Most common 2003 Saturn L300 problems
Share of the 42 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saturn L300 complaints by model year
Best L300 years: 2005, 2003. Years to avoid: 2004. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2003 Saturn L300:
Timing chain failure
On December 12, 2005, odi received a defect petition (dp05-008) requesting the investigation of timing chain failures that could cause stalling in Saturn vehicles equipped with the 2.2l (l61) engine. Odi opened pe06-006 on January 24, 2006, with 24 vehicle owner complaints that alleged a broken timing chain caused the vehicle to stop operating.on April 12, 2006, odi received information from general motors (GM)…
What 2003 Saturn L300 owners say
Lights
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 (na) Saturn L300. The contact stated that the anti-freeze warning indicator illuminated, the rear passenger side tail light failed, and the wiper motor did not operate normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the anti-freeze hose and connector were defective and needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was made aware of the resonator being damaged by another independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle also jerked after being operated from a stop. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. Updated 09/20/17
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn L300. The contact stated that the ignition key failed to turn into any direction after numerous attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the ignition switch was replaced. The contact also mentioned that both red plastic tail light covers faded into a pinkish color. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Electrical system
In February, 2007 and in April of 2008 I was involved separate front end crashes while driving my 2003 Saturn L300. In both instances seatbelt restraints were used (as always), but the air-bags failed to deploy. Fortunately, no one was injured. In both instances, I believed that I was fortunate the air-bags didn't open because of the expense involved repairing a deployed air-bag. In late February-2014, general motors announced a large recall of numerous vehicles (Saturn ion, Saturn vue, Chevy cobalt and other vehicles which are similar to my 2003 Saturn L300) sitting a defective ignition switch which disables the activation of the vehicles airbags when it is involved an accident! 13 deaths have been attributed to the defective switch, thusfar. …
On a rainy night, jan 10, 2014, I came out of work and started my car. I thanked god it started because sometimes it wouldn't start at all. Even after replacing almost every engine part including the computer. I started driving out of the parking spot and I smelled something burning inside the car. The engine started revving wildly up and down. I had no control of the car. White thick smoke filled the car fast. Flames started shooting out at me from under the dashboard. I was so panicked that I could hardly get out of the car. The insurance co totaled it and I still owe 500.00! I've spent more money trying to get the car to start when I want it to and to stop shutting off while im driving on the highway with my children and or infant granddaughter. …
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 (na) Saturn L300. The contact stated that the anti-freeze warning indicator illuminated, the rear passenger side tail light failed, and the wiper motor did not operate normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the anti-freeze hose and connector were defective and needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was made aware of the resonator being damaged by another independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle also jerked after being operated from a stop. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. Updated 09/20/17
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Saturn L300. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated and there was a leak which allowed water to drip into the cabin. The contact also stated that the key failed to turn while in the ignition and was difficult to remove. The contact then mentioned that smoke emitted from the ignition and engine compartment and the instrument panel erroneously dimmed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was repaired. The contact was unsure of what exact repairs were done. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximately failure mileage was 86,112.
2003 Saturn L300 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Saturn L300 a good car?
Based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 L300 rates average: 19% fewer complaints than a typical year of the L300 at the same age. It is one of the best L300 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Saturn L300?
The lights — 10 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about headlights. Next are the electrical system (10) and engine & cooling (9).
How many recalls does the 2003 Saturn L300 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Saturn L300. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Saturn L300?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2004. See the full Saturn L300 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Saturn L300 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 62,000 miles; 43% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.