Saturn L300 headlights problems

Filed Dec 5, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 130,000 miles · IL

While engaging the high beams, smoke began to appear out of the turn signal stalk on the steering column. Also, the high beams could no longer be turned off. I had to engage the switch several times before it would turn off. This has happened previously, and the fix was to replace the turn stalk. This is now the second turn signal stalk this has happened to. I am questioning the design of the turn signal stalk. There appears to be some sort of short in the wiring or contacts for the high beams that causes this problem. This is a fire hazard, and therefore a major safety concern.

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 Aug 31, 2007 · Electrical · 8,000 miles · MN

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. Saturn could not find a problem and suggested that it was the remote start causing the problems. Remote start was replaced. September 2006, headlight issue returned. Once again, saturn suggested it was the remote start. Bcm module of remote start was replaced. July - august 2007, no headlight issues. However car has started on it's own accord. Key fabs were sitting on top of car, so the buttons were not accidentally pushed. Taillights would periodically flash for apprx a minute. Gas gauge would register at empty but upon turning car off and back on again gas gauge worked fine. Saturn suggested the removal of the remote start. Remote start was removed, no reimbursement was made, I was stuck in the middle of two companies (saturn and sunroof, etc) bickering about who was at fault. Solution, after horrible customer service over a span of three years, car was traded in for a volkswagen.

Filed Apr 10, 2007 · Engine, Lights · OH

Purchased 2003 saturn l 300 on march 24, 2007 and had it in the shop on april 2, 2007 and april 9, 2007 with same problem. Interior lights, headlights, and fan pulsate which could cause a safety hazard on the highway. The longer you drive it the more it happens. They say it is normal.

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 Jun 8, 2006 · Electrical · 28,500 miles · WI

Dt*: the contacts stated after driving long enough for the motor to get warm the headlights flicker from dim to bright. This is a continuous problem. If the heater or air conditioner fan is turned on, the flickering becomes more rapid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions for this problem. Both the dealer and manufacturer determined this was normal operations for this type of vehicle.

Filed Sep 16, 2005 · Electrical · 5,000 miles · WI

This complaint comes after 4 other previous ones with this same vehicle. 1st - check engine light, 2nd - traction control light, 3rd and 4th - low coolant light. Previous complaints have been filed for these already. Now the headlights and dash lights dim down and then come back on to full power. This is a safety issue. Saturn of fond du lac says this is normal. I have never owned a vehicle or talked to anyone who ever has had this happen. This is not normal. If they told me that this "normal" dimming of the headlights and dash lights happened before I purchased the vehicle; I would have not purchased the vehicle and I don't know of anyone who would.

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 17, 2004 · Electrical · 500 miles · CT

Purchased on 9/17/04. After 1 1/2 weeks, noticed that headlights and dashboard lights intermittently dim on & off every 1/2 to 1 mile. Took to saturn, was told that this was a normal characteristic, they changed sun sensor thought to be the problem. This did not fix my problem and it appears that the problem has worsened. The saturn corporation has maintained that this is a normal characteristic in this car and refused to do any further repairs. I was also told that the problem with the headlights would not be noticeable to any traffic on the road. However due to my experiences and others I have read on the internet, that this is not true and could potentially become an extremely dangerous and lethal situation. I feel this is a serious safety defect, any saturn with this problem should be immediately taken off the highways until this situation is repaired. It has come to my attention now that saturn of hartford had in its possession notification since january 2004 from saturn corporation that the l300 series vehicle could have this flaw and that saturn refuses to repair it. I am extremely upset that I was not notified of this situation prior to buying the car because it would have changed my mind as to which vehicle I would have purchased. I am now scared to drive this vehicle at night.

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

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