'02 L200 premature bulb failure
 

Please have a look at the attached picture of a failed light bulb from the tail light of an '02 Saturn L200. The same bulb (either side tail light/stop light) keeps failing far sooner than it should. I have twisted this situation every way I can possibly think of. I have researched and looked at all information sources available to me. It has been suggested that there may be an over voltage situation which I have considered but logic would dictate if that were the case would it not affect the rest of the bulbs on the car? It does not. Another suggestion has been that the bulbs are getting exposed to moisture. I see no evidence of moisture at all. I am also aware that this vehicle has had a TSB issued with regards to the rear tail light assembly. I have found from that vehicle's history that this modification has been done. I am at my wit's end as to what the problem might be. If you have seen the picture of the bulb that has been removed from this car (and they all look the same - same blue-grey film on the inside) and have any insight over and above what I have looked at, I would be grateful for your input. Thank you!

Call dealer with VIN many L-cars had a free factory fix. Oh and the pictures is worthless, a good camera might be in order.

The "standard" bulb for this applicationhas a fairly thin filament in the bulb, which is subject to premature failure if you drive on/over rough roads. Replace the bulb with a #7443 type ... it has the same electrical ratings, but it has a thicker filament and is therefore more resistant to premature failures .... cost is about the same