2000 Saturn SL Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2000 Saturn SL, 4% of the 148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,500 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.
“Brake light assembly electrical, overheating of contacts results in faulty operation, deler recommends replacement this is the second failure of this type on this vehicle. I consider it a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10030935, filed 2003-08, 33,000 miles“I was stopped by a fellow driver a couple days ago when he informed me that I had no brake lights. I pulled over and inspected my lights and realized that when my headlights are on my brake lights go out. I have heard that several of the 2000 sl1's have this problem. I would like to know if anything is being done to fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10146283, filed 2005-12“Back in august I brought my car in for an oil change only to learn that I have no brake lights when the running lights are on. I have no idea how long this has been the case. Based on the information I received at the dealership this is clearly a design flaw yet Saturn corp does not feel it warrants a recall even though the part has apparently been redesigned to fix the known problem. (the service tech told me that she had seen many cars come in with the same problem and that the faulty parts had since been redesigned). …”
NHTSA complaint #770336, filed 2002-12“While applying the brakes passenger's side brake light came on and off intermittently when applied. Consumer had another driver to observed while applying the brake pedal. Brake ligh came on and then went off. Consumer took vehicle the vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the bulb needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10090050, filed 2004-08“Consumer states while coming to a stop, the front end vibrates and makes noises, consumer states problem is getting worse, dealer has replaced warped rotors, front tires were bald at 28759 miles, possible front suspension problem. Air conditioner discharge hose was leaking, causing poor performance, dealer replaced the hose. Headlights were out of alignment, dealer reaimed the headlamps.”
NHTSA complaint #562039, filed 2001-07Related service bulletins
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10116874Feb 8, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
- 10135219Apr 22, 2014This informational bulletin explains condensation in exterior lights and replacment guidelines for warranty replacement.
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2000 Saturn SL
35 complaintsEngine cooling
34 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsTires
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Saturn SL
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