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2004 Saturn L300 lights problems

12 complaints (20% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 22,000.

owner complaints
12
of this car's complaints
20%
typical mileage
22,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Headlights
    7
  • Headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Saturn L300 lights problems in other years

20032004

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Saturn L300 lights

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Headlights 12

Related recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lightsReported June 2, 2005 · 291,652 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 05V245000 · Recall details

What 2004 Saturn L300 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 26, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 131,342 miles · AL

My brake lights and my 3rd brake light that is on the inside of the rear window is not working correctly and at times my front inside instrument panel lights will go dim and now have completely stopped working and also my inside interior lights have stopped working completely (example) when you open the doors no interior lights come on at all and also will not even come on when you try to turn them on by hand and my map lights on the under side of my inside rear view mirror or map lites have stopped working and the 3rd brake lights located inside the center of the rear windshield now have 2 lites that are completely stopped coming on and my tag lights do not work any more and all this started appx. 4 months ago when a police officer pulled me over after dark and told me about my brake lights not working correctly and no tag lite and 3 weeks prior is when the instrument panel inside started acting up and now no lights work at all inside and this happens whether the car is moving or not and with it sitting in park al this happens and also no trunk lite or glove box lites up !

Filed Jul 19, 2019 · Lights · 175,320 miles · IA

Third break light or over head break light havnt worked since I've bought the car out so been out b4 I bought it and dash lights dimmer switch flickers in and out unless wedge the dimming switch up been like that since bought the car don't know when or how it happened but it's got minor short and everything works as should dimmer switch moves as it should

Filed Apr 26, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 75,000 miles · CA

I own a 2004 saturn l300; on several occasions over the past several weeks I have seen wisps of smoke coming from the steering column, followed by a strong smell of burning plastic. The area behind the steering wheel is extremely hot to the touch, and I am told it is a fire hazard and that the headlamp stalks need to be replaced for overheating, which may run up to $600 with labor. I have been forced to pull my car over on busy roads, in heavy traffic to let it cool before restarting, and am worried that the faulty wires will cause a fire.

Filed Dec 20, 2008 · Lights · AZ

I can not get a replacement part for my 2004 saturn wagon. The tail light is broken, gm said the supplier quite making the part. The car is not legal to drive with a broken tail light. *tr thank you robert emanuel

Filed Jan 11, 2007 · Lights · 20,000 miles · IN

Tl* - the contact's 2004 saturn l300 with an odometer reading of 21000 miles, headlights, interior lights, and dash board lights flicker on and off while driving. The contact first noticed the failure in november of 2006, since the vehicle was driven mostly in the day time the failure may have been occurring previously. The contact took the vehicle to saturn of fishers in indiana, where after having the vehicle for two days he was told that a safety bulletin had been released about this issue and informed the contact that this is a normal condition for the vehicle. The contact believes this is a safety issue and may cause an accident. The contact is also worried that police may stop him due to the faulty lights.

Filed Dec 20, 2004 · Lights · 22,000 miles · TX

While driving headlights flashed from bright to dim. This occurred every 30 seconds. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told that what was happening with the headlights was normal. Consumer later contacted the manufacturer, and they also said that what the vehicle was experiencing was normal.

Filed Oct 15, 2004 · Lights · 8,300 miles · CO

While driving at night headlights flickered on and off intermittently. *ak

Filed Sep 21, 2004 · Lights · MN

Intermittently while driving at night with the headlightson they will cut on off for a length of time of 20 to 30 seconds, leaving consumer without vision of the road. Dealer was contacted, and stated we never heard of such problem, call the federal safety agency.

Filed Jul 26, 2004 · Lights · 11,000 miles · IL

While driving at night time both headlights glazed over, almost opaque, resulting in extremely reduced headlight visibility during the night. Thus, obstructing consumer's view. Dealership indicated to the consumer that headlights operated as designed by the manufacturer, nothing they could do.

Filed Jun 19, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · 3,700 miles · GA

We have recently purchased an 04 l300 and have stated having problems with the headlights and dash lights. While driving at night, the headlights and dash lights have gone off and come back on. On one such occassion, a tractor trailer pulled over on us thinking we had notified him to do so. It was just by the grace of god we were not crushed. Later that same night, a police officer pulled us over wanting to know why we were blinking our head lights at him. We explained the problem and were told that he could right us a ticket but would not this time and to get the problems corrected. After taking this issue to our saturn dealership, we were told that according to a memo dated february 2004 that "this is normal characteristic" for this vehicle. The dealership and corp. Have refused to do anything to assist with correcting this problem. The car is only 3 months old and still under warranty but they suggested that we pay $450 for a new alternator and purchase another extended bumper to bumper warranty. All stating that this may not correct the problem. This is a serious safety issue that is going to result in someones death if not corrected. What does it take to get this handled? Please advise with assistance in pursuing a recall or having my car declared a lemon.

Questions about the 2004 Saturn L300 lights

Does the 2004 Saturn L300 have lights problems?

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the lights of the 2004 Saturn L300, 20% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2004 Saturn L300 lights problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 22,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Saturn L300 lights?

Yes, 1 recall: 05V245000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Saturn L300 have the most lights problems?

The Saturn L300 model years with the most lights complaints are 2004 (12 complaints) and 2003 (10 complaints).

Other 2004 Saturn L300 problems

Electrical 15Engine 11Fuel system 7Transmission 6Acceleration 4Brakes 4Airbags 3Body 3Steering 3Tires 3Driver assistance 1Suspension 1

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