NHTSA vehicle safety data

2000 Saturn LS Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2000 Saturn LS has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 382 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Saturn dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2000 Saturn LS, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2000 Saturn LS owner complaints

Owners have filed 382 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000 Saturn LS, describing incidents dated January 12, 1999 to June 11, 2020.

Most-cited components

Engine 148 complaints
Electrical System 60 complaints
Exterior Lighting 59 complaints
Steering 33 complaints
Structure 25 complaints
Suspension 25 complaints

Of the 382 complaints on file, 10 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 382 complaints, owners report 16 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11593168 · Filed June 7, 2024
I am listing this vehicle identification number to fulfill your request on the safety complaint form, however I believe what I am about to share is an issue that applies to all vehicles on the road today, regardless of their source of motive power, if they have a hydraulic-brake system. I believe…
ODI #11329340 · Filed June 17, 2020
THE WHOLE SUBFRAME ON MY 2000 SATURN LS IS ROTTED SO BAD THAT I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED WITH MY CAR NOT STARTING AND PUTTING IT UP ON A LIFT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THAT NOT STARTING PROBLEM IS A BAD RESONATOR, BUT IN THE PROCESS THE SUBFRAME WAS FOUND TO BE SERIOUSLY ROTTED…
ODI #11072426 · Filed February 12, 2018
CAR LEAKING OIL - NOW ENGINE TROUBLE

Read all 382 complaints

Owner-reported

2000 Saturn LS mileage at failure

221 of the 382 complaints on file for the 2000 Saturn LS give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Engine	Median 85,000 miles	Middle half 65,000–105,000 miles	Based on 113 complaints
Electrical System	Median 60,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–95,000 miles	Based on 31 complaints
Exterior Lighting	Median 60,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–95,000 miles	Based on 33 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Complaints received before December 15, 2002 rarely give a mileage, so they aren't counted here.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2000 Saturn LS in 7 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE08-061: TIMING CHAIN BREAKS, ENGINE STALL
Closed April 8, 2009
Defect Petition DP08-002: TIMING CHAIN FAILURE-STALL
Closed October 16, 2008
Preliminary Evaluation PE06-006: TIMING CHAIN FAILURE
Closed June 6, 2006
Defect Petition DP05-008: TIMING CHAIN FAILURE
Closed February 6, 2006
Preliminary Evaluation PE05-010: INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS
Closed June 3, 2005
- Recall 05V-245

2 more NHTSA investigations

Defect Petition DP05-001: INOPERATIVE TAIL LAMPS
Closed February 22, 2005
Preliminary Evaluation PE99-064: POST-COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY
Closed February 11, 2000
- Recall 99V-345

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY

NHTSA #05V245000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported June 2, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 291,652 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 05052 · Owners notified October 17, 2005 · Vehicles built May 1, 1999 – July 31, 2000 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 05052.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

GM/IGNITION CONTROL MODULE

NHTSA #03V231000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Module · NHTSA notice

Reported June 23, 2003 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 239,993 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 03033/03-C-06 · Owners notified July 1, 2003 · Vehicles built June 11, 2002 – June 12, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L L4 (L61) ENGINES, A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION IN IDLE QUALITY, REDUCTION IN OVERALL ENGINE POWER, AND THE VEHICLE MAY BE HARD TO START. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AFTER SUCH AN IGNITION MODULE FAILURE WILL RESULT IN THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT FLASHING, AND MAY LEAD TO SECONDARY FAILURES OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND EXHAUST RESONATOR.

Safety consequence

FAILURE OF THE RESONATOR WILL CAUSE INCREASED EXHAUST NOISE. PROLONGED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING A RESONATOR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL (1) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, (2) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND SPARK PLUGS, OR (3) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SPARK PLUGS, AND UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT 3.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 03033/SATURN RECALL NO. 03-C-06.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/FMVSS 209/TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLES

NHTSA #00V228003 · Seat Belts · NHTSA notice

Reported August 7, 2000 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 156,305 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 00067 · Owners notified August 24, 2000 · Vehicles built April 1, 2000 – May 31, 2000 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 24, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020; GMC AT 1-800-462-8782; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537; PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737; OR SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/FUEL TANK RELIEF VALVE

NHTSA #99V345000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage · NHTSA notice

Reported December 2, 1999 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 36,848 vehicles

Owners notified December 1, 1999 · Vehicles built May 1, 1998 – October 31, 1999 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES IN THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVER PRESSURE RELIEF (OPR) VALVE THAT CAN BECOME STUCK OPEN IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. IF THE VEHICLE ROLLS OVER, FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR.

Safety consequence

IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD RESULT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY SEAL THE OUTLET PORT OF THE OPR VALVE.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT #3.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/FMVSS 108/TURN SIGNAL LAMPS

NHTSA #99V199000 · Exterior Lighting — Turn Signal — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported July 26, 1999 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 1,395 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 99045/00-C-03 · Owners notified July 23, 1999 · Vehicles built May 1, 1999 – July 20, 1999 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

OTHER DRIVERS MAY NOT BE ALERTED THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH ASSEMBLY.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 23, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT 3. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/FMVSS 301/FUEL TANK VALVE

NHTSA #99V197000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported July 26, 1999 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 1,300 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 99042/00-C-01 · Owners notified July 23, 1999 · Vehicles built May 1, 1999 – July 20, 1999 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH AN INOPERATIVE VALVE WITHIN THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.

Safety consequence

IF A VEHICLE WITH AN INOPERATIVE VALVE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER, FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES TO ENSURE THAT THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY VALVE IS OPERATING AS INTENDED. THEY WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY.

Notes

2000 Saturn LS 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 2, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

7 investigations

382 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2000 Saturn LS.

Service Brakes

ODI #11593168

Incident: June 1, 2011 · Filed: June 7, 2024

I am listing this vehicle identification number to fulfill your request on the safety complaint form, however I believe what I am about to share is an issue that applies to all vehicles on the road today, regardless of their source of motive power, if they have a hydraulic-brake system. I believe the current federal specifications for brake lines are too susceptible to corrosion, and although the materials brake lines are made of on most vehicles, probably meet Federal standards. Federal standards for this and other vehicle parts should evolve more frequently, sensitive to modernization and field experience. Corrosion-resistant brake lines are available and Federal statutes should be upgraded to specify they be constructed of more durable material and also be positioned in vehicles to increase their ease of replacement. Replacement of just the rusted sections of my rear brake lines cost me approximately $3000, and most of that cost was driven by brake line inaccessibility. Brake lines are typically one of the first components installed during vehicle assembly and several layers of components are then placed over them. Given the difficulty of replacement they should be one of the most durable components in the vehicle and calculated to last an appropriate multiple of the vehicle’s service life that is economically feasible.

Suspension; Seat Belts; Engine

ODI #11329340

Incident: June 11, 2020 · Filed: June 17, 2020

THE WHOLE SUBFRAME ON MY 2000 SATURN LS IS ROTTED SO BAD THAT I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED WITH MY CAR NOT STARTING AND PUTTING IT UP ON A LIFT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THAT NOT STARTING PROBLEM IS A BAD RESONATOR, BUT IN THE PROCESS THE SUBFRAME WAS FOUND TO BE SERIOUSLY ROTTED AWAY. *TR

Electrical System; Service Brakes; Engine

ODI #11072426

Incident: January 31, 2018 · Filed: February 12, 2018

CAR LEAKING OIL - NOW ENGINE TROUBLE

Structure

ODI #11019886

Incident: February 24, 2016 · Filed: August 26, 2017

NOTHING, THANK GOD HAD HAPPENED YET, BUT IT WILL IN A MATTER OF TIME, HOW MUCH TIME I HAVE NO IDEA. THE PROBLEM IS THE MOTOR CRADLE OR FRAME IS RUSTING OUT, THE FRONT WHERE THE MOTOR SETS HAD WHOLES RUSTED IN IT, THE WHOLE THING IS RUSTING AWAY.

Unknown or Other

ODI #10967286

Incident: February 20, 2017 · Filed: March 20, 2017

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE MY TIMING CHAIN SNAPPED. CAR LOST POWER AND PUT ME AND MY FAMILY AT RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.

Engine

ODI #10898357

Incident: July 14, 2008 · Filed: August 24, 2016

REF: 07V519 I AM FILLING THIS COMPLAINT CONCERNING MY 2000 SATURN LS1 2.2L ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING ON A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FREEWAY IN JULY 2008 MY TIMING CHAIN BROKE. THIS CAUSED US TO TRY AND GET TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FREEWAY, A VERY NERVE-RACKING SITUATION. AFTER TALKING TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SEVERAL INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS I ELECTED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE INSTEAD OF FIXING THE TIMING CHAIN AND THE OTHER DAMAGE THAT WAS CAUSED IN THE BROKEN TIMING CHAIN. THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED BY CLAREMONT AUTO CENTER IN POMONA CA ON 14/JULY/2008. IF NECESSARY I SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET A COPY OF THE REPAIR BILL.

Engine

ODI #10889243

Incident: June 13, 2016 · Filed: July 28, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE WHERE THE TIMING BELT PREMATURELY FRACTURED INTO THE MOTOR AND FRACTURED THE VALVES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Exterior Lighting

ODI #10864012

Incident: March 15, 2016 · Filed: May 9, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE TURN SIGNAL DID NOT AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGE. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANUALLY DISENGAGE THE SIGNAL. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL CANCEL CAM ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,704.

Steering; Structure

ODI #10794345

Incident: November 16, 2015 · Filed: November 17, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM BOTH THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION AROUND ALL OF THE WHEEL WELLS AND THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Exterior Lighting

ODI #10758726

Fire

Incident: August 23, 2015 · Filed: August 24, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE HIGH BEAMS ACTIVATED WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED. THE HIGH BEAMS FAILED TO TURN OFF CAUSING THE CONTACT TO DETACH THE HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 152,680.

Other Saturn LS model years

Check your 2000 Saturn LS VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Saturn LS at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Saturn VIN