Saturn LS Headlight Problems

Headlight complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Brake lights
  54
• Headlights
  36
• Tail lights
  35
• Turn signal
  5
• Turn signal › Switch
  4
• Headlights › Switch
  4
• Headlights › High/low beam dimmer switch
  3
• Tail lights › Switch
  2

Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  2019%
• 25k–50k
  2019%
• 50k–75k
  2625%
• 75k–100k
  2120%
• 100k–150k
  1010%
• 150k+
  77%

What owners report

Rear tail lights will not work. Have checked all fuses relays,and even changed the turn signal switch. My car is currently at the garage. Original appointment was only for inspection. Mechanic has not yet located the issue. Also has no dash lights. Parking lights. Had I known this in advance would have returned car immediately.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Saturn Saturn LS. While driving at approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel began smoking, the headlights flickered, and the check engine light illuminated. In addition, the engine was smoking and stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 186,000.

A short circuit of some sort in the the headlight/turn signal switch caused a small electrical fire. While driving, the dashboard indicators showed that the daytime running lights and high beams were turning on and off on their own. When the car was turned off, the daytime running lights remained on. After a few moments, I began to smell the odor of something burning and smoke began to come out of the steering column. The smoke subsided only after I pulled the fuses on the two headlamps. The fuses did not break the circuit on their own -- the headlights did not go out until I pulled the fuses. I then called the Saturn roadside assistance hotline and asked them how to completely turn off the electrical power to the entire car (to prevent anything else from catching fire) but they were of little help. …

Brake lights ceased to function. Car rear ended during early morning pile up on I-85 due to tire failure on car two positions in advance. Investigate cause of light failure and found melted/burned light socket area. Tried to repair then called Saturn for parts availability. Informed that there would be a recall in oct 05 but that I could purchase the new light assemblies myself and might be able to get reimbursement later. Cost over $350.00 per assembly! Unable to spend this amount immediately so I parked the car until the recall letter comes!

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Saturn LS. While driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from the steering wheel into the vehicle and the high beams activated without being prompted. The high beams failed to turn off causing the contact to detach the headlights. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,680.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Saturn ls1. The contact stated that while sitting at a traffic stop, another vehicle rear-ended the contact's vehicle. The contact stated that the break lights failed to alert the other driver that she was braking. There was no damage to vehicle and the police were not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a repair shop or dealer for inspection or repair. The failure occurs intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, however provided no assistance. The current and failure mileage was 154,000.

Related recalls (2)

NHTSA investigations