Most common 2004 Saturn L300 problems
Share of the 61 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 →
2004 Saturn L300 recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights
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
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.
What 2004 Saturn L300 owners say
Electrical system
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!
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. …
Lights
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. …
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
Engine & cooling
I was driving up a small incline, preparing to stop for a traffic light, engine began to race, I could not stop, brakes were fine but engine was racing. I had to put car in park, checked for blockage with floor mat, there was not any. Put 4 -way blinkers on, shut car off. Restarted car and it was fine. Happened again on feb. 22nd this time tried 4 times shutting down and still raced. Had to park car, upon returning 2 hours later car was fine. I have also had trouble starting car, started in June 2014, if ignition did not engage when key was turned car had to sit for 1/2 hour before starting.
2004 Saturn l 300, 6 cylinder . My daughter was driving on and the engine just shut off, loosing all power and all service lights appeared. Had it towed to my house. Hooked up a OBD scanner to car. 8 codes appeared. BCM/ECM malfunction.(4 codes of this), crankshaft position sensor (2 codes of this), engine running too rich (2 codes of this). I have read many cases online through forums, and this seems too be a big problem.
2004 Saturn L300 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 31 / 25 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Saturn L300 a good car?
Based on 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 L300 rates use caution: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the L300 at the same age. It is one of the L300 years we suggest avoiding. 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 2004 Saturn L300?
The electrical system — 15 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring › interior/under dash. Next are the lights (12) and engine & cooling (11).
How many recalls does the 2004 Saturn L300 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2004 Saturn L300, the most recent from June 2, 2005 (brake lights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the 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 2004 Saturn L300 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 66,000 miles; 35% 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.