2002 Saturn LS Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 69about this part
- Share
- 14%of 493 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,050miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 69 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Saturn LS, 14% of the 493 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,050 miles. 4 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.
“Recall NHTSA campaign id number 05v245000. Component: exterior lighting brake lights. I had my recall service done on dec. 26 2005. On nov. 27th 2009. I got pulled over by the police. My rear running and brake lights were out. No ticket because I was close to home. Took it to a mechanic the next day to find out that both light bulbs were broke. Plastic melted down and hit the bulbs. Tried to replace bulbs but the melted plastic was in the way. I took pictures of the melted plastic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10294338, filed 2009-12, 88,000 miles“Headlights constantly flicker while driving. Saturn tells me this inherent to the vehicle. Totally unacceptable. Have filed a complaint w/Saturn who suggests I talk to the service manager of my local dealership. The dealership told me to contact Saturn! They both state this typical of this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10102934, filed 2004-12, 63,000 miles“I was driving my car to work and leaving my street to turn onto a busy highway. I lifted the turn signal lever to indicate my turn and the blinker did not work. I tried the other turn signal direction and that did not work either. The hazard button did work. I instinctively use the turn signals and have heard a buzzing sound coming from the center of the dashboard, near the hazard button/switch. Blinkers work if I press the hazard warning light, use the turn signal and then depress the hazard button. Upon research on the internet it seems that the hazard warning switch may be the culprit. …”
NHTSA complaint #10459302, filed 2012-05, 75,500 miles“I was driving my car to work and leaving my street to turn onto a busy highway. I lifted the turn signal lever to indicate my turn and the blinker did not work. I tried the other turn signal direction and that did not work either. The hazard button did work. I instinctively use the turn signals and have heard a buzzing sound coming from the center of the dashboard, near the hazard button/switch. Blinkers work if I press the hazard warning light, use the turn signal and then depress the hazard button. Upon research on the internet it seems that the hazard warning switch may be the culprit. …”
NHTSA complaint #10459194, filed 2012-05, 75,500 miles“My husband and I own a 2002 Saturn l300, of which I am the primary driver. A few weeks ago, I noticed that the bright indicator would appear sometimes when the daytime running lights were on. Then the daytime running lights would stay on sometimes for a few minutes after the motor was stopped. The lights always went out, and we thought it would be ok to wait until our next maintenance visit to the dealer to ask about the problem. Last week the lights wouldn't go off, so we made an appointment. …”
NHTSA complaint #10162556, filed 2006-07, 90,000 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 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 2002 Saturn LS
200 complaintsElectrical system
102 complaintsFuel system
45 complaintsEngine
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsTires
12 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Saturn LS
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