2004 Saturn L300 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 20%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2004 Saturn L300, 20% of the 61 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“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 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 inside the center of the rear windshield now have 2…”
NHTSA complaint #11282504, filed 2019-11, 131,342 miles“I own a 2004 Saturn L300; on several occasions over the past several weeks I have seen wisps of smoke coming from the steering column, followed by a strong smell of burning plastic. The area behind the steering wheel is extremely hot to the touch, and I am told it is a fire hazard and that the headlamp stalks need to be replaced for overheating, which may run up to $600 with labor. I have been forced to pull my car over on busy roads, in heavy traffic to let it cool before restarting, and am worried that the faulty wires will cause a fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10509633, filed 2013-04, 75,000 miles“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. We explained the problem and were told that he could right us a ticket but would not this time and to get the problems corrected. …”
NHTSA complaint #10078476, filed 2004-06, 3,700 miles“While driving headlights flashed from bright to dim. This occurred every 30 seconds. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told that what was happening with the headlights was normal. Consumer later contacted the manufacturer, and they also said that what the vehicle was experiencing was normal.”
NHTSA complaint #10105058, filed 2004-12, 22,000 milesRelated recalls
- 05V245000Jun 2, 2005On 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.Covers: Saturn L300 2004, LS 2000–2002, L200 2003
Related 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 2004 Saturn L300
15 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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