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2000 Saturn LS Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2000 Saturn LS has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 727,493 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 544 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 05V245000 2005-06-02 291,652 affected
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…

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 03V231000 2003-06-23 239,993 affected
Defect

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…

Consequence

FAILURE OF THE RESONATOR WILL CAUSE INCREASED EXHAUST NOISE. PROLONGED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING A RESONATOR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy

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,…

SEAT BELTS 00V228003 2000-08-07 156,305 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. 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…

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 99V345000 1999-12-02 36,848 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.

Consequence

IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY SEAL THE OUTLET PORT OF THE OPR VALVE.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 99V199000 1999-07-26 1,395 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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…

Consequence

OTHER DRIVERS MAY NOT BE ALERTED THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH ASSEMBLY.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 99V197000 1999-07-26 1,300 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. 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.

Consequence

IF A VEHICLE WITH AN INOPERATIVE VALVE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER, FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

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.

Complaints by component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
67
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
36
3injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
30
1fires
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
30
1injuries
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
20
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
17
1injuries
TIRES
16
SUSPENSION
14
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
11
Total complaints544

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“The whole subframe on my 2000 saturn ls is rotted so bad that I can't even drive the vehicle. It started with my car not starting and putting it up on a lift to see what the problem was. That not starting problem is a bad resonator, but in the process the subframe was found to be seriously rotted…”

ENGINE · reported 2020-06-11

“The whole subframe on my 2000 saturn ls is rotted so bad that I can't even drive the vehicle. It started with my car not starting and putting it up on a lift to see what the problem was. That not starting problem is a bad resonator, but in the process the subframe was found to be seriously rotted…”

SEAT BELTS · reported 2020-06-11

“The whole subframe on my 2000 saturn ls is rotted so bad that I can't even drive the vehicle. It started with my car not starting and putting it up on a lift to see what the problem was. That not starting problem is a bad resonator, but in the process the subframe was found to be seriously rotted…”

SUSPENSION · reported 2020-06-11

“Car leaking oil - now engine trouble”

SERVICE BRAKES · reported 2018-01-31

“Car leaking oil - now engine trouble”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2018-01-31

“Car leaking oil - now engine trouble”

ENGINE · reported 2018-01-31

“While driving down the interstate my timing chain snapped. Car lost power and put me and my family at risk of an accident.”

UNKNOWN OR OTHER · reported 2017-02-20

“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 saturn ls. While driving 70 mph, the vehicle randomly stalled without warning. The contact had to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that that there was an…”

ENGINE · reported 2016-06-13

Defect investigations

Investigation DP05001 Opened 2005-02-10 · closed 2005-02-22

INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS

ON JANUARY 25, 2005, A SAFETY DEFECT PETITION WAS RECEIVED BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI), REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS ON MY 2000-2002 SATURN L-SERIES VEHICLES.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN AND ASSEMBLY OF THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CIRCUIT BOARD AND LIGHT SOCKET…

Investigation DP05001 Opened 2005-02-10 · closed 2005-02-22

INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS

ON JANUARY 25, 2005, A SAFETY DEFECT PETITION WAS RECEIVED BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI), REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS ON MY 2000-2002 SATURN L-SERIES VEHICLES.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN AND ASSEMBLY OF THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CIRCUIT BOARD AND LIGHT SOCKET…

Investigation DP05001 Opened 2005-02-10 · closed 2005-02-22

INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS

ON JANUARY 25, 2005, A SAFETY DEFECT PETITION WAS RECEIVED BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI), REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS ON MY 2000-2002 SATURN L-SERIES VEHICLES.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN AND ASSEMBLY OF THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CIRCUIT BOARD AND LIGHT SOCKET…

Investigation DP05001 Opened 2005-02-10 · closed 2005-02-22

INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS

ON JANUARY 25, 2005, A SAFETY DEFECT PETITION WAS RECEIVED BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI), REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS ON MY 2000-2002 SATURN L-SERIES VEHICLES.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN AND ASSEMBLY OF THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CIRCUIT BOARD AND LIGHT SOCKET…

Investigation DP05001 Opened 2005-02-10 · closed 2005-02-22

INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS

ON JANUARY 25, 2005, A SAFETY DEFECT PETITION WAS RECEIVED BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI), REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS ON MY 2000-2002 SATURN L-SERIES VEHICLES.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN AND ASSEMBLY OF THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CIRCUIT BOARD AND LIGHT SOCKET…

Investigation DP05008 Opened 2005-12-20 · closed 2006-02-06

TIMING CHAIN FAILURE

ANALYSIS UNDERTAKEN IN RESPONSE TO THE PETITION IDENTIFIED 26 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING TIMING CHAIN FAILURES IN MY 2000-2003 SATURN L-SERIES VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.2L L4 ENGINE.MOST COMPLAINTS OF TIMING CHAIN FAILURE REPORTEDLY RESULTED IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND STALLING.ODI ALSO NOTED THAT CERTAIN MY…

Investigation DP08002 Opened 2008-06-18 · closed 2008-10-16

TIMING CHAIN FAILURE-STALL

ON JUNE 6, 2006, ODI OPENED AN INVESTIGATION OF TIMING CHAIN FAILURE RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL WHILE DRIVING WITH NO RESTART IN APPROXIMATELY 20,514 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 SATURN L-SERIES VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L ENGINES (L61) BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 2000 THROUGH FEBRUARY 2001 (EA06-009).THE VEHICLES BUILT DURING THOSE…

Investigation PE05010 Opened 2005-02-15 · closed 2005-06-03

INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS

GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT EXISTS ON CERTAIN MODEL SATURN 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.THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT…

Investigation PE05010 Opened 2005-02-15 · closed 2005-06-03

INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS

GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT EXISTS ON CERTAIN MODEL SATURN 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.THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT…

Investigation PE05010 Opened 2005-02-15 · closed 2005-06-03

INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS

GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT EXISTS ON CERTAIN MODEL SATURN 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.THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT…

Investigation PE05010 Opened 2005-02-15 · closed 2005-06-03

INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS

GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT EXISTS ON CERTAIN MODEL SATURN 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.THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT…

Investigation PE06006 Opened 2006-01-24 · closed 2006-06-06

TIMING CHAIN FAILURE

ON DECEMBER 12, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A DEFECT PETITION (DP05-008) REQUESTING THE INVESTIGATION OF TIMING CHAIN FAILURES THAT COULD CAUSE STALLING IN SATURN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.2L (L61) ENGINE. ODI OPENED PE06-006 ON JANUARY 24, 2006, WITH 24 VEHICLE OWNER COMPLAINTS THAT ALLEGED A BROKEN TIMING CHAIN CAUSED…

Investigation PE08061 Opened 2008-10-16 · closed 2009-04-08

TIMING CHAIN BREAKS, ENGINE STALL

ON MAY 22, 2008, THEOFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) WAS PETITIONED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSUMERS COUNCIL (NCCC) TO BROADEN THE SCOPE OF SAFETY RECALL 07V-519, WHICH WAS CONDUCTED BY GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION (GM) FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 SATURN L-SERIES VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE L61 2.2L ENGINE AND BUILT…

Investigation PE99064 Opened 1999-10-27 · closed 2000-02-11

POST-COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY

ALLEGE THAT THE FUEL TANK OVER-PRESSURE RELIEF (OPR) VALVE MAY LEAK FUEL IN EXCESS OF FMVSS 301 ALLOWANCES IN A CRASH

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2000 Saturn LS as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.