KnownCarProblems2005 Saturn L300 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 25 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Saturn L300, most often about the electrical (28% of complaints, typically around 23,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about L300 model year since 2000.
Complaints25
Recalls0
Crashes reported1
Fires reported0
Injuries reported0
Most common 2005 Saturn L300 problems
Electrical
7 complaints · 28%Half of these problems showed up before 23,000 miles.
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…
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn L300. The contact stated that while attempting to turn off the engine, the key was out of the ignition switch but the engine was still running. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The…
Engine
5 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 16,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
The car routinely would not start or would start and stall out on the first start of the day or after sitting for several hours. The vehicle would appear to run normally after the vehicle started on the second or third attempt. The vehicle could then be started and turned off normally. If the vehicle sat again then…
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn L300. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the serpentine belt had fractured and entered into the engine compartment. In addition, the mechanic noticed a large hole in the…
Suspension
3 complaints · 12%Parts named most often: rear.
4/1/06-loud thumping while driving. Rear 2 tires cupping. Saturn stated it was a design flaw and said it needed a bolt shim kit and 2 new tires. 4/11/06-Saturn put on bolt shim kit, 2 new tires and aligned the car. 7/8/06-loud thumping while driving. Rear 2 tires cupping. Saturn stated that I would have to replace the…
Transmission
3 complaints · 12%Parts named most often: driveline.
The contact owns a 2005 Saturn L300. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the transmission shifted violently and jerked. The failure occurred more frequently in warm weather temperatures. In addition, the air conditioner/heater failed to operate to the desired selection and did not circulate the…
While driving on the highway around 55mph the car would suddenly lose throttle response. All the engine lights would come on and the car would shake violently until I turn it off and then back on. Once I do that the car drives but shifts violently. Was told it was a PCM failure. Occurs more often in cold weather. It…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2005 Saturn L300 recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2005 Saturn L300
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Saturn L300?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (7 complaints, typically around 23,000 miles); engine (5 complaints, typically around 16,000 miles); suspension (3 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2005 Saturn L300 have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2005 Saturn L300. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2005 a bad year for the Saturn L300?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about L300 model year since 2000, with 25 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.