Saturn LS Exterior Lighting Problems
Owners have filed 183 complaints with NHTSA about exterior lighting problems on the Saturn LS across 4 model years. The 2002 model year has the most (69). The words owners use most often: “turn signal” (11% of reports).
- 183exterior lighting complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 5mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $320typical repair cost reported by owners
- 44%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Turn signal: mentioned in 20 of 183 complaints (11%)
- Tail assembly: mentioned in 10 of 183 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical exterior lighting repair on the Saturn LS at $320, and half of them between $230 and $640.
Based on 8 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2004–2009), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do exterior lighting problems happen?
Based on 105 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 183 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 5 an injury.
Saturn LS exterior lighting complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting:brake lights
Model years: 2000, 2001, 2002
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.
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.
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.
Exterior lighting:turn signal:switch
Model years: 2000
Problem: 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 signal lever or hazard warning switch. If the vehicle turn signal indicators are not flashing, then the turn signal lamps may not be flashing.
Risk: Other drivers may not be alerted that the vehicle is turning and a crash could occur.
Fix: Dealers will replace the hazard warning switch assembly.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
Having trouble with brake lights bulbs and 3rd brake light
The saturn l series when filled with gasoline will stall causing imminent harm to the driver, passengers, and any other cars on the road. In addition, the dashboard at night is so dim that it cannot be seen by the driver. There are several electrical failures involving this vehicle.
While the vehicle is running and driving down the road the headlights will turn off along with all the dash lights and all the gauges will go to zero, the interior light will turn on and it will ding (it acts like you are shutting the car off and opening the door) a couple seconds later everything…
I'm having the exact problem as recall 05v245000. Examining my car confirms this was not replaced. It has shorted out multiple times having me drive at night time with no lights! This is dangerous and has almost caused me an accident several times.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Saturn LSs have exterior lighting problems?
No. NHTSA has 183 owner complaints about exterior lighting for the Saturn LS. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Saturn LS exterior lighting?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list exterior lighting. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix exterior lighting problems on the Saturn LS?
Owners report a typical cost of $320 (half paid between $230 and $640), from 8 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about exterior lighting problems on the Saturn LS?
The most frequent phrase is “turn signal”, in 20 of 183 complaints, followed by “tail assembly” (10).
Other Saturn LS problems
See all Saturn LS problems.