Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 493 | typical | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2001 | 582 | 1.3× | 7 | Engine | Average |
| 2000 | 382 | −24% | 6 | Engine | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median LS year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Saturn LS problems
Latest Saturn LS recalls
Engine and engine cooling
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.2l 4-cylinder engine, links in the engine's timing chain can separate.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the timing chain free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2008. Owners May contact Saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
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.
Electrical system › Ignition › Module
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…
Air bags › Frontal
On certain passenger, sport utility vehicles and Mini vans, some of these vehicles have a passenger air bag that was manufactured without a check valve pin. An air bag without the check valve pin could produce increased pressure at the onset of the air bag deployment and reduced pressure afterward.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag. Owner notification began December 16, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Saturn LS should you avoid?
None of the Saturn LS years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Saturn LS?
2000 has the fewest complaints compared with other LS years at the same age. 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 LS problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (731), electrical system (245) and lights (188). Engine complaints peak in the 2001 model year.
How many recalls has the Saturn LS had?
12 recalls across 2000–2002. The model year with the most is 2001. See all Saturn LS 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.