2003 Saturn L200 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 50about this part
- Share
- 36%of 138 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,844miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 50 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Saturn L200, 36% of the 138 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,844 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My ignition switch froze while we were in line waiting for the ferry. We could not start our car, or get it out of park, or turn the wheel, or close the windows. We had to get it towed off the island to the nearest dealer ($423.76). We talked with Saturn's ignition hotline and were told our car is not covered by the recall although the switch and its failure appear to be the same as recalled vehicles. We paid $735.80 to get a new switch installed (losing use of the vehicle for two weeks while the work was done). …”
NHTSA complaint #10626051, filed 2014-08, 75,670 miles“My 2003 Saturn L200 has a problem with the general motors passlock anti-theft system. The engine shuts off after being started and the passlock light blinks on and off. After researching online, I found a lot of people with similar problems with their GM vehicles. Since it appears that there may be a problem with the passlock system, I was hoping someone would look into similar complaints to see if a recall was necessary.”
NHTSA complaint #10182480, filed 2007-02, 62,000 miles“Driving freeway speed. Headlights went out, overhead interior light came on. Finally got car pulled over, no dashlights. Car quit. Refused to restart. Car did not want to come out of drive. Key got stuck in ignition. Finally got it in park and key out. This was at midnight on interstate. Had to get family member to come get me. Returned later to find car had been stolen. I have no way to know if the alarm had actually set or not.”
NHTSA complaint #10205168, filed 2007-10, 62,000 miles“*Saturn buyers beware* I purchased a brand new L200 in march 03. To date I have had the following problems: -car does not start all the time -temperature controls does not work -remote entry system does not work properly I have taken my car into Saturn 4 times, but to no avail. They claimed that they can't find any problems with the car. Saturn customer service is terrible as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10041731, filed 2003-10, 2,300 miles“2003 Saturn L200 with 48,000 miles died while driving. We had to quickly swerve to opposite side of road where there was a shoulder in order to get out of the traffic lane(no shoulder on the lane we were in). Car was towed, and was diagnosed with a broken timing chain, probable engine damage, and possible fuel pump failure. Since I just put a new alternator and battery in the vehicle three weeks prior, I contacted manufacturer and talked with dealer about working with me to fix this car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10173625, filed 2006-11, 48,400 milesRelated recalls
- 03V231000Jun 23, 2003On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.2l l4 (l61) engines, a failure of the ignition control module may cause deterioration in idle quality, reduction…Covers: Saturn L200 2003, LS 2000–2002
Related service bulletins
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle 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…
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10244214Sep 21, 2023This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10233330Mar 10, 2023This bulletin provides an updated repair procedure to correct a customer concern of a musty odor from A/C system, most noticeable at vehicle start-up.
- 10176649May 20, 2020This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10167434Oct 10, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately…
- 10163268Jun 26, 2019This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10141371May 23, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about connectivity concerns when connecting an Apple device via USB cord. Technician should…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 50 | 36% |
Other parts of the 2003 Saturn L200
18 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBrakes
7 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 28, 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