2002 Saturn SL Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 131 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Saturn SL, 4% of the 131 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,000 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.
“The GM ignition problems prompting the current recall also affected the car above. I bought the 2002 Saturn new in march of 2003, and owned it for over 10 years, selling it last fall to a friend. I had it at the jake sweeney (cincinnati) dealership several times for strange electrical problems. (car did not have auto door locks or windows - everything was manual). I would be driving, when all the dash gauges would go out. It would register no speed, no temp, no gas, no rpms. Odometer didn't move. I could drive the car, stop and start. Then suddenly it would come to . …”
NHTSA complaint #10569374, filed 2014-03“The contact owns a 2002 Saturn sl2. The brake light illuminated intermittently. The dealer was contacted and stated that the bulb needed to be replaced. After the bulb was replaced, the brake light continued to illuminate. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was approximately 40,000. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10368496, filed 2010-12, 35,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Saturn SL. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled on numerous occasions. The contact mentioned that the visibility was low on the high beams and the lights on the instrument panel failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 03v231000 (electrical system) and NHTSA campaign id number: 05v158000 (exterior lighting). …”
NHTSA complaint #10594901, filed 2014-05, 60,000 milesRelated 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.
- 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.
- 10116890Feb 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage and what should be considered warranty replacement and not
- 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 2002 Saturn SL
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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