Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2003 Saturn L200, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system50
- Engine and engine cooling18
- Exterior lighting16
- Fuel system, gasoline14
- Steering11
- Visibility10
- Engine9
- Air bags8
- Power train8
- Suspension7
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 9 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 18 2003 L200 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 15 people died inside them, and 3 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 2 variants: combined 9.9–10.0 L/100 km (about 24 mpg US), CO₂ 228–230 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| L200 · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 11.4 | 8.0 | 9.9 |
| L200 · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 11.5 | 8.2 | 10.0 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AFTER SUCH AN IGNITION MODULE FAILURE WILL RESULT IN THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT FLASHING, AND MAY LEAD TO SECONDARY FAILURES OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND EXHAUST RESONATOR.
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COULD FAIL DURING USE BECAUSE OF IMPROPER MANUFACTURE.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Saturn told its dealers about the 2003 Saturn L200: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 635742 | SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC AND SERVICE PROCEDURES. *TT |
| 633537 | SOME CONSUMERS MAY COMPLAIN ABOUT A STEERING WHEEL SHAKE OR VIBRATION FELT WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS CONDITION IS MOST NOTICEABLE ON SMOOTH ROAD SURFACES AT VEHICLE SPEEDS ABOVE 65MPH (105 KM/H) *JG |
| 633534 | SUBJECT REGARDING HOOD PROP ROD CONTACTS HOOD RELEASE CABLE WHEN IN STOWED POSITION (INSPECT POSITION OF HOOD RELEASE CABLE AND ADJUST IF NECESSARY) *JG |
| 633518 | SUBJECT REGARDING VEHICLE CONTENT CHANGES/DELETIONS. *JG |
| 633514 | SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING REDESIGNED WIPER LINKAGE AND NEW SERVICE PROCEDURES. *JG |
| 633496 | SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM NOISE AND/OR LEAK DIAGNOSIS. *JG |
| 633477 | SUBJECT REGARDING SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING NEW DESIGN LINE PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOIDS. *JG |
| 633406 | SUBJECT REGARDING SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE FOR TRANSAXLE SERVICE MANUALS REGARDING NEW DIFFERENTIAL RING GEAR REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *JG |
| 633376 | SUBJECT REGARDING SERVICE INFORMATION REGARDING REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS AND SERVICE PROCEDURES. *JG |
| 633369 | SUBJECT REGARDING CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING TIRE CHAIN DISCLOSURE. VEHICLES THAT SHOULD NOT BE OPERATED WITH CHAINS. *JG |
| 633355 | SUBJECT REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF VEHICLE BADGES ON DECKLID APPLIQUE OR LIFTGATE. *JG |
| 631244 | GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES AND TRUCKS: SUBJECT REGARDING, 2002 AND PRIOR PASSENGER CARS AND TRUCKS, CHEMICAL DAMAGE TO EXTERIOR POLYCARBONATE HEADLAMP LENSES. *SLC UPDATED *EH UPDATED 3/30/11. HEADLAMP LENS OVERHEATING WHEN COVERED AND CHEMICAL DAMAGE TO EXTERIOR POLYCARBONATE HEADLAMP LENSES. CAN CAUSE CRAZING OR CRACKING OF HEADLAMP LENS. *PE UPDATED 6/24/11. *PE UPDATED 5/14/12. INCLUDING 2013 MODEL YEAR. *PE |
| 11007208 | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection. |
| 11006621 | Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers. |
| 11004557 | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. |
| 11002312 | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information. |
| 11000576 | This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process. |
| 10252735 | This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish. |
| 10252163 | XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation. |
| 10251890 | This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up. |
| 10250775 | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. |
| 10249579 | This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine. |
| 10249011 | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage. |
| 10248444 | Vehicle Recalls |
| 10247681 | Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation