2004 Saturn L300 Problems
- Complaints
- 61filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 64,070miles, 40 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Saturn L300 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe headlights and dash lights that flicker or dim, along with intermittent stalling or loss of power while driving. Fuel and coolant leaks also come up, and many complaints describe dealers calling the lighting behavior normal or declining repair. Reports span from very low mileage up to well past 100,000 miles.
- Engine cooling
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 15 complaints (25%)
- median 75,500 mi at 4.8 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- filed 2004–2015
Owners describe the engine shutting off or dropping into reduced-power mode at speed, sometimes with warning lights, and the car often restarting after a wait. Complaints mention hard or rough shifting, a no-start at other times, and mechanics pointing to the crankshaft position sensor, the control module, or the battery control module. In several reports the dealer replaced a module and the behavior came back. Spread from low mileage up past 150,000 miles, often at highway speed or when slowing to a stop.
What to check: Ask for any stored diagnostic codes and whether a crankshaft position sensor or control module has been replaced. A test drive that includes highway speed and a full stop can help.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving my 2004 Saturn L300 at 55 MPH. The car suddenly cut off. I was able to drift to the side of the road. I tried to restart the vehicle and it would not start. This has happened to me in a parking lot approximately 3 other times. I took the car to a mechanic and he said it may be the crankshaft position sensor. This could have caused a serious accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10314965, filed 2010-02, 99,700 miles“I have a Saturn L300 and was driving on the highway in the left lane one day and the car just shut down and stopped running. When my mechanic read the electrical code on the car it was the bcm that had failed. I had read that this is a known common issue with these vehicles and wanted to know why this is not a recall on the vehicle since it could be a safety issue as in my case. …”
NHTSA complaint #10259424, filed 2009-02, 97,000 miles - Exterior lighting
Headlights and dash lights flicker or dim
- 11 complaints (18%)
- median 8,700 mi at 1.1 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2004–2019
Complaints describe headlights and instrument panel lights that flicker, dim, or briefly go dark while driving at night, sometimes at intervals of a few seconds. Owners say other drivers mistook the flickering for a signal to pass or for a warning about police, and several report being pulled over. According to the complaints, dealers and the manufacturer described the behavior as normal or as an intermittent characteristic, and repairs such as a sensor replacement did not resolve it. Reported from very low mileage, often under a few thousand miles, and mostly after dark.
Recall 05V2450003 related service bulletins
What to check: Drive the car at night and watch whether the headlights and dash lights hold steady. Ask whether the lamp assemblies or any related wiring have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We have recently purchased an 04 L300 and have stated having problems with the headlights and dash lights. While driving at night, the headlights and dash lights have gone off and come back on. On one such occassion, a tractor trailer pulled over on us thinking we had notified him to do so. It was just by the grace of god we were not crushed. Later that same night, a police officer pulled us over wanting to know why we were blinking our head lights at him. …”
NHTSA complaint #10078476, filed 2004-06, 3,700 miles“My brake lights and my 3rd brake light that is on the inside of the rear window is not working correctly and at times my front inside instrument panel lights will go dim and now have completely stopped working and also my inside interior lights have stopped working completely (example) when you open the doors no interior lights come on at all and also will not even come on when you try to turn them on by hand and my map lights on the under side of my inside rear view mirror or map lites have stopped working and the 3rd brake lights located …”
NHTSA complaint #11282504, filed 2019-11, 131,342 miles - Fuel system
Fuel leak or fuel smell at the fuel pump
- 6 complaints (10%)
- median 71,139 mi at 7.6 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2010–2023
Owners report a strong gasoline smell around the car and, in some cases, visible fuel collecting on top of the fuel tank near the pump, which several describe as a cracked pump housing. Some complaints note a diagnostic code for a leak in the system, and one describes rusty filler neck material flaking. Repairs reported include pump replacement, and some owners note difficulty getting certain parts. Described mostly between roughly 60,000 and 80,000 miles, and sometimes noticed mainly when parked.
What to check: After the car sits, smell around the rear of the vehicle and look for dampness or staining on top of the tank; ask whether the fuel pump has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 2004 Saturn L300 and my dad owns a 2002 Saturn lw300 (wagon). We both had troubles with a leaking fuel pump which is a terrible fire hazard. There have been many recalls on the Saturn ions with the same problem, but the L300 have not been recalled. 2004 Saturn - I had my fuel pump replaced on 5/23/2012 with 62,129 miles. I would parked the car and smell fuel so I decided to bring my car to my regular mechanic. The fuel was coming from the fuel pump towards the top of the pump. It cost me $881.01. …”
NHTSA complaint #10566680, filed 2014-03, 62,129 miles“My vehicle is leaking fuel from the fuel pump. I can see the fuel collecting on the side of the fuel tank from the top of the tank where the fuel pump is located. This issue has been releasing gas fumes around my car and occasionally in the cabin. This not only makes my car invalid for emissions testing in many states across the country, it also poses a risk to the overall safety of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11515990, filed 2023-04
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a night drive, a fuel-smell check at the rear, and a scan for stored codes is worthwhile on this model year. Ask for service records covering the fuel pump, ignition or control modules, and steering-column switches.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 57 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 61 consumer complaints for the 2004 Saturn L300. 40 of the complaints include a mileage, and 35% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 64,070 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 335 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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 system15 25%
- Exterior lighting12 20%
- Engine cooling8 13%
- Fuel system7 11%
- Brakes4 6.6%
- Vehicle speed control4 6.6%
- Air bags3 4.9%
- Engine3 4.9%
- Steering3 4.9%
Also reported: Body and structure (3), Tires (3), Electronic stability control (1), Equipment (1), Interior lighting (1), Other or unknown (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The car just shuts down while in motion. Most of the time it shuts off when trying to stop the vehicle. It will eventually crank up in about an hour only to shut down again. The car shut down as I was with my wife and daughter on I-95 going 65 MPH. We were stranded for about 3 hrs. On the interstate before the car cranked back up. The vehicle was purchased through drive time and has a warranty on it . After complaining to the company about the vehicle they instructed me to have a diagnosis done on it to find out what the problem was. …”
NHTSA complaint #10660232, filed 2014-11, 66,010 milesExterior lighting: “Third break light or over head break light havnt worked since I've bought the car out so been out b4 I bought it and dash lights dimmer switch flickers in and out unless wedge the dimming switch up been like that since bought the car don't know when or how it happened but it's got minor short and everything works as should dimmer switch moves as it should”
NHTSA complaint #11233264, filed 2019-07, 175,320 milesEngine cooling: “Problem synopsis: while driving at freeway speeds (65 miles per hour) the vehicle lost power, causing the reduced engine power (rep) and service vehicle soon (svs) lights to illuminate. Upon pulling to the side of the road and shifting the vehicle into park, it would idle roughly until shutting the engine off. Vehicle would start immediately after, with high RPM at idle and hard shifts into gear. Vehicle would only exhibit these problems when the automatic transmission would shift gears, usually between 3rd and 4th gear. …”
NHTSA complaint #10439123, filed 2011-12, 91,000 milesFuel system: “Our 2004 Saturn L300 developed a fuel leak at the fuel pump (cracked) which is not normal. There is a strong fuel smell while driving and after the vehicle is parked. We are afraid that the fuel leak could cause a fire. The fuel pump has been inspected by an independent mechanic. There’s an error code that says that there’s a leak in the fuel system. I looked online and it seems that a lot of people are experiencing the same problem with this car. Other cars of the same manufacturer (General Motors) have been recalled for the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11447698, filed 2022-01Mileage when problems were reported
35% of the 40 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 22,000 and 97,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 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 | 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
| 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
- 05V245000Jun 2, 2005Exterior lighting › Brake lightsCovers: Saturn L300 2004, LS 2000–2002, L200 2003
On 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.
- 05V158000Apr 20, 2005Seat beltsCovers: Saturn L300 2004, LS 2002, L200 2003
Certain wagons fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." the seat belt anchor may separate from the floor of the vehicle before holding the required test load for the required time.
Recall details for the 2004 Saturn L300 → · Check a 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. 335 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
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Saturn L300?
Owners of this model year most often describe headlights and dash lights that flicker or dim, along with intermittent stalling or loss of power while driving. The issues reported most often: Engine stalls or loses power while driving; Headlights and dash lights flicker or dim; Fuel leak or fuel smell at the fuel pump.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Saturn L300 have?
NHTSA recorded 61 consumer complaints for the 2004 Saturn L300 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Saturn L300 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 15 complaints (25% of the total), followed by exterior lighting with 12.
Has the 2004 Saturn L300 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Saturn L300 get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Saturn L300 (L300, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 21 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Saturn L300 reported?
Among the 40 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 64,070 miles and the middle half falls between 22,000 and 97,000 miles; 35% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. 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.