Recall notice - Taillights

[sierrap615]

As some of you may know by reading this forum the L-series saturns have had numerious problems regarding the taillights, commonly causing the light to be inopertive or function incorrectly(including a few cases i have heard of where the problem backfeeds into the headlight circuit and interior lighting circuits). There has now been a recall issued for these problematic taillights. the recall covers 2000-2002 LS sedans and 2000-2004 LW wagons. the repairs for the recall should begin in september.

Nearly 300,000 Saturn L Series sedans and wagons are being recalled by General Motors because of brake and tail light problems.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the problem could make it difficult for the driver of another vehicle to realize the Saturn's brakes were being applied and lead to a rear-end crash.

GM said the plastic coating in the rear tail lamp assembly could become distorted if the brake light remains on for an extended period of time. It could make the brake or tail light inoperable or cause it to short circuit, leading to the failure of both brake lamps and the center, high-mounted stop lamp.

There have been 50 complaints and two accidents, but no injuries related to the problem.

The defect was found in 2000-2002 model years of the L-Series sedan and 2000-2004 model year L-Series wagon.

Report Date : June 3, 2005 at 10:50 AM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 05V245000
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
SATURN / L-SERIES SEDAN 2000-2002
SATURN / L-SERIES WAGON 2000-2004
Manufacturer : GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 05V245000 Recall Date : MAY 31, 2005
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 291652
Summary:
ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE PLASTIC HOUSING IN THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME DISTORTED IF THE BRAKE LAMPS REMAIN ON FOR AN EXTENDED TIME.
Consequence:
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. A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCING SOCKET ADAPTER (AND CORRESPONDING NEW SOCKET) TO THE BACK OF THE EXISTING LAMP ASSEMBLY. IF NECESSARY, THE REINFORCING SOCKET ADAPTER WILL BE INSTALLED INTO A NEW LAMP ASSEMBLY AND THEN INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
Notes:
GM RECALL NO. 05052. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.

here is a link to the NHTSA - http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : 05V245000

[crcendo]

Will they be issuing reimbursements to people who have purchased new tail lamp units in order to have a safe (safety inspectable vehicle) for their families?

I for one just spent $200 on tail lamps about a month ago. I would like to be compensated for this problem that Saturn have deemed necessary to issue a recall.

[sierrap615]

normally they will send a reinbursement forum with the recall notice, keep you receipts.

[Flatrater]

Yes reimbursements will be given. You will get a from with your recall letter telling you how to file a claim. You are due your money you spent but be aware this process can take a month to 2 month to get a check into your hands. If you have any questions call the Saturn customer assisstance phone number.

[goyim]

Is my car on the list? I have not recv. anything yet

[goyim]

I have an LW300 2003

[sierrap615]

updated NHTSA report-

THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2005

all LWs 2000-2004 are involved - call your local Saturn dealership or the 800 number listed above in the remedy secton of the second quote

[holdemjunkie]

GM recalled the tail lights because of fire hazzard to the owners car. The bulbs are getting so hot and melting the plastic around the bulb. GM messed the lights up on the whole back end of the L series, every 1 that comes in to the shop with 1 complanes. The high mount brake lights are always burnt out or have a bad conection so you have to wiggle them around to get them to work, and those bulbs are not cheap, like 20 bucks a bulb!!

[holdemjunkie]

Sorry everybody, I got the recall with L series mixed up with the ion, sierrap615 was right about the recall, sorry ppl