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2000 Saturn LS: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2000 Saturn LS, most recently filed June 2005. Owners have filed 382 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 6campaigns 2 fuel system · 1 brake · 1 electrical Source: NHTSA Complaints 382filed Owner reports, 2000–2004 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· 5-speed manual 3 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (6)

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2000 Saturn LS. 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 2000 Saturn LS. 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 2000 Saturn LS. 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 2000 Saturn LS. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 00V228003 Filed Aug 7, 2000

GM/FMVSS 209/TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLES

Seat belts
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.
Repair progress not yet reported156,305 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 00V228003
Listed for 2000 Saturn LS. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 99V345000 Filed Dec 2, 1999

GM/FUEL TANK RELIEF VALVE

Fuel system, gasoline · storage
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES IN THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVER PRESSURE RELIEF (OPR) VALVE THAT CAN BECOME STUCK OPEN IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. IF THE VEHICLE ROLLS OVER, FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR.
Consequence
IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY SEAL THE OUTLET PORT OF THE OPR VALVE.
Repair progress not yet reported36,848 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 99V345000
Listed for 2000 Saturn LS. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 99V197000 Filed Jul 26, 1999

GM/FMVSS 301/FUEL TANK VALVE

Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH AN INOPERATIVE VALVE WITHIN THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.
Consequence
IF A VEHICLE WITH AN INOPERATIVE VALVE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER, FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES TO ENSURE THAT THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE IS OPERATING AS INTENDED. THEY WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY.
Repair progress not yet reported1,300 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 99V197000
Listed for 2000 Saturn LS. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 99V199000 Filed Jul 26, 1999

GM/FMVSS 108/TURN SIGNAL LAMPS

Exterior lighting · turn signal · switch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM IN THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH ASSEMBLY, THE TURN SIGNAL LAMPS MAY NOT WORK OR MAY WORK INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE DRIVER USES THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER OR HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. IF THE VEHICLE TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS ARE NOT FLASHING, THEN THE TURN SIGNAL LAMPS MAY NOT BE FLASHING.
Consequence
OTHER DRIVERS MAY NOT BE ALERTED THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH ASSEMBLY.
Repair progress not yet reported1,395 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 99V199000

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

Owner complaints (382)

382 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine and engine cooling is mentioned most often.

10involved a crash
5involved a fire
16injuries 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 2000 Saturn LS, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 382.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2000 compares with other LS years

Best and worst LS years →
382 582 493 1
2000200120022004
This year (2000)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 24 mpg combined

24
mpg combined
21
city
30
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

2000 Saturn LS configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24$2,800370
2.2 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive20 / 29 / 23$2,900386
3 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20$3,350444

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 2000 LS 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 LS years

Where to next

Which LS years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2001 Saturn LS report582 complaints · 7 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2000 Saturn LS FAQ

How many recalls does the 2000 Saturn LS have?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 05V245000 (brake), 03V231000 (electrical), 00V228003 (seat belt), 99V345000 (fuel system), 99V197000 (fuel system), 99V199000 (lighting). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2000 Saturn LS problems?

Owners filed 382 complaints with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling (140), Electrical system (63), Exterior lighting (62) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2000 Saturn LS get?

EPA rates the 2.2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual version at 21 city, 30 highway and 24 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 2000 LS compare with other years?

Among the 2000–2004 Saturn LS model years at least five years old, the 2004 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 2001 the most (582). The 2000 drew 382. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

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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