Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine And Engine Cooling — runs 3.8× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
493Complaints
3Recalls
12Crashes
12Fires
8Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Engine And Engine Cooling (18.9% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints here are 3.8× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine And Engine Cooling
93 · 18.9%
not available
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
73 · 14.8%
not available
—
Electrical System
62 · 12.6%
Recalled
Recall 03V231000
Engine
43 · 8.7%
not available
—
Exterior Lighting:headlights
27 · 5.5%
Recalled
Recall 05V245000
Fuel System, Gasoline
24 · 4.9%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS22 · 4.5%
SUSPENSION12 · 2.4%
POWER TRAIN12 · 2.4%
Percentages are the share of the 493 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT OPENS A FUSE CAUSING INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS (INCLUDING THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP) OR TAIL LAMPS.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED IN CRASH, THE RIGHT AND CENTER REAR SEAT OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
FAILURE OF THE RESONATOR WILL CAUSE INCREASED EXHAUST NOISE. PROLONGED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING A RESONATOR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE DRIVE SHAFT REPLACED, THE MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED, THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY REPLACED…”NHTSA complaint 10126779 — filed 06/27/2005 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER RESTARTED VEHICLE, AND IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE…”NHTSA complaint 10071497 — filed 04/23/2004 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Saturn LS?
Engine and engine cooling issues are the most-reported category, cited in 93 of 493 NHTSA complaints (18.9%), followed by engine and engine cooling:engine (73), electrical system (62), engine (43). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2002 Saturn LS have?
493 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 12 involved a crash, 12 involved a fire, and 8 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2002 Saturn LS have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 05V245000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2002 Saturn LS's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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