MotorDeets

Saturn Ls problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Ls from 2000 to 2004: 1,458 owner complaints and 16 recalls across 4 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2001 (582), 2002 (493), 2000 (382). Best fuel economy: 24 mpg combined (2000).

Saturn Ls
Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine & cooling640
Electrical245
Exterior lights183
Engine94
Transmission & drivetrain81
Steering77
Suspension75
Fuel system58

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
2000638224
20017582–
20023493–
200401–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Saturn Ls.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Saturn Ls?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2001 (582), 2002 (493), 2000 (382).

How many recalls has the Saturn Ls had?

Across 2000–2004, NHTSA lists 16 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).