2002 Saturn LS Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 45about this part
- Share
- 9%of 493 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,378miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the fuel system of the 2002 Saturn LS, 9% of the 493 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,378 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Fuel pump leaking fuel from cracked return fitting on module. Gm has already recalled a few models for this problem but only in warmer climates. We had temps in excess of 100 in illinois this year; however my car and state were not on the recall list. I believe the recall should be expanded due to the potential for a fire from gas leaking onto the exhaust.”
NHTSA complaint #10479416, filed 2012-10, 105,688 miles“This is the second Saturn where we have had the same problem. We bought a new Saturn in 2001, and had it towed back to the dealer within a week because the steering wheel locked up and the fuel gauge did not work. The Saturn dealer replaced the car (free of charge), and at 61,507 miles, we had the same problems with the fuel gauge and sending units that cost more than $700 to repair plus the cost of towing the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10474134, filed 2012-09, 61,507 miles“I was able to smell gasoline while driving. I took it to aaa auto care to have it checked. I was told there was a crack on the top of the fuel tank. As it was being replaced, the fuel pump needed to be removed. According to the tech, the pump broke in pieces. It too needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10249977, filed 2008-11, 65,980 miles“We have a 2002 Saturn l200 four door sedan with about 72,000 miles and noticed a strong gasoline spell coming from the driver side of the rear wheel area. There is also a slight smell inside the vehicle. The car will be dropped off in the next few days for repair. I will post more information once the problem is identified and the solution to resolve the problem. I have noticed quite a few complaints by Saturn owners on this exact problem when I googled it. I'm really shocked that a recall was not issued.”
NHTSA complaint #10407378, filed 2011-06, 72,000 miles“I noticed a very strong smell of gasoline and took my 2002 Saturn vehicle to mechanic who informed me that the fuel pump was likely the issue. Without dropping the tank he was not 100% sure. Repair was made to a nipple near the fuel tank to see if that was the problem. The smell went away for approximately 3 months and at that time returned. I returned the vehicle to the mechanic and he dropped the fuel tank to confirm the fuel pump was damaged. Repair was made at a significant cost to owner. (fyi - in 2010, 2 days after repairing the fuel pump, the transmission failed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10496074, filed 2013-02, 78,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10176607May 8, 2020This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10032390Sep 1, 2009Saturn: e109213-fuel smell/odor or leak near fuel tank area *engineering information). Customers complain about a fuel smell/odor while driving or after the vehicle is parked…
Fuel system: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Saturn LS
200 complaintsElectrical system
102 complaintsExterior lighting
69 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 28, 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