Saturn L200 Problems by Year

We compared every Saturn L200 model year from 2003 using 138 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 4 recalls and federal defect investigations. No L200 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints.

1model years
138complaints
4recalls
—worst years
—best years

Complaints by model year

2003138
Owner complaints per model year, Saturn L200. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
2003138—4ElectricalLimited data

* Complaints compared with the median L200 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Saturn L200 problems

  • 5036%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2003
    2720%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2003
    1813%
  • Lightsworst: 2003
    1612%
  • Steeringworst: 2003
    118%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2003
    97%
  • Air bagsworst: 2003
    86%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2003
    86%
  • Brakesworst: 2003
    75%
  • Suspensionworst: 2003
    75%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2003
    54%
  • Body & structureworst: 2003
    54%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2003
    43%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2003
    43%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2003
    43%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 2003
    32%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2003
    21%
  • Other / not specified
    21%

Latest Saturn L200 recalls

Exterior lighting › Brake lights

NHTSA recall 05V-245 · Jun 2, 2005 · 291,652 vehicles

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.

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.

Seat belts

NHTSA recall 05V-158 · Apr 20, 2005 · 20,701 vehicles

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.

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.

Electrical system › Ignition › Module

NHTSA recall 03V-231 · Jun 23, 2003 · 239,993 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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…

Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor

NHTSA recall 02V-283 · Oct 29, 2002 · 1,448 vehicles

Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles exhibit a condition in which the windshield wiper motor could fail during use because of improper manufacture.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor assembly. Owner notification began November 6, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…

All 4 Saturn L200 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Saturn L200 should you avoid?

None of the Saturn L200 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What are the most common Saturn L200 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (50), engine & cooling (27) and fuel & propulsion system (18). Electrical complaints peak in the 2003 model year.

How many recalls has the Saturn L200 had?

4 recalls across 2003. The model year with the most is 2003. See all Saturn L200 recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.