AI Damage2005 Saturn L300: common problems
Owners of the 2005 Saturn L300 filed 25 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 25
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 28% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 16% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 12% of all complaints
- 4 Suspension 12% of all complaints
- 5 Steering 8% of all complaints
- 6 Engine 4% of all complaints
- 7 Fuel/propulsion system 4% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel system 4% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 7 complaints (28% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 4 complaints (16% of all).
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (12% of all).
- Suspension: 3 complaints (12% of all).
- Steering: 2 complaints (8% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 25 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 25 mph, the steering wheel locked up, causing the vehicle to not be able to turn and crashed into a telephone pole. No injuries were sustained, and a police report was taken. The vehicle was at the service dealer, who could not determine the problem.
Drivers seat suspension separated under the seat. Sudden drop caused temporary loss of full visibility, poor driver controls contact, distraction and potential collision. Problem is permanent and therefore unrepeatable and not presented to dealer or service center.
While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the serpentine belt had fractured and entered into the engine compartment.
Updated 09/05/14 the consumer stated the vehicle did not start up until the key was removed from the ignition. The vehicle began to roar and rev up while in the off position. The vehicle stopped on it's own. Updated 09/11/2014
All the engine lights would come on and the car would shake violently until I turn it off and then back on. Once I do that the car drives but shifts violently. Was told it was a pcm failure. Occurs more often in cold weather.
The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the transmission shifted violently and jerked. The failure occurred more frequently in warm weather temperatures. In addition, the air conditioner/heater failed to operate to the desired selection and did not circulate the appropriate flow of air through the vents.
The check engine light illuminated. The consumer took the vehicle to the nearest dealer by his home. The dealer advised the consumer the problem was that the fuel filler pipe needed to be replaced for about $400.00.
My 2005 saturn l300, had automatic headlights and remote start included with the package upon buying. After apprx 1 year, automatic headlights (not the running lights) would fail to turn on at night, turn off during day. Could not override problem by manually turning on lights. Issue was intermittent.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 7,448 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 20% most complained about).
On average one model year of the L300 has 43 complaints (3 years in the data). This year has 25, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Saturn L300?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine and cooling, powertrain. Total complaints: 25. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (24%), fuel system, fuel smell (12%), won't start (12%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2005 Saturn L300?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2005 Saturn L300 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2005 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.