no report yet
Exterior lighting: brake lights
Risk. THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT OPENS A FUSE CAUSING INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS (INCLUDING THE…
2004 Saturn L300Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 61 owner complaints about the 2004 Saturn L300, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 7, 2023. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2004 Saturn L300 has problems
61 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
15Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
12Exterior lighting
8Engine and engine cooling
6Power train
4Vehicle speed control
4Fuel system, gasoline
3Air bags
3Engine
3Fuel/propulsion system
179 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 15 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 12 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 0 |
| Power train | 6 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 4 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 3 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 17 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2004 Saturn L300 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Seat belts
Risk. IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED IN CRASH, THE RIGHT AND CENTER REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Saturn.
Best & worst years
2004 vs. every other L300 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the L300 median. How we score
'03'04'05
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What L300 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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!
THE CAR JUST SHUTS DOWN WHILE IN MOTION. MOST OF THE TIME IT SHUTS OFF WHEN TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IT WILL EVENTUALLY CRANK UP IN ABOUT AN HOUR ONLY TO SHUT DOWN AGAIN. THE CAR SHUT DOWN AS I WAS WITH MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER ON I-95 GOING 65 MPH. WE WERE STRANDED FOR ABOUT 3 HRS. ON THE…
Own a 2004 L300?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.