2003 Saturn L300 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 24%of 42 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Saturn L300, 24% of the 42 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“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 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10554959, filed 2013-12, 130,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10749843, filed 2015-08, 98,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Saturn L300. The contact stated when 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10535084, filed 2013-08, 114,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10621457, filed 2014-08, 160,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10116890Feb 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage and what should be considered warranty replacement and not
- 10116874Feb 8, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 12 | 20% |
| 2003 | 10 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2003 Saturn L300
10 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsInterior lighting
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Saturn L300
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