Model year record

2004 Saturn L300 recalls & problems

The 2004 Saturn L300 has 2 safety recalls and 61 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (15 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints61filed by owners

Crashes · fires3 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths4 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingJun 2, 2005

Brake lights

Recall 05V245000291,652 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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.

Seat beltsApr 20, 2005

Seat belts

Recall 05V15800020,701 vehicles

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 repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

L300

25mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 31 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

L300

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Electrical systemWiring › Interior/under dash; Ignition	15	0	1	0	53,005 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Headlights › High/low beam dimmer switch	12	0	0	0	21,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingCooling system; Engine › Gasoline	9	0	0	0	77,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)	6	0	0	0	91,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump	5	0	0	0	—
Vehicle speed controlCruise control	4	1	0	0	—
Tires	3	0	0	0	—
StructureBody › Bumpers; Body › Door › Hinge and attachments	3	0	0	2	—
SteeringRack and pinion	3	0	0	0	—
Air bags	3	3	0	2	127,000 mi
Engine	3	0	0	0	125,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	3	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel/propulsion system
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.
Apr 3, 2023
Fuel/propulsion system
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. Thereâs an error code that says that thereâs 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.
Apr 13, 2021
Power train
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.
Jun 6, 2020 · 155,000 miles
Service brakes
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…
Nov 25, 2019 · 131,342 miles
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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. *JS
Sep 19, 2012
Exterior lighting
THIRD BREAK LIGHT OR OVER HEAD BREAK LIGHT HAVNT WORKED SINCE I'VE BOUGHT THE CAR OUT SO BEEN OUT B4 I BOUGHT IT AND DASH LIGHTS DIMMER SWITCH FLICKERS IN AND OUT UNLESS WEDGE THE DIMMING SWITCH UP BEEN LIKE THAT SINCE BOUGHT THE CAR DON'T KNOW WHEN OR HOW IT HAPPENED BUT IT'S GOT MINOR SHORT AND EVERYTHING WORKS AS SHOULD DIMMER SWITCH MOVES AS IT SHOULD
Jul 12, 2019 · 175,320 miles
Electrical systemFire
WIPER SWITCH HEATS UP ON IGNITION AND ALSO RANDOMLY WHILE RUNNING - CAUSING SMOKE AND BURNING SMELLFROM STEERING COLUMN AND WIPERS TO TURN ON BY THEMSELVES. FIRST REPLACEMENT DONE BY CERTIFIED MECHANIC WITH CERTIFIED GM PART COST $365. 3 YEARS LATER, IT'S THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN!
Oct 18, 2018 · 100,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED THERE IS A BAD ODOR OF GAS THAT MAKES YOU FEEL SICK.
Feb 12, 2015 · 100,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.