2000 Saturn Ls Problems
The 2000 Saturn LS has 416 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls, with engine problems dominating the reports. Based on 416 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2000 Saturn Ls has 416 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2000 Saturn Ls Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2000 Saturn Ls trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2000 Saturn Ls Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
SATURN LS (2000) has 416 NHTSA complaints, with engine problems (153) and electrical faults (65) as top issues. Six recalls were issued. Buyers should inspect thoroughly. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Saturn
- Model
- Ls
- Model year
- 2000
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 416
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2000 Saturn Ls problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Headlight/Taillight Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2000 Saturn Ls?
The 2000 Saturn LS is a high-risk choice due to frequent engine and electrical issues. Only consider if you are prepared for potential repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Engine problems and electrical faults are the top complaints, which can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. Headlight failures also pose visibility risks.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to invest in repairs or a mechanically inclined owner who can address common issues.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable, low-maintenance vehicle should avoid this year due to high complaint counts.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2000 Saturn Ls
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for signs of overheating, stalling, or oil leaks.
- Check all electrical systems including windows, locks, and dashboard lights.
- Verify headlights and taillights function properly.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for common issues like stalling or overheating.
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and headlight repairs.
- Test drive to check for steering or suspension problems.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2000 Saturn Ls, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2000 Saturn LS shows a high volume of owner complaints, particularly for engine problems (153), electrical faults (65), and headlight/taillight failures (62). With 6 recalls and 10 crash-related complaints, buyers should approach this model year with caution. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Data for other model years is not provided, so no comparison can be made.
Recall context: With 6 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Engine problems account for 153 of 416 total complaints.
- Electrical faults total 65 complaints.
- Headlight/taillight failures account for 62 complaints.
- Engine Problems (153 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (65 complaints)
- Headlight/Taillight Failures (62 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2000 Saturn Ls complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2000 Saturn Ls. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 153 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 65 | — | 3 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 62 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 35 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 29 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 28 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 25 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 20 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 8 | 5 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Other | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2000 Saturn Ls. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 …
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…
CAR LEAKING OIL - NOW ENGINE TROUBLE
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.
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE MY TIMING CHAIN SNAPPED. CAR LOST POWER AND PUT ME AND MY FAMILY AT RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.
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-RACKIN…
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…
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 CANCE…
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…
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 V…
TOOK CAR TO HAVE STRUTS REPLACED AND WAS TOLD THE SUB FRAME HAD RUSTED AWAY TO MAKE THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE,ALWAYS CHECKED THE BODY AND FRAME YEARLY FOR RUST ON CHASSIS AND UNI BODY SO THERE WOULD NOT BE ANY POTENTIAL PROBLEM S. I LIVE IN THE NORTHEAST PART OF THE USA.. THE PRO…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION THAT BURNED THE SOCKETS AND WIRES CAUSING THE BULBS TO SHORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN L SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER INADVERTENTLY PULLED THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE P…
I WAS DRIVING A 98 TOYOTA TACOMA ON A 45 MPH HIGHWAY WHEN A PEDESTRIAN IN THE ROAD CAUSED ALL LANES OF TRAFFIC TO SUDDENLY STOP. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME AND WENT INTO THE MEDIAN TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. I WAS UNABLE TO KEEP MY VEHICLE IN THE MEDIAN AND STRUCK THE 2000 SATURN …
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR SATURN 2000 LS "KEY CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHEN THE IGNITION IS NOT IN THE "OFF" POSITION. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING OUR SATURN LS. WE HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON OUR SATURN VUE SUV REGARDING "KEY TO BE REMOVED FROM THE I…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO TURN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE KEY WOULD TURN AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUF…
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SATURN LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE SHOOK, THE ENGINE ROARED AS THE RPMS DECREASED. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE BODY CONTROL MODULE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND THE TIMING CHAIN, TEN…
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A TUNE UP AND FOUND OUT THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER HAD GONE BAD DESTROYING MY MOTOR. *TR
I HAVE A 2000 SATURN LS 1 THAT I HAD BOUGHT IN JUNE 14 2012 @ THE US TRUCK & AUTO ON US. 31 SOUTH HERE IN TRAVERSE CITY MICHIGAN 49685. THE SALESPERSON'S NAME IS[XXX]. I WAS ON CRAIGS LIST LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE CAR AND I CAME UPON US TRUCK & AUTO AND WYANE WOULD NOT LET …
CAR RUNS OK AND AFTER 1 HOUR OF RUNNING AND YOU SHUT IT DOWN IT WONT START. I'VE REPLACE IGNITION SWITCH, NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH, CRANK SENSOR. AND PROBLEM REMAINS' HAVE TO JUMP OUT THE STARTER IT ORDER TO START IT. I THINK THE IGNITION HOUSING AND KEY SWITCH IS DEFECTIVE. I GOT N…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2000 Saturn Ls.
Safety recalls
2000 Saturn Ls recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2000 Saturn Ls. With 6 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
SEAT BELTS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2000 Saturn Ls buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2000 Saturn Ls reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 416 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2000 Saturn LS is a high-risk choice due to frequent engine and electrical issues. Only consider if you are prepared for potential repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Saturn Ls?▾
#1: Engine Problems (153 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (65 complaints). #3: Headlight/Taillight Failures (62 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2000 Saturn Ls?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2000 Saturn Ls?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2000 Saturn Ls, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 416 total complaints. 16 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2000 Saturn Ls have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2000 Saturn Ls. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS. With 6 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2000 Saturn Ls?▾
The 2000 Saturn LS is a high-risk choice due to frequent engine and electrical issues. Only consider if you are prepared for potential repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Engine problems and electrical faults are the top complaints, which can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. Headlight failures also pose visibility risks. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Saturn Ls reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2000 Saturn Ls based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.