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We found the following complaints for SATURN L300 (2003)

Read complaints for SATURN L300 (2003)


While driving at 20/25 mph vehicle was in a frontal collision and none of the air bag deployed upon impact.

In february, 2007 and in april of 2008 i was involved separate front end crashes while driving my 2003 saturn l300.in both instances seatbelt restraints were used (as always), but the air-bags failed to deploy.fortunately, no one was injured.in both instances, i believed that i was fortunate the air-bags didn't open because of the expense involved repairing a deployed air-bag.in late february-2014, general motors announced a large recall of numerous vehicles (saturn ion, saturn vue, chevy cobalt and other vehicles which are similar to my 2003 saturn l300) sitting a defective ignition switch which disables the activation of the vehicles airbags when it is involved an accident!13 deaths have been attributed to the defective switch, thusfar.although the 2003 saturn l300 is not included in the recall, i believe it should be included because of the air-bag issue that i experienced twice with my l300.in addition, there is a starting problem with the ignition switch, which has arisen since i've owned this car that has happened numerous times during the last 4-5 years.each day the l300 starts fine the first time .however, when the vehicle is shut off, (to get gasoline or to go into a store) the vehicle will fail to re-start.after waiting anywhere form 15 minutes to 1-1/2 hours, the car will start like nothing is wrong.although this happens mostly in the cold weather it has also happened during the summer time as well.i believe this is due to the same defective ignition switch/pass-lock sensor issue as the recalled vehicles.

While driving 40 mph the vehicle was involved in a front collision yet neither of the air bags deploy. *nlm.

Engine stalls after 10 minutes of driving. Won't start again for 2 or 3 hours only to run for 10 minutes and stall again. Sometimes engine will stall while idling. Sometimes the engine light with the wrench in it comes on and the vehicle starts to shift roughly. If i turn off the vehicle and start it again, this light goes off and the vehicle shifts normally.

Dt*:the contacts stated after driving long enough for the motor to get warm the headlights flicker from dim to bright.this is a continuous problem.if the heater or air conditioner fan is turned on, the flickering becomes more rapid.the vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions for this problem.both the dealer and manufacturer determined this was normal operations for this type of vehicle.

In february, 2007 and in april of 2008 i was involved separate front end crashes while driving my 2003 saturn l300.in both instances seatbelt restraints were used (as always), but the air-bags failed to deploy.fortunately, no one was injured.in both instances, i believed that i was fortunate the air-bags didn't open because of the expense involved repairing a deployed air-bag.in late february-2014, general motors announced a large recall of numerous vehicles (saturn ion, saturn vue, chevy cobalt and other vehicles which are similar to my 2003 saturn l300) sitting a defective ignition switch which disables the activation of the vehicles airbags when it is involved an accident!13 deaths have been attributed to the defective switch, thusfar.although the 2003 saturn l300 is not included in the recall, i believe it should be included because of the air-bag issue that i experienced twice with my l300.in addition, there is a starting problem with the ignition switch, which has arisen since i've owned this car that has happened numerous times during the last 4-5 years.each day the l300 starts fine the first time .however, when the vehicle is shut off, (to get gasoline or to go into a store) the vehicle will fail to re-start.after waiting anywhere form 15 minutes to 1-1/2 hours, the car will start like nothing is wrong.although this happens mostly in the cold weather it has also happened during the summer time as well.i believe this is due to the same defective ignition switch/pass-lock sensor issue as the recalled vehicles.

On a rainy night, jan 10, 2014, i came out of work and started my car. I thanked god it started because sometimes it wouldn't start at all. Even after replacing almost every engine part including the computer. I started driving out of the parking spot and i smelled something burning inside the car. The engine started revving wildly up and down. I had no control of the car. White thick smoke filled the car fast. Flames started shooting out at me from under the dashboard. I was so panicked that i could hardly get out of the car. The insurance co totaled it and i still owe 500.00! i've spent more money trying to get the car to start when i want it to and to stop shutting off while im driving on the highway with my children and or infant granddaughter. This 2003 saturn l300 has been nothing but a financial and mental nightmare only to go up in smoke, ruin my credit, and leave me stranded with no vehicle once again.

The contact owns a 2003 saturn l300. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated and there was a leak which allowed water to drip into the cabin. The contact also stated that the key failed to turn while in the ignition and was difficult to remove. The contact then mentioned that smoke emitted from the ignition and engine compartment and the instrument panel erroneously dimmed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was repaired. The contact was unsure of what exact repairs were done. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximately failure mileage was 86,112.

The contact owns a 2003 saturn l300.the contact stated that the vehicle would exhibit a sharp and abnormal increase in engine rpms when attempting to accelerate. In addition, the vehicle would also exhibit an unusually loud roaring but would not respond. As a result, the catalytic converter failed. The dealer advised the contact that they are aware of the failure but they could offer no assistance.the vehicle was not repaired.the failure and current mileage was approximately 133,000. The consumer stated the interior and exterior lights flicker along with the heater, which seems to come intermittently. The water pump and timing belt were replaced. Also, the catalytic converter motor and battery were replaced.updated 04/15/11

Ignition switch will not start the car. It is in the off position. I am having a new switch installed. I do not understand why this car part is not on the recall list. All other 2003 saturns are being recalled.

Computer which records and displays speed, engine rpm, mileage, and vehicle warnings failed completely. This failure meant the dash no longer records mileage, and will not display speed or rpm. Dangerous failure for untrained driver. Unknown speed could lead to unsafe driving or crash, having potential to cause deadly accident.

While engaging the high beams, smoke began to appear out of the turn signal stalk on the steering column.also, the high beams could no longer be turned off.i had to engage the switch several times before it would turn off.this has happened previously, and the fix was to replace the turn stalk.this is now the second turn signal stalk this has happened to.i am questioning the design of the turn signal stalk.there appears to be some sort of short in the wiring or contacts for the high beams that causes this problem.this is a fire hazard, and therefore a major safety concern.

Having problems with the pass lock system on the 2003 saturn l300. Out of the blue the car won't start.sometimes the pass lock light comes on and sometimes it does not.if a wait about 10 minutes and then try to start the car it will work.this has been happening every day for the past week.based on my online search, it sounds like a lot of gm cars are experiencing this problem. Something should be done.

On a rainy night, jan 10, 2014, i came out of work and started my car. I thanked god it started because sometimes it wouldn't start at all. Even after replacing almost every engine part including the computer. I started driving out of the parking spot and i smelled something burning inside the car. The engine started revving wildly up and down. I had no control of the car. White thick smoke filled the car fast. Flames started shooting out at me from under the dashboard. I was so panicked that i could hardly get out of the car. The insurance co totaled it and i still owe 500.00! i've spent more money trying to get the car to start when i want it to and to stop shutting off while im driving on the highway with my children and or infant granddaughter. This 2003 saturn l300 has been nothing but a financial and mental nightmare only to go up in smoke, ruin my credit, and leave me stranded with no vehicle once again.

The contact owns a 2001 (na) saturn l300. The contact stated that the anti-freeze warning indicator illuminated, the rear passenger side tail light failed, and the wiper motor did not operate normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the anti-freeze hose and connector were defective and needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was made aware of the resonator being damaged by another independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle also jerked after being operated from a stop. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. Updated 09/20/17*lj

Engine stalls after 10 minutes of driving. Won't start again for 2 or 3 hours only to run for 10 minutes and stall again. Sometimes engine will stall while idling. Sometimes the engine light with the wrench in it comes on and the vehicle starts to shift roughly. If i turn off the vehicle and start it again, this light goes off and the vehicle shifts normally.

Ignition switch will not start the car. It is in the off position. I am having a new switch installed. I do not understand why this car part is not on the recall list. All other 2003 saturns are being recalled.

The contact owns a 2003 saturn l300.while driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning.the vehicle was towed to the dealer, but they could not diagnose the cause of failure.the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified.the vin was unavailable.the failure mileage was 93,000.

The contact owns a 2003 saturn l300. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated and there was a leak which allowed water to drip into the cabin. The contact also stated that the key failed to turn while in the ignition and was difficult to remove. The contact then mentioned that smoke emitted from the ignition and engine compartment and the instrument panel erroneously dimmed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was repaired. The contact was unsure of what exact repairs were done. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximately failure mileage was 86,112.

The contact owns a 2003 saturn l300.the contact stated that the vehicle would exhibit a sharp and abnormal increase in engine rpms when attempting to accelerate. In addition, the vehicle would also exhibit an unusually loud roaring but would not respond. As a result, the catalytic converter failed. The dealer advised the contact that they are aware of the failure but they could offer no assistance.the vehicle was not repaired.the failure and current mileage was approximately 133,000. The consumer stated the interior and exterior lights flicker along with the heater, which seems to come intermittently. The water pump and timing belt were replaced. Also, the catalytic converter motor and battery were replaced.updated 04/15/11

Purchased 2003 saturn l 300 on march 24, 2007and had it in the shop on april 2, 2007 and april 9, 2007 with same problem. Interior lights, headlights, and fan pulsate which could cause a safety hazard on the highway.the longer you drive it the more it happens.they say it is normal.

The contact owns a 2003 saturn l300.the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing a recurring failure in which it would stall while driving at any speed, without warning.the contact would allow the vehicle to cool off before he was able to restart.the vehicle was taken to several authorized dealers as well as independent repair facilities where they were unable to diagnose the failure.the vehicle was repaired but to no avail. The vehicle continued to stall intermittently at any speed.the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 62,000.

The contact owns a 2003 saturn l300.the contact stated that the vehicle recently ran out of warranty at 45,000 miles.three separate failures have occurred on the vehicle.the check engine light illuminated and the mechanic diagnosed it as electrical failure.fifteen minutes later, the failure recurred and the mechanic stated that the engine experienced master engine flow failure.three months later the engine failed again.the contact has spent almost $1,200 on repairs.he has contacted the better business bureau and they refereed him to nhtsa.the dealer offered to provide a warranty for the vehicle due to the number of failures.however, the dealer does not know why the failure rate is so high.the contact called saturn who stated that his description of the failures lacked mechanical knowledge.saturn was unable to provide an explanation, but responded by stating, "didn't we help you out by extending the warranty to fix the issue?"the manufacturer and the dealer both referred the contact to one another.he stated that saturn does not what any part in the matter and his vehicle does not fall under the lemon law for his state.the engine size was unknown.the current and failure mileages were 44,000.

The contact owns a 2003 saturn l300.the contact stated that the vehicle would exhibit a sharp and abnormal increase in engine rpms when attempting to accelerate. In addition, the vehicle would also exhibit an unusually loud roaring but would not respond. As a result, the catalytic converter failed. The dealer advised the contact that they are aware of the failure but they could offer no assistance.the vehicle was not repaired.the failure and current mileage was approximately 133,000. The consumer stated the interior and exterior lights flicker along with the heater, which seems to come intermittently. The water pump and timing belt were replaced. Also, the catalytic converter motor and battery were replaced.updated 04/15/11

While engaging the high beams, smoke began to appear out of the turn signal stalk on the steering column.also, the high beams could no longer be turned off.i had to engage the switch several times before it would turn off.this has happened previously, and the fix was to replace the turn stalk.this is now the second turn signal stalk this has happened to.i am questioning the design of the turn signal stalk.there appears to be some sort of short in the wiring or contacts for the high beams that causes this problem.this is a fire hazard, and therefore a major safety concern.

The contact owns a 2003 saturn l300. The contact statedwhen the brake pedal was depressed the brake lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not repaired nor was the failure diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

The contact owns a 2001 (na) saturn l300. The contact stated that the anti-freeze warning indicator illuminated, the rear passenger side tail light failed, and the wiper motor did not operate normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the anti-freeze hose and connector were defective and needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was made aware of the resonator being damaged by another independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle also jerked after being operated from a stop. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. Updated 09/20/17*lj

The contact owns a 2003 saturn l300. The contact stated that the ignition key failed to turn into any direction after numerous attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the ignition switch was replaced. The contact also mentioned that both red plastic tail light covers faded into a pinkish color. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

The cluster lights, brake lights, and parking lights have gone out.it shows for other models; but mine that it is a safety concern.

The contact owns a 2003 saturn l300. The contact stated that the brake lights failed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 106,800.

Consumer states while traveling head lights /dash lights and tail lights would dim while air condition was running.

Purchased new 2003 saturn l300 and the driver side headlight reflects lower than the passenger side headlight which creates a step effect when looking out the front windshield.the dealership was unable to recreate this scenario in the garage and therefore concluded there was not a problem.the dealership must be willing to drive the vehicle at night to view the problem.

Purchased 2003 saturn l 300 on march 24, 2007and had it in the shop on april 2, 2007 and april 9, 2007 with same problem. Interior lights, headlights, and fan pulsate which could cause a safety hazard on the highway.the longer you drive it the more it happens.they say it is normal.

Consumer states while traveling head lights /dash lights and tail lights would dim while air condition was running.

After turning on my left blinker, smoke starting coming from the steering wheel.i had it repaired this morning at the saturn dealership.i overheard two other calls of the same problem.in fact, one of the service advisors told the customer not to use their blinkers.

I just put gas in the car and about 20 mins later i asked my 11 yr old do you smell gas and he said yes and within seconds we had smoke everywhere this could have kiiled us.

Fuel pump failure -- disintegrated.have over $1,000 of repairs.this is on top of $400 repairs last month to replace the heater core and a recommended $600+ to replace the oil cooler housing.the car has less than 80,000 miles on it and is not paid off for 2 more months.i've gone to the website www.carsurvey.org and many others are having significant problems with this as well.luckily, the pump didn't disintegrate while we were driving, unlike some other owners.

Sudden loss of power in engine, had to pull off road.engine did not stall.after 5 minutes at idle, was able to contiue.first happend in june 2004. Mileage near 35000 on car.dealership replaced tank fuel pump, said it was overheating and failed. Non shell gas has been used. May 2005, mileage near 52000, exact same problem. Dealership was perplexed.

External fuel tank leakage due to broken plastic part on fuel pump module. This safety hazard complaint is identical to the just published 9/30/12 recall of 2007-2009 saturn ions in florida for the exact same mechanical fault - broken plastic part on fuel module causing external fuel leakage. Gm/chevy will not honor recall on my 2003 saturn l-300 for the same deficiency and safety hazard. Infact my vehicle was in the shop for that repair at the same time a recall was published for that problem. I request that my vin be included in the recall repair.

Purchased 2003 saturn l 300 on march 24, 2007and had it in the shop on april 2, 2007 and april 9, 2007 with same problem. Interior lights, headlights, and fan pulsate which could cause a safety hazard on the highway.the longer you drive it the more it happens.they say it is normal.

Consumer states while traveling head lights /dash lights and tail lights would dim while air condition was running.

While parked vehicle rolled backwards. Dealer notified.

Saturn 2003 l300, purchased new, multiple issues. Interior lights flicker. Car will not start when gas is under 1/4 tank, dealership says operating per design. Ignition, key froze, would not turn, key stuck, car had to be towed, ignition replaced. Major issue: steering. Intermediate shaft has been replaced twice. In addition to gear box. Problem makes steering loose, clunking feel and noise when turning left or right.

The contact owned a 2003 saturn l300.the contact's attorney stated that a ford vehicle lost control and struck the contact's vehicle on the driver side.the contact's wife struck her head on the left side and her hair was caught in the rear view mirror.the seat belt failed to restrain her and she died due to her head injury.her son, seated in the front passenger seat, was properly restrained and sustained minor injuries.a safety restraint expert stated that the passenger side seat belt showed witness marks of proper restrain, but the driver side seat belt did not show any witness marks.parker heights police filed report number 05-00081.the dealer and speed information were unavailable.the current and failure mileages were 40,000.

Driver side seat is very mobile. It slides backward and forward while driving.

While driving 50-70 mph front end shakes uncontrollably.the brakes squeak and the rotors warped.the metallic surface area rusted abnormally from "morning compensation."the wheels wobbled as a result of the warped rotors.*sc

Ignition switch will not start the car. It is in the off position. I am having a new switch installed. I do not understand why this car part is not on the recall list. All other 2003 saturns are being recalled.

While driving front bumper guard came off.*mr front bumper came off while driving on the highway at highway speed. Consumer thinks the problem occurred as a result of a low front and a sunken driveway. Even though they never had this problem with other vehicles and visitors vehicles. Consumer noted when pulling into and backing out the driveway, there was scrapping sound. This cause some plastic connectors on the bumper guard to become dislodged. Consumer thinks that the highway wind caused the bolts come off and the bumper fell off. Consumer feels this is a dangerous design flaw. There were no injuries or collision.*ph

Left front spring in macpherson strut snapped at the bottom.the point of the break was heavily rusted. Repair had to be made with used parts, costing about $800, as aftermarket parts for this vehicle are not available, and dealer parts are overpriced to almost being at vehicle blue book value.

While driving 50-70 mph front end shakes uncontrollably.the brakes squeak and the rotors warped.the metallic surface area rusted abnormally from "morning compensation."the wheels wobbled as a result of the warped rotors.*sc

The contact owns a 2003 saturn l300. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and caused the contact to crash into a tree. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 100,000.

While driving approx. 65 mph with cruise control on, tapped brake to disengage cruise control.the service engine light came on and the vehicle lost all power. After stopping the vehicle, restarted the engine. Power appeared to be restored but the service engine light remained on. Took vehicle to dealer. Dealer reloaded eeprom software.

On a rainy night, jan 10, 2014, i came out of work and started my car. I thanked god it started because sometimes it wouldn't start at all. Even after replacing almost every engine part including the computer. I started driving out of the parking spot and i smelled something burning inside the car. The engine started revving wildly up and down. I had no control of the car. White thick smoke filled the car fast. Flames started shooting out at me from under the dashboard. I was so panicked that i could hardly get out of the car. The insurance co totaled it and i still owe 500.00! i've spent more money trying to get the car to start when i want it to and to stop shutting off while im driving on the highway with my children and or infant granddaughter. This 2003 saturn l300 has been nothing but a financial and mental nightmare only to go up in smoke, ruin my credit, and leave me stranded with no vehicle once again.

The contact owns a 2003 saturn l300.the contact stated that the vehicle would exhibit a sharp and abnormal increase in engine rpms when attempting to accelerate. In addition, the vehicle would also exhibit an unusually loud roaring but would not respond. As a result, the catalytic converter failed. The dealer advised the contact that they are aware of the failure but they could offer no assistance.the vehicle was not repaired.the failure and current mileage was approximately 133,000. The consumer stated the interior and exterior lights flicker along with the heater, which seems to come intermittently. The water pump and timing belt were replaced. Also, the catalytic converter motor and battery were replaced.updated 04/15/11

The contact owns a 2001 (na) saturn l300. The contact stated that the anti-freeze warning indicator illuminated, the rear passenger side tail light failed, and the wiper motor did not operate normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the anti-freeze hose and connector were defective and needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was made aware of the resonator being damaged by another independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle also jerked after being operated from a stop. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. Updated 09/20/17*lj

The contact owns a 2003 saturn l300.the contact stated that the vehicle would exhibit a sharp and abnormal increase in engine rpms when attempting to accelerate. In addition, the vehicle would also exhibit an unusually loud roaring but would not respond. As a result, the catalytic converter failed. The dealer advised the contact that they are aware of the failure but they could offer no assistance.the vehicle was not repaired.the failure and current mileage was approximately 133,000. The consumer stated the interior and exterior lights flicker along with the heater, which seems to come intermittently. The water pump and timing belt were replaced. Also, the catalytic converter motor and battery were replaced.updated 04/15/11

Twice we have complained to the dealership about the windshield wipers icing up so bad they lifted off the windshield and made it almost impossible to drive. During one snow storm we drove directly to the dealer, they changed the wiper but within 10 minutes the same problem occurred. We were told the first time to use only saturn wipers, but they don't make a "winter" wiper?? the second time the tech. Told us to try and find some after market winter wipers. After running around for 3 days to "auto parts" stores all over the city we finally found a pair that would fit. It has helped...but saturn has not!!! *nlm




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