CarRecallDB

2002 Saturn LS recalls and problems

3 recalls and 493 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Saturn LS.

3
recalls
493
owner complaints
12
complaints mentioning a crash
12
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.

2002 Saturn LS 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.

Electrical system: ignition, module

NHTSA campaign 03V231000 · reported June 23, 2003 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 239,993 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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 1-800-553-6000, prompt 3.

Most reported problems

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

What owners report

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

May 1, 2023 · Electrical system

Rear tail lights will not work. Have checked all fuses relays,and even changed the turn signal switch. My car is currently at the garage. Original appointment was only for inspection. Mechanic has not yet located the issue. Also has no dash lights. Parking lights. Had I known this in advance would have returned car…

Apr 3, 2023 · Unknown or other · 118,000 miles

The contact owns a 2002 Saturn J-Type. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle's brake lights failed to illuminate. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V245000 (Exterior Lighting), however, the part to do the recall repair is no longer being manufactured. The…

Jun 23, 2022 · Engine

The same thing is happening to my car that happened to many Saturn owners of the same year. The car is turning but only stays on for a few seconds before shutting off. This seems to be the same as the ignition module and spark plugs issue as it is the same symptoms as those people were experiencing.

Feb 10, 2021 · Engine · 102,057 miles

ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AROUND 65-70 MPH. ENGINE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED AND HAD TO BE TOWED BACK HOME. MECHANIC INSPECTION REVEALED COMPLETE LOSS OF COMPRESSION IN TWO CYLINDERS AND PARTIAL COMPRESSION LOSS IN OTHER TWO. ENGINE WAS PERMANENTLY DAMAGED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED OR REBUILT AT…

May 26, 2020 · Electrical system · 130,000 miles

MECHANIC FOUND SHORT CIRCUIT IN TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLIES CAUSING BRAKE LIGHTS TO COME ON, AND STAY ON, WHEN HEADLAMPS DO.

LS model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 6382105
2001 75821414
2002 34931212
2004 0101

Across all years, the 2001 LS has the most complaints (582). All Saturn LS years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Saturn LS have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Saturn LS, 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 2002 Saturn LS?
Owners have filed 493 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (200 complaints), followed by electrical system (102).
How many 2002 Saturn LS complaints mention a crash or fire?
12 of 493 complaints report a crash and 12 a fire; 8 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 1, 2023.