Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Saturn LS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 2000 Saturn LS. The contact stated that the rear tail lights failed to illuminate. The contact mentioned that there was an electrical malfunction that burned the sockets and wires causing the bulbs to short. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician replaced the rear tail lights three times and the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 05V245000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was not available.
Driving home I smelled an electrical burning smell. I then noticed smoke coming from the steering column. With the car off the smoke continued and the high beams were on. I drove to Saturn and they found an internal short in the head lamp switch (p/n 22679804). At no time did any fuse blow to protect the circuit. I have the old part and can see evidence of burnt/melted wires. This is a fire hazard. 2000 Saturn ls1 VIN [redacted].
I own a 2000 Saturn ls2. There have been 2 recalls on the "l" series vehicles. Although my model is considered the LS series, I have experienced the exact same symptoms with my vehicle as described with the l series recall. The most recent was the replacement of all four of the oxygen sensors in my vehicle which I believe to be the same problem as described with the l series vehicle and attributed to the Saturn part known as the ignition control module. Over a period of about 2 months I noticed: 1. A deterioration in idle quality 2. A reduction in overall engine power 3. The engine was hard to start these are exactly the same problems experienced with the icm recall on the "l" series. I had to replace, at my own expense, all 4 of the oxygen sensors for this vehicle. After contacting Saturn, they insisted, based on my VIN #, that my car was not included in this recall. …
While car was still under GM warranty, vehicle ignition switch would get stuck such that the car would not start. This happened several times intermittently but each time would eventually free up. Took car to dealer where purchased and problem was not duplicated at that time. I believe I also took to Saturn dealer but they also could not replicate. This continued to happened periodically and car eventually passed out of warranty. Recently, the problem happened again but it will not start at all. Had to tow it to the closest shop and repair the cylinder. Called Saturn and they are unwilling to assist with the repair at this time. They will not consider any assistance unless I tow the car to the dealer (around $100) and pay there diagnostic fees but, again, offer no promise that they will help in any way even if they confirm the problem.
Currently the blower motor for the heater/defroster is not working. I have had many many problems with this car, inparticular with the brakes and steering. The rack and pinion was repaired twice. I have had brakes replaced twice, and recently the brake drums, rotators and pads. I have had the power steering pump repaired and from time to time need to have the steering wheel lubricated when it starts to make noise again. I am wondering if I am the only one with these problems or are others with this same car having the same problems. I do not feel safe when I am driving this car. I have brought it to the dealer many times to have things checked with wheels and steering.
The service engine soon light of my 2000 Saturn sl2 comes on and then the reduced power light comes on and the power is reduced and the car stops and will not restart. The reduced power and service engine soon light comes on and the car stops and stalls in busy traffic, or anywhere the when the lights come on , the car then had to be towed by aaa on Saturday to my home and again on Monday to dealership after stopping in busy morning traffic, which could have caused an accident. The dealership has charged me over $925. They replaced the ECM, but the car is still not stopping and the service engine soon and reduced power lights are still on.
Tl*- the contact stated that she was on NHTSA website and found that her 2000 Saturn l series had been recalled due to the ignition module. The contact stated that the recall on the website was in August 2003. She has already had this repair done, and still have the repair order. The contact stated that she did get a recall on the same vehicle for her brake light but not for this recall. The recall stated that problems with ignition module May cause problems with the catalytic converter and contact has had this repair done on vehicle also. Telesis will call the contact and give her the information in the faq. Updated 2/22/2007 -
Dt: the contact owns a 2000 Saturn ls1. The contact states that the electrical components on the driver's side of the vehicle do not work. The windows, the horn, and brakes lights are not working. The brake light problem has been happening for years, but the window, horn, speaker, driver side turn signal, and the dash lights started to malfunction at one time. The consumer indicates when she rolled the driver's side window down and back up that was when every thing quit working. The service dealer stated that each component would need to be replaced. The consumer has contacted the manufacturer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Saturn l. The contact stated that the path lock anti-theft system failed and prevented the vehicle from being started. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer and they advised him that they might have to replace the entire anti-theft system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also contacted and advised him that there were no recalls for the failure and provided no further assistance. The failure and current mileage was approximately 108,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Saturn ls2. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The intake sensor, speed sensor and various other components were replaced. In addition, the turn signals also began to malfunction. The contact stated that when the key was removed from the ignition, it was abnormally hot to the touch. The vehicle had not been further repaired. The failure and current mileage was 62,000.
Related recalls
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…
NHTSA investigations
Inoperative tail lamps
General motors has decided that a safety related defect exists on certain model Saturn 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.this can cause (1) an intermittently inoperative brake/tail lamp bulb or (2) a short circuit that opens a fuse causing inoperative brake or tail lamps (including the center high-mounted stop…
Inoperative tail lamps
On January 25, 2005, a safety defect petition was received by the office of defects investigation (odi), requesting an investigation of inoperative tail lamps on my 2000-2002 Saturn l-series vehicles.the petitioner alleges a defect in the design and assembly of the tail lamp assembly circuit board and light socket contact.the petitioner identified 47 vehicle owner questionnaire's (voq's) associated with the alleged…
Electrical complaints in other LS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2000 Saturn LS?
NHTSA has 63 complaints about the electrical system of the 2000 Saturn LS, 16% of the model year's 382 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Saturn LS electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-231 (module, Jun 23, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Saturn LS electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.