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2003 Saturn L200: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2003 Saturn L200, most recently filed June 2005. Owners have filed 138 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 4campaigns 1 brake · 1 seat belt · 1 electrical Source: NHTSA Complaints 138filed Owner reports, 2003–2003 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 24mpg combined $2,721/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.2 L 4-cyl· 4-speed automatic 2 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
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Recalls (4)

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2003 Saturn L200. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2003 Saturn L200. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 05V245000 Filed Jun 2, 2005

REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY

Exterior lighting · brake lights
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ON 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.
Consequence
THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT OPENS A FUSE CAUSING INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS (INCLUDING THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP) OR TAIL LAMPS. A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW TAIL LAMP REINFORCING SOCKET ADAPTERS AND SOCKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
Repair progress not yet reported291,652 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V245000
Listed for 2003 Saturn L200. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 05V158000 Filed Apr 20, 2005

SIDE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR/FMVSS 210

Seat belts
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CERTAIN WAGONS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR MAY SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE HOLDING THE REQUIRED TEST LOAD FOR THE REQUIRED TIME.
Consequence
IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED IN CRASH, THE RIGHT AND CENTER REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REAR SEAT CENTER BELT ANCHOR REINFORCEMENT PLATE TO THE FLOOR PAN OF THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
Repair progress not yet reported20,701 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V158000
Listed for 2003 Saturn L200. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 03V231000 Filed Jun 23, 2003

GM/IGNITION CONTROL MODULE

Electrical system · ignition · module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L L4 (L61) ENGINES, A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION IN IDLE QUALITY, REDUCTION IN OVERALL ENGINE POWER, AND THE VEHICLE MAY BE HARD TO START. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AFTER SUCH AN IGNITION MODULE FAILURE WILL RESULT IN THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT FLASHING, AND MAY LEAD TO SECONDARY FAILURES OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND EXHAUST RESONATOR.
Consequence
FAILURE OF THE RESONATOR WILL CAUSE INCREASED EXHAUST NOISE. PROLONGED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING A RESONATOR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL (1) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, (2) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND SPARK PLUGS, OR (3) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SPARK PLUGS, AND UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT 3.
Repair progress not yet reported239,993 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V231000
Listed for 2003 Saturn L200. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 02V283000 Filed Oct 29, 2002

GM/WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR

Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · motor
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COULD FAIL DURING USE BECAUSE OF IMPROPER MANUFACTURE.
Consequence
IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR IN SEVERE WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 6, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT #3 OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.
Repair progress not yet reported1,448 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 02V283000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which L200 years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Saturn L200All model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (138)

138 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.

7involved a crash
7involved a fire
9injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Saturn L200, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 138.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

Fuel economy: up to 24 mpg combined

24
mpg combined
21
city
29
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,800
CO₂ tailpipe
370 g/mi
EPA class
Midsize Cars

What it costs you to run

$2,721per year
$227per month
625gallons a year

Miles ÷ 24 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2003 Saturn L200 configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.2 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24$2,800370
2.2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24$2,800370

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2003 L200 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All L200 years

Where to next

Which L200 years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2003 Saturn L200 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2003 Saturn L200 have?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns: 05V245000 (brake), 05V158000 (seat belt), 03V231000 (electrical), 02V283000 (visibility). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2003 Saturn L200 problems?

Owners filed 138 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (50), Engine and engine cooling (18), Exterior lighting (16) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2003 Saturn L200 get?

EPA rates the 2.2 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 21 city, 29 highway and 24 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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