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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2003 > Saturn > L300

2003 SATURN L300
Sedan 4 DR
Front wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2003 SATURN L300. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used SATURN.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 4 of 5  
Passenger Rating 5 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Rating 3 of 5  
Rear Seat Rating 5 of 5  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Rating 4 of 5  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   A
Structure/Safety Cage   A
Injury Measures  
Head/Neck   G
Chest   G
Leg/foot, left   G
Leg/foot, right   P
Restraints/dummy kinematics   A
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. <p>The Saturn L Series was introduced in the 2000 model year and discontinued after a limited number of 2005 models were manufactured.</p> Dummy movement was reasonably well controlled. During rebound from the airbag, the dummy moved toward the driver door, and its head went partway through the open window. Then the head moved back in and hit the B-pillar and top of the door opening. Measures taken from the head, neck, and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the right tibia indicate that injuries to the lower leg would be likely. Head acceleration from the B-pillar hit was low. 2000 Saturn LS2 4-door 3192 none 106 190 69 3.0 L V6 20 26

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Side Impact Crash Test Rating:  
Overall Evaluation   P
Structure/safety cage   P
Injury Measures
Driver Passenger
3210 standard front and rear head curtain airbags 106 190 68 3.0 L V6 20 28 Measures taken from the dummy indicate that rib fractures and/or internal organ injuries plus a fracture of the pelvis would be likely in a crash of this severity. In addition, loading to the shoulder was excessive. Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity. The dummy's head was protected from impact with any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof. 2004 Saturn L300.2 4-door <p>The Saturn L Series was introduced in the 2000 model year. Side curtain airbags for drivers' and front and rear outboard passengers' heads were made optional on 2001 models and standard beginning with 2002 models. The L Series was discontinued after a limited number of 2005 models were manufactured.</p> The dummy's head brushed past the side curtain airbag and was hit by the intruding barrier. This impact did not produce high head injury measures, but head hits with intruding objects such as other vehicles, trees, and poles should be prevented.
Head Protection
  P   G
Head/neck
  G   G
Torso
  P   G
Pelvis/Leg
  P   G

Crash Tested Vehicle: standard front and rear head curtain airbags
Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2003 SATURN L300 . The crashworthiness data for this 2003 SATURN L300 was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2003 SATURN L300 bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) does not provide injury, collision or theft information for this 2003 SATURN L300 .

Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index No data from HLDI No data from HLDI
Collision Index No data from HLDI No data from HLDI
Theft Index No data from HLDI No data from HLDI


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. Injury, collision, and theft indicators are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2003 SATURN L300 by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2003 SATURN L300 still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: 10-29-2002
Units potentially affected: 1,448
NHTSA campaign number: 02V283000
Defective part or component: VISUAL SYSTEMS:WINDSHIELD WIPER:MOTOR
Description: Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles exhibit a condition in which the windshield wiper motor could fail during use because of improper manufacture. If this were to occur in severe weather, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a vehicle crash. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor assembly. Owner notification began October 28, 2002. 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 or Hummer at 1-866-486-6376.
Recall date: 07-01-2003
Units potentially affected: 239,993
NHTSA campaign number: 03V231000
Defective part or component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
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. Failure of the resonator will cause increased exhaust noise. Prolonged operation of the vehicle following a resonator failure may lead to a fire. 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.


This 2003 SATURN L300 safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 3 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 3 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 4 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 3 of 5
  Performance Rating 3 of 5
  Comfort Rating 3.5 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 3 of 5
  Style Rating 3 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 3.5 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 4 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 2.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 3.5 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor. This can cause drivability complaints along with the setting of Diagnostic Trouble Codes. The cost to replace the MAF Sensor is estimated at $101.77 for parts and $32.50 for labor. All prices are estimated based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable taxes. Moderate Problems
Transmission & Driveline Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2003 SATURN L300 reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Cost of Ownership (2003 - 2007):
Category:    L300 4 Dr Sedan:
Depreciation $13,169
Financing $2,985
Insurance $5,935
State Fees $404
Fuel $3,861
Maintenance $1,771
Repairs $664
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $28,789

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Emissions No data from source  
Corrosion 6 years or 100,000 miles  
Transferable No data from source  
Roadside Assistance No data from source  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Additional factory coverage can be purchased to extend full coverage. Vehicles with VTI Transmission receive additional coverage for a period of 5/75,000 miles from the original in service date. All Saturn ION and VUE vehicles produced since the summer of 2002, equipped with Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), have extended warranty coverage on the transmission from 3/36,000 to 5/75,000. Includes courtesy transportation, roadside assistance, transferable, no deductible. Includes towing coverage. Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details.  

This 2003 SATURN L300 warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

Ring in the New.
By John Matras, NewCarTestDrive.com

Saturn believes in treating its customers well and that may be the best reason to buy an L-Series sedan or wagon. The L-Series cars deliver value to the mid-size, mid-price level and it's wrapped in a slicker and more handsome wrapper for 2003. The Saturn L-Series cars offer responsive handling and decent performance, though they are not as refined as some of the other mid-size cars. Side-curtain airbags and other safety features enhance the value of the Saturn L-Series.

Overview:

When the Saturn L-Series sedans were introduced, they were styled to look like the smaller S-Series Saturns, only bigger. It's not uncommon for automakers to give their products a family resemblance, but the styling of the S-Series was tired, soon to be replaced by the Ion. Combined with a more lackluster impact on the market than Saturn brass would have preferred, the L-Series went to the beauty parlor for a major makeover for 2003. The result is a mid-size Saturn in a new, more attractive wrapper.

What hasn't changed is Saturn's simplicity, economy, performance, and dent-resistant composite-plastic side panels.

The Saturn L-Series continues to be stuffed with value. Head-curtain airbags, automatic headlamps and ABS with traction control are standard on all models. Options include OnStar and a DVD entertainment center that's a segment exclusive. Floor mats and anti-lock brakes are optional, however.

Saturn's legendary customer service also remains, a key attraction for buyers who want a pleasant buying experience and a friendly service.

Read the complete 2003 Saturn L-Series review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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