2004 Saturn L300
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 16 of 61 complaints (26%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more crash reports (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 42 in 2003 to 61 in 2004.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | vs. 2004 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,950 | 2,950 | 2,500–2,950 | 2,950 | |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 21 | 21–25 | 21 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 18 / 26 | 18 / 26 | 18–21 / 26–31 | 18 / 26 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423 | 423 | 355–423 | 423 | |
| Complaints filed | 0 | 42 | 61 | 25 | |
| Recalls issued | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 5 | 3 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2004 Saturn L300 have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2004 Saturn L300?
Electrical: 16 of 61 NHTSA complaints (26%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Saturn L300 get?
EPA rates it 21–25 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2004 Saturn L300?
EPA estimates $2,500–$2,950 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.2L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 21 mpg (high) | 31 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | $2,500 (low) | 355 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | 21 mpg (low) | $2,950 (high) | 423 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 16 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS · Campaign 05V245000 · Jun 2, 2005
Defect: 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 WARNING.
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 BELTS · Campaign 05V158000 · Apr 20, 2005
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.