2003 Saturn L300: won't start

5 of the 42 complaints about the 2003 Saturn L300 describe won't start.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 12%
typical mileage: 45,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 53 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

2005
3
2004
4
2003
5

What owners say

Filed Aug 21, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 140,000 miles · MI

Ignition switch will not start the car. It is in the off position. I am having a new switch installed. I do not understand why this car part is not on the recall list. All other 2003 saturns are being recalled.

Filed Apr 4, 2014 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 12,500 miles · PA · fire

On a rainy night, jan 10, 2014, I came out of work and started my car. I thanked god it started because sometimes it wouldn't start at all. Even after replacing almost every engine part including the computer. I started driving out of the parking spot and I smelled something burning inside the car. The engine started revving wildly up and down. I had no control of the car. White thick smoke filled the car fast. Flames started shooting out at me from under the dashboard. I was so panicked that I could hardly get out of the car. The insurance co totaled it and I still owe 500.00! I've spent more money trying to get the car to start when I want it to and to stop shutting off while im driving on the highway with my children and or infant granddaughter. This 2003 saturn l300 has been nothing but a financial and mental nightmare only to go up in smoke, ruin my credit, and leave me stranded with no vehicle once again.

Filed Jul 21, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 84,500 miles · CA

Engine stalls after 10 minutes of driving. Won't start again for 2 or 3 hours only to run for 10 minutes and stall again. Sometimes engine will stall while idling. Sometimes the engine light with the wrench in it comes on and the vehicle starts to shift roughly. If I turn off the vehicle and start it again, this light goes off and the vehicle shifts normally.

Filed Jan 22, 2008 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · CA

Saturn 2003 l300, purchased new, multiple issues. Interior lights flicker. Car will not start when gas is under 1/4 tank, dealership says operating per design. Ignition, key froze, would not turn, key stuck, car had to be towed, ignition replaced. Major issue: steering. Intermediate shaft has been replaced twice. In addition to gear box. Problem makes steering loose, clunking feel and noise when turning left or right.

Filed May 9, 2007 · Electrical · 40,000 miles · PA

Having problems with the pass lock system on the 2003 saturn l300. Out of the blue the car won't start. Sometimes the pass lock light comes on and sometimes it does not. If a wait about 10 minutes and then try to start the car it will work. This has been happening every day for the past week. Based on my online search, it sounds like a lot of gm cars are experiencing this problem. Something should be done.