2000 Saturn Ls: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2000 Saturn Ls: 6 recalls, 382 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #99V199000 · 1999 · 1,395 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Other drivers May not be alerted that the vehicle is turning and a crash could occur.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hazard warning switch assembly.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #99V197000 · 1999 · 1,300 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If a vehicle with an inoperative valve were involved in a rollover, fuel spillage could occur.
The fix: 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #99V345000 · 1999 · 36,848 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If an ignition source is present, a fire could result.
The fix: Dealers will permanently seal the outlet port of the opr valve.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #00V228003 · 2000 · 156,305 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant May not be properly restrained.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly.
Electrical Vehicle recall #03V231000 · 2003 · 239,993 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: Failure of the resonator will cause increased exhaust noise. Prolonged operation of the vehicle following a resonator failure May lead to a fire.
The fix: 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…
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #05V245000 · 2005 · 291,652 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: Dealers will install two new tail lamp reinforcing socket adapters and sockets free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2005.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 16 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (140): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (41), won't start (19), noise or vibration (16).
- Electrical (63): the most common themes are electrical failure (23), door / lock issues (10), stalls / loses power (7).
- Exterior lights (62): the most common themes are electrical failure (13), noise or vibration (4).
- Steering (35): the most common themes are steering problems (34), noise or vibration (18).
The 2000 Saturn Ls has 382 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 4 Ls model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 364). Complaints peaked in 2004 (51 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 77,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (582 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
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 2000 Saturn Ls.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2000 Saturn Ls have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2000 Saturn Ls. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2000 Saturn Ls problems?
Owners have filed 382 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (140), electrical (63), exterior lights (62).
What gas mileage does the 2000 Saturn Ls get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2000 Saturn Ls repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.