Does the 2004 Saturn L300 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Saturn L300, the most recent reported on June 2, 2005 (Exterior lighting: brake lights). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Saturn L300?

Owners have filed 61 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (15 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (12).

How many 2004 Saturn L300 complaints mention a crash or fire?

3 of 61 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2004 Saturn L300 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 61 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Saturn L300.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Saturn L300 recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights

NHTSA campaign 05V245000 · reported June 2, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 291,652 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: 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.
The fix: 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 belts

NHTSA campaign 05V158000 · reported April 20, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 20,701 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: If a separation occurred in crash, the right and center rear seat occupants may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Electrical system15
Exterior lighting12
Engine and engine cooling8
Power train6
Fuel system, gasoline4
Vehicle speed control4
Air bags3
Engine3
Fuel/propulsion system3
Steering3

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Apr 7, 2023 · Fuel/propulsion system
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 testing in many states…

Jan 16, 2022 · Fuel/propulsion system
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 error code that says that…

Jun 8, 2020 · Power train · 155,000 miles
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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE…

Nov 26, 2019 · Service brakes · 131,342 miles
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 OPEN THE DOORS NO…

Jul 24, 2019 · Fuel system, gasoline
FUEL PUMP ON A 2004 SATURN L300 CRACKED AND RELEASE FUEL AND HEAVY GAS SMELL INTO CAR MAKING CAR UN DRIVEABLE. THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL ON ANOTHER MAKE OF SATURN FOR THE SAME INCIDENT.

L300 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2003	0	42	5	4
2004	2	61	3	1
2005	0	25	1	0

Across all years, the 2004 L300 has the most complaints (61). All Saturn L300 years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Saturn L300 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Saturn L300, the most recent reported on June 2, 2005 (Exterior lighting: brake lights). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Saturn L300?: Owners have filed 61 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (15 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (12).
How many 2004 Saturn L300 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 3 of 61 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 7, 2023.