Saturn L300 Problems by Year

We compared every Saturn L300 model year from 2003–2005 using 128 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2004, which drew far more complaints than other L300 years at the same age. The best years are 2005 and 2003.

3model years
128complaints
2recalls
2004worst years
2005, 2003best years

Complaints by model year

200320042005426125
Owner complaints per model year, Saturn L300. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
200525−45%—ElectricalGood
2004612.0×2ElectricalCaution
200342−19%—HeadlightAverage

* Complaints compared with the median L300 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Saturn L300 problems

  • Electrical systemworst: 2004
    3225%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2004
    2520%
  • Lightsworst: 2004
    2217%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2004
    1310%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2004
    108%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2003
    97%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2003
    86%
  • Brakesworst: 2004
    75%
  • Steeringworst: 2004
    75%
  • Air bagsworst: 2003
    65%
  • Suspensionworst: 2005
    65%
  • Body & structureworst: 2004
    43%
  • Other / not specified
    32%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2003
    22%
  • Seatsworst: 2003
    22%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2003
    22%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2003
    22%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2003
    22%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2003
    11%

Latest Saturn L300 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.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Saturn L300 should you avoid?

2004 — this year has the most complaints relative to other L300 years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2004.

What is the best year for the Saturn L300?

2005 has the fewest complaints compared with other L300 years at the same age, followed by 2003. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Saturn L300 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (32), engine & cooling (25) and lights (22). Electrical complaints peak in the 2004 model year.

How many recalls has the Saturn L300 had?

2 recalls across 2003–2005. The model year with the most is 2004.

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.