The 2004 Saturn L300 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 312,353 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 78 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
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…
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.
SEAT BELTS05V1580002005-04-2020,701 affected
Defect
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.
Complaints by component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10
1fires
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4
POWER TRAIN
4
AIR BAGS
3
3crashes2injuries
ENGINE
3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3
TIRES
3
Total complaints78
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“My vehicle is leaking fuel from the fuel pump. I can see the fuel collecting on the side of the fuel tank from the top of the tank where the fuel pump is located. This issue has been releasing gas fumes around my car and occasionally in the cabin. This not only makes my car invalid for emissions…”
“Our 2004 saturn l300 developed a fuel leak at the fuel pump (cracked) which is not normal. There is a strong fuel smell while driving and after the vehicle is parked. We are afraid that the fuel leak could cause a fire. The fuel pump has been inspected by an independent mechanic. There’s an…”
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 saturn l300. The contact stated that while in reverse the gear shifter ceased and the vehicle failed to start-up. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and it was determined that the shifter cable was detached. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was…”
“My brake lights and my 3rd brake light that is on the inside of the rear window is not working correctly and at times my front inside instrument panel lights will go dim and now have completely stopped working and also my inside interior lights have stopped working completely (example) when you…”
“My brake lights and my 3rd brake light that is on the inside of the rear window is not working correctly and at times my front inside instrument panel lights will go dim and now have completely stopped working and also my inside interior lights have stopped working completely (example) when you…”
“My brake lights and my 3rd brake light that is on the inside of the rear window is not working correctly and at times my front inside instrument panel lights will go dim and now have completely stopped working and also my inside interior lights have stopped working completely (example) when you…”
“Third break light or over head break light havnt worked since I've bought the car out so been out b4 I bought it and dash lights dimmer switch flickers in and out unless wedge the dimming switch up been like that since bought the car don't know when or how it happened but it's got minor short and…”
“Wiper switch heats up on ignition and also randomly while running - causing smoke and burning smellfrom steering column and wipers to turn on by themselves. First replacement done by certified mechanic with certified gm part cost $365. 3 years later, it's the same issue again!”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2004 Saturn L300 as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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