2003 Saturn L200 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 5%of 138 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,300miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Saturn L200, 5% of the 138 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,300 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was stopping to turn right at a red light and my cars breaks stopped working. My car ran through the intersection, started violently shaking and then stopped. The car was still on but it would not drive. I turned the car off and tried to start it up 6 times and it wouldn't work. Then finally it started and I drove home. I went to start my car later that day and now it refuses to start. The battery light comes on, the car shakes, there's a very loud tapping/rattling sound, the ABS light flashes, the 'service engine soon' light is on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10809713, filed 2015-12, 122,900 miles“The parking brake cable failed. As a result, the right rear brake would remain engaged after I released the brake. Originally occurred during cool weather, so I thought maybe related to that, and was able to get it unstuck by several hard braking events in forward or reverse. When it happened again, I resolved to take it to the dealer, and they diagnosed the problem as a corroded cable and they needed to replace it. Luckily, I had an extended warranty (certified pre-owned) and it was still covered. …”
NHTSA complaint #10193321, filed 2007-06, 31,000 miles“I left my house (released my parking brake) and went for a short drive 3-4 miles. My brakes failed and the rear brake overheated and smoke began billowing out from the wheel. My mechanic and I checked the car and the emergency brake cable showed a complete corrosion breakdown of the cable sheathing. The car is relatively new 2003, I have owned the entire time, no accidents or any service which has not been done by the dealer. There is no corrosion on anything else on the undercarriage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10168227, filed 2006-09, 57,600 miles“Brakes have been repaired at least four times since consumer owned the vehicle. Brakes were wearing out prematurely. The dealer has replaced the booster/ rotors/ master cylinder and the brake pads.”
NHTSA complaint #10034577, filed 2003-08, 4,000 miles“Problems with vehicle's power steering system. Consumer noticed the failure when driving off the lot but thought I was due to cold weather. Later she learned the rack and pinion needed to be replaced due to fluid leaking. After the repair, consumer started hearing grinding noise when turning. On 10/08/03, the consumer learned the steering pump had to be replaced. After picking up the vehicle on this date, consumer heard more noises. This time it was a air pocket in the steering fluid. In addition, the automatic climate control system fails to work as designed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10050082, filed 2003-12, 15,758 milesRelated recalls
- 05V245000Jun 2, 2005On 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.Covers: Saturn L200 2003, LS 2000–2002, L300 2004
Related service bulletins
- 10168960Nov 12, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 7 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Saturn L200
50 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsInterior lighting
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Saturn L200
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology