2001 Saturn LS Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 51about this part
- Share
- 9%of 582 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,626miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 51 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Saturn LS, 9% of the 582 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,626 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I'm having the exact problem as recall 05v245000. Examining my car confirms this was not replaced. It has shorted out multiple times having me drive at night time with no lights! This is dangerous and has almost caused me an accident several times.”
NHTSA complaint #10970631, filed 2017-04, 190,000 miles“My daytime lights began flickering. This eventually LED to flickering of my night lights, then my bright lights. It took my local repair shop 6 hours to diagnose the cause. They contacted the local dealership for the part, which the repair shop did not expect them to have. Surprisingly they did. The comment from the dealership was they found it to be a common problem on this vehicle. Apparently there is a short in the relay; the replacement fixed the flickering of the night lights. …”
NHTSA complaint #10255077, filed 2009-01, 79,000 miles“My left rear brake light bulb had burned out and caused the tail-light assembly around the bulb opening to melt and prevent the bulb from being pulled out. I checked the right side and the assembly was not melted but there was black burn marks on the wire harness that the brake light bulb plugs into. Five of the six center-high mounted brake lights had also burned out but no melting or charred marks were noted. I also have a crack in the center part of the vanity trunk assembly that allows water to enter, however, there are no lights in the assembly so it is not a big concern for me.”
NHTSA complaint #10565007, filed 2014-02, 77,800 miles“Rear tail lights on my 2001 Saturn l100 have had problems. Gm recalled other products for similar problems. The bulb holders have been replaced 2 months ago and now the dealer has stated that the assemblies are in need of replacement. These assemblies are failing sooner than what is to be expected. I have been trying to fix the problem of lightbulbs intermittently working for about 1 and half years now. It seems apparent that the system used is inferior in quality.”
NHTSA complaint #10105937, filed 2005-01, 60,000 miles“For the past couple of weeks my wife's 2001 Saturn l300 turn signals have been working and not-working intermittently. We heard about the recall, and think that the same and/or similar problem may be occurring with her vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10100527, filed 2004-11, 89,850 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 LS 2000–2002, L200 2003, L300 2004
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.
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Saturn LS
300 complaintsElectrical system
80 complaintsEngine
41 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsSuspension
29 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsEquipment
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Saturn LS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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