2003 Saturn L200 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 7%of 138 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 124,326miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Saturn L200, 7% of the 138 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 124,326 miles.
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.
“The car started making a funny noise as I was driving home. Thankfully I made it home but after I shut the car off it would not start again. Also my rear wheels wear on the inside due to the position of them I am going to have to have shims put in to keep the rear wheels from angling in.”
NHTSA complaint #10564901, filed 2014-02, 152,000 miles“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“I am mortified by all of the complaints of engine failure of the L200 series due to the timing chain and am even more devastated that there is no recall information on it. My car had 78k miles on it and did not start today. It was towed to a shop and they called me to inform me that it was my engine due to the timing chain. The repair shop also said that it was the 4th Saturn with the same exact problem that they had seen this month. I am a college student without a car that is still making car payments living on my own. …”
NHTSA complaint #10488643, filed 2012-12, 78,000 miles“As I was turning into the gas station the timing chain and both tensioners busted the piston smashed all of the valves the engine would not restart and the vehicle was almost sideswiped.”
NHTSA complaint #10523346, filed 2013-07, 124,326 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Saturn L200. While starting the vehicle, the check engine indicator illuminated and an abnormal noise was heard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10959564, filed 2017-03, 148,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This 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…
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10144451Aug 8, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
- 10129097Jan 25, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10129073Jan 18, 2018This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 9 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2003 Saturn L200
50 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsSteering
11 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 27, 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