22nd Jun 2006, 10:31

Can agree to some of the comments on L300 2001 which I own too. The key is definitely extremely hot in ignition, asked the dealership (Sunnyvale, CA) they siad it's normal and as expected. Power steering is leaking, in-cabin break light bulbs burn out too frequent, battery dies for no reason - I've got the car in 2002 with the original new battery and already had to replace 2 batteries. Is there anything wrong with the electrical system in L300? I've got a Mazda Protege 1996 running the same original battery.

10th Jul 2006, 17:00

My fiance and I bought a 2001 Saturn L300 from a "buy here, pay here" place. The first year the car ran great. However, we have had nothing but problems for the last year.

It has been in ths shop more than 7 times in the last year. Our chief complaint everytime we take it in is:

1) That the car will turn over, but it won't start, and...

2) The car will start and then stall out for no reason.

Our latest repair was this afternoon. We took it in thinking it was the fuel pump, because that is what we were told at a muffler place. Saturn told us that was not the problem. Supposedly, the problem was with the mass flow ($172).

Two miles after leaving the dealership, the car stalled. We immediately took it back. They hooked it up to their diagnostics machine for a second time in that hour, and miraculously, a new code came up. Not even ten minutes later, we had to pay just over $100 to replace the crank sensor.

The check engine light is still on, and I noticed on their paperwork they wrote that we refused further repair. This is not true. We were never told of what else needed to be repaired until they had already given us the key.

I hate this car with a passion. I have two small children, and I fear for their safety in this car. It still is not fixed completely, and with the cost of parts alone, our money has been depleted.

15th Jul 2006, 22:03

I am in shock at reading all of these comments that sound as if I wrote them.

I bought an L300 '03 and have driven it 97K miles without trouble and doing the normal oil changes, tire rotation, etc... However since 4/06 I have replaced two fuel pumps and a throttle body assembly. The car started stalling WHILE I was driving down the road. This kept happening despite the repairs. The dealer can't figure out what is wrong with it, it now won't even throw a code that it previously stalled. I did just find the recall on the ignition module system. I've spoken to Saturn corp and yet no one has told of this recall...hmmm, ya think they don't want to pay for it. More later while I continue to fight the fight.

I just got the car back after Saturn telling me they don't know what's wrong and no more than a day later it stalled and won't start. FRUSTRATING. I think I'm heading to the BBB Auto Line. No more Saturn's for me.

18th Aug 2006, 00:09

I own an L300 2001. I have many of the same problems as described above. I am currently having problems with my transmission (or so I think it's the transmission). I have taken it to two different mechanics. The first one said that he doesn't have any staff that know the Saturn well enough to diagnose it. He took it to a place where he knew there were staff that knew Saturns. They are telling me that it may not be the transmission, but rather the fuel pump. They can't be sure though because Saturn will not release all the specs they need to determine if it is the pump or not.

The suggested that I take it to the dealership. I'm hesitant to do so, but it seems I have no choice.

I've always thought of Saturn to be such a good company... apparently I thought wrong. They are just like all the other American car companies. I hate to say it, but I will never buy American again (much less a Saturn). I also have a Ford Windstar that I won't even begin to explain all the problems I've had...

31st Aug 2006, 17:51

I am having a problem with my 02 L300 turning over, but not cranking. When it does, the Service Engine Soon light comes on and it shifts so hard I'm sure the transmission will jump right out. My mechanic can't identify the problem, but is afraid it is the computer and warily recommends the dealer. This comes right after eating the second battery in 15 months. I really loved the car, but it is starting to scare me.

1st Sep 2006, 07:30

To the previous poster: sounds like the MAF sensor is bad. When it gives false readings, it tends to make it run poorly and confuse the transmission into shifting very firmly (the MAF gives a signal to the trans that you are under full-throttle acceleration, even when you're not).

It's about $150 installed, or you can do it yourself. This is a common problem on the L81 V6.

If they determine it's not the MAF sensor, check the CPS (crankshaft position sensor), but my money's on the MAF.

5th Sep 2006, 21:22

Suddenly I no longer feel alone. My V6 2001 L300, is the textbook for most all the proceeding situations.

It all began with a service light and a trip to the dealer. I was informed its the OXY sensor and some decayed wiring. I paid my tribute to the dealer and went on about my day. Next afternoon same symptoms.."sensation of a hard shift, rough idling, reduced power light, service engine light and then the dreaded service wrench light: followed by the car stalling, just dying, barely allowing me to coast off the freeway to safety.

Another visit to the dealer "Ooohhh Miss you need a new fuel filter, another oxy sensor {other must have been faulty} and a fuel pump". This after the dealer had it for 3 days and numerous calls to the Engineers in Spring Hill. Who ultimately diagnosed the vehicle. Not so surprisingly at first they could not replicate the symptoms I described. The Tecs even drove it home and no lights and no stalling occurred. I was advised they drove it for over 30 miles in normal comute traffic. But the situation never arose for them..{funny the mileage only went up 1 mile} hmmm... they must of levitated the car or something. Anyway over $400 later they proclaim...fixed! I take it home, hoping the drama is behind me.

The next day while commuting to work the car again stalls. This time graciously allowing me to coast off at my offramp. Oh yeah, this "Miss" is livid.

So at the advice of others I take my car to a "Transmission shop". Within hours and only $45 dollars later they tell me "tranny good"..THROTTLE BODY bad!!.

I return back to the scene to the crime "the dealer," who retains my vehicle for 3 days. I provided them information on the codes, and diagnosis of the "Tranny Shop." Their diagnosis its the "THROTTLE BODY." But to my dismay I'm advised I must pay for the wiring harness and a MAF sensor. My scenario must sound familiar to other L300 series owners. Anyways, I pick up my wonder of American craftsmanship tomorrow. Wish me luck! All I need to do is buy time, till I trade it in Feb. Crossing my fingers, saying a prayer to the auto gods and proclaiming:

"No more Saturns for me!"