT

040601011 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE FOR ENGINE BLOCK CLEARANCE, CYLINDER HEAD CLEARANCE AND FASTENER TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. *TT

040137005 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

INFORMATION REGARDING AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) COMPRESSOR NOISE AT ENGINE START (A/C OR DEFROST MODE SELECTED) OR AT A/C OR DEFROST ACTIVATION (AFTER ENGINE START). *TT

040844006 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING INSTALLATION OF A SATURN RADIO WITH TAPE PLAYER INTO A 2004 OR 2005 MODEL YEAR SATURN VEHICLE. TO INCLUDE 2005 SATURN ION AND VUE. *TT

040730020 — POWER TRAIN

SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P1811 MAXIMUM ADAPT AND LONG SHIFTS. *TT

040601010 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BLUE SMOKE AT ENGINE START-UP. *TT

3036 — STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

DARK RECTANGLES OR CIRCLES IN THE CENTER OF THE ROOF. *TT

3039 — STRUCTURE:BODY

LOWER EDGE OF THE REAR FASCIA IS NOT EVEN OR APPEARS TO SAG IN THE MIDDLE. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 2004 SATURN L300

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the SATURN L300

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Other SATURN Models

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