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Electrical system

Saturn L Electrical problems by year

80 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Saturn L's electrical system. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.

Electrical complaints by model year

YearElectrical complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
200180200

Latest L electrical complaints

2001 Saturn LEngine & coolingTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

Well first my engine control monitor is sending a bunch of random off codes from ma's air sensor vol low to crankshaft sensor volume low to o2 sensors to transmission codes, my side airbag on driver side blue up out of no were my key fob stopped reading and now my car won't start I know all of a sudden it's sending off codes for camshaft sensor and o2 sensors I believe there should be a recall on the ecm it's a very expensive replacement that seems to be a common failure it's dangers and defective.My car locked up...

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in middle of I busy intersection do to these codes and low voltage readings my name is [[redacted]] I live at [[redacted]] my #[[redacted]] accident date 10/17/2017 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Electrical systemNHTSA 11035138
2001 Saturn LElectrical systemLightsFuel system

The saturn l series when filled with gasoline will stall causing imminent harm to the driver, passengers, and any other cars on the road. In addition, the dashboard at night is so dim that it cannot be seen by the driver. There are several electrical failures involving this vehicle.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11011455
2001 Saturn LElectrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn l100 (na). The contact stated that the ignition was stuck in the accessory mode and would not shift to the locked position. The contact stated that the key could be removed from the ignition, but the accessory mode was still engaged. As a result, the doors on the vehicle could not be locked. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000. ...Updated 08/15/16 *bf the consumer stated she was able to remove the key from the ignition, while the vehicle was in motion. Updated 08/17/16.*Jb

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10884072
2001 Saturn LElectrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the ignition key disengaged from the ignition switch without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10652513
2001 Saturn LSteeringElectrical systemAirbagsBrakesCrashFire2 deaths

My daughter [[redacted]] was the passenger and [[redacted]] was driver. The kids went for drive and were found the next early morning around 6am. The car was so burned and destroyed the kids could not be identified, and all who were there questioned the straight tire tracks without any correction or over correction in the steering of tire tracks, no braking in the county road tracks, and with fracture and damage of the skull area we later were told that the air bags never deployed! The tracks were approx 150...

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yrds long and went at an angle of perfection gradually pointing towards a ravine that would end both of the kids lives. We sent a forensic specialist to look at car 2 months later and was told to save our money on full report because the specialist said the car was so destroyed he couldn't make heads or tails as to a case against gm. With new evidence on gm there is no doubt to anyone at crash site as to what happened! The ignition switch testimonials we have seen and read by survivors spell out what happened in the 01car saturn that day that claimed my daughter [[redacted]] life. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Air bags · Service brakesNHTSA 10606044
2001 Saturn LElectrical systemFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls. The contact stated while driving 20 mph the cruise control independently engaged and the contact noticed smoke coming from the steering column. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence; however, the following day when the contact started the vehicle, the windshield wipers independently engaged. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10598617
2001 Saturn LElectrical systemFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls200. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, smoke started to emit from the ignition switch. The switch then burst into flames. The contact was able to exit the vehicle without injury. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition control module and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The approximate failure and current mileage was 221,744.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10587832
2001 Saturn LElectrical systemAirbagsBrakes

I am the second owner of this vehicle. There have been numerous recall issues associated with this vehicle, most of these issues are safety related. This auto is my sole means of transport. I have a 2 month old grandson who lives with me, and I have no clue if any of these recall issues have been rectified, aside from the "brake lamps adapter" which has not been fixed. I have no brake lights except for the roofline anti-collision lamps. Repeated attempts to get a hard copy of recall items as being fixed, have been...

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met with no response. I spoke to a gm rep, who told me the issues were over 10 years and to file a suit in small claims court. I have no money to do the work ordered by the fed, via nhtsa. The taillamps are damaged beyond repair (as the insert was not installed in this vehicle) the airbags, have either two times the "generant" or no generant at all. I replaced the original ignition coil, out of pocket $165.00. I do not understand how gm can be allowed to skirt/ignore recall issues, and this ongoing bs, is taking away time that could be better spent. God help someone at gm, if I am involved in an accident and my grandson is in any way hurt, as a result of gm's "[[redacted]]" attitude. I am a disabled vietnam veteran (usarmy 101st abn dvn) and my patience is fast waning! I write to you in hopes of getting these issues resolved, or am I wasting my time, as I'm beginning to believe. A written response would be of some comfort, as I'll know that someone bothered to read my running diatribe. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr updated 9/25/2014 *js

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bags · Service brakesNHTSA 10579159
2001 Saturn LElectrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn lw300. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while driving at various speeds. The failure was experienced numerous times. The manufacturer advised the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number 14v047000 (air bags,electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 145,000 and the current mileage was 162,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10574968
2001 Saturn LEngine & coolingElectrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlFire

I have had multiple problems with this car, I have had issues with the catalytic converter, a fire in the resonator and 4 or 5 times where the car just stops running and I'm not able to get it to start again for a while. The car has accelerated when my foot was not even on the peddle making me go 65 in 30 with no control over the vehicle. I have also had times where the gas peddle was stuck and I was unable to slow down even when slamming on the brakes. At stop lights the wheels keep spinning when my foot is on the brake and the car moves into the intersection. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical system · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10572538
2001 Saturn LElectrical systemLightsBrakes

2Nd owner of vehicle, tail lamps had over heating issue, nhtsa issued recall on 2 june 2005, saturn refuses to address the issue, saying auto is to old. Date for fixing issue is 10 years from date bulletin was issued. Was told by a saturn "customer care rep." That adapters were installed in feb 2009. Auto wasn't registered in 2009, and no adapters have ever been installed. I am a disabled vietnam veteran living on a very meager monthly income and can't afford to replace these lamps. I am driving this auto with no...

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brake lights, aside from anti-collision lamp at top of rear windshield. I hope this letter has more impact than I've been able to achieve, as of today. Any help would be greatly appreciated. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Service brakesNHTSA 10563367
2001 Saturn LElectrical system

The security system in my 2001 saturn l100 is defective, as many other vehicles of this model and year are experiencing the same problem. After consulting with "customer service rep" (ha!Ha!) Told to take the car to dealership & technicians will reset the security system. This is a craftsmanship issue caused by defective item. General motors has lost a longtime "be american~ buy american" car buyer. This is theft plain and simple! *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10512644
2001 Saturn LElectrical systemEquipment & accessoriesFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. While parked, the contact noticed that the air conditioner would not activate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostics where the technician stated that the wiring harness was found to have been melted. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000. ..Updated 09-26-12 *bf updated 10/01/2012 *js

Filed Incident Electrical system · EquipmentNHTSA 10472938
2001 Saturn LElectrical system

The security light blinks constantly all night long running down my battery in turn the car wont start , I have had the bcm replaced which the dealer said was bad , have had battery replaced and still having the same problem one tech. Says the light is suppose to blink all night another electrical tech says it not the manual say it will blink twice to let you know it is armed. It has cost me a thousand dollars already and the car is still having the same problem. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10467795

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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