2003 Saturn L300 Problems
- Complaints
- 42filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 61,500miles, 35 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Saturn L300 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 42 consumer complaints for the 2003 Saturn L300. The part named most often is electrical system, with 10 complaints (24% of the total), followed by exterior lighting (10) and engine (5). 35 of the complaints include a mileage, and 43% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 61,500 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 4 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 302 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 60 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Exterior lighting complaints overlap with 8 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system10 24%
- Exterior lighting10 24%
- Engine5 12%
- Engine cooling4 9.5%
- Fuel system4 9.5%
- Vehicle speed control4 9.5%
- Air bags3 7.1%
- Tires3 7.1%
- Brakes2 4.8%
Also reported: Interior lighting (2), Steering (2), Suspension (2), Electronic stability control (1), Equipment (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Body and structure (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10566458, filed 2014-02, 45,000 milesExterior lighting: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10200111, filed 2007-08, 69,950 milesEngine: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10627094, filed 2014-08, 140,000 milesEngine cooling: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10357847, filed 2010-09, 133,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
43% of the 35 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 28,500 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2003 Saturn L300 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L300 FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Saturn L300 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 302 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. 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…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. 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…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024Electrical system. 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…
- 11000576May 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024Electrical system. This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024Engine cooling. 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…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024Engine cooling. 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…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024Engine cooling, Transmission and drivetrain. This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
Other model years of the Saturn L300
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 25 | 16,500 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 61 | 64,070 | 2 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 42 | 61,500 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Saturn L300 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Saturn L300 have?
NHTSA recorded 42 consumer complaints for the 2003 Saturn L300 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Saturn L300 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 10 complaints (24% of the total), followed by exterior lighting with 10.
Has the 2003 Saturn L300 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Saturn L300 get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Saturn L300 (L300, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Saturn L300 reported?
Among the 35 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 61,500 miles and the middle half falls between 28,500 and 100,000 miles; 43% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.