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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2005 Saturn L300 Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
12%of 25 total for the year
Median mileage
60,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Saturn L300, 12% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 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.

“While driving on the highway around 55mph the car would suddenly lose throttle response. All the engine lights would come on and the car would shake violently until I turn it off and then back on. Once I do that the car drives but shifts violently. Was told it was a PCM failure. Occurs more often in cold weather. It happens so often that while on the highway I quickly put it in neutral shut it off and turn it back on while still on the highway.”

NHTSA complaint #10593927, filed 2014-05, 110,000 miles

“My new 2005 L300 has been in the dealership 5 times for the shaking in the front suspension, it thumps and shakes throughout the front body, pedals and steering making handling difficult at higher speeds and especially in slush and snow. The tires have been replaced two times and balanced 5 times. Even though changing tires never stops the shaking. I've lost control on the highway causing the vehicle to swerve from side to side due to the control loss due to shaking. …”

NHTSA complaint #10152484, filed 2006-03, 36 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

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2005312%
2004610%
200312%

Other parts of the 2005 Saturn L300

Electrical system
7 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle 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 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