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Electrical systemPart report

2005 Saturn L300 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
28%of 25 total for the year
Median mileage
23,124miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Saturn L300, 28% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,124 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.

“This complaint comes after 4 other previous ones with this same vehicle. 1st - check engine light, 2nd - traction control light, 3rd and 4th - low coolant light. Previous complaints have been filed for these already. Now the headlights and dash lights dim down and then come back on to full power. This is a safety issue. Saturn of fond du lac says this is normal. I have never owned a vehicle or talked to anyone who ever has had this happen. This is not normal. …”

NHTSA complaint #10136767, filed 2005-09, 5,000 miles

“My 2005 Saturn L300, had automatic headlights and remote start included with the package upon buying. After apprx 1 year, automatic headlights (not the running lights) would fail to turn on at night, turn off during day. Could not override problem by manually turning on lights. Issue was intermittent. Saturn could not find a problem and suggested that it was the remote start causing the problems. Remote start was replaced. September 2006, headlight issue returned. Once again, Saturn suggested it was the remote start. Bcm module of remote start was replaced. …”

NHTSA complaint #10201622, filed 2007-08, 8,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2005 Saturn ion l3. The contact stated the key failed to release from the ignition which caused the battery and the computer system to fail. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic whom inspected the vehicle and advised that the ignition switch sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 54,000 and the current mileage was 94,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10477108, filed 2012-09, 54,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2005 Saturn L300. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the transmission shifted violently and jerked. The failure occurred more frequently in warm weather temperatures. In addition, the air conditioner/heater failed to operate to the desired selection and did not circulate the appropriate flow of air through the vents. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10506053, filed 2013-04, 60,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2005 Saturn L300. The contact stated that while attempting to turn off the engine, the key was out of the ignition switch but the engine was still running. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,247 and current mileage was 69,953. Updated 09/05/14 the consumer stated the vehicle did not start up until the key was removed from the ignition. The vehicle began to roar and rev up while in the off position. …”

NHTSA complaint #10608565, filed 2014-07, 38,247 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2005728%
20041525%
20031024%

Other parts of the 2005 Saturn L300

Engine cooling
4 complaints
Suspension
3 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
3 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Other or unknown
2 complaints
Steering
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Engine
1 complaints
Seat belts
1 complaints
Seats
1 complaints
Tires
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2005 Saturn L300

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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