2001 Saturn SC: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 21 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags; the 2000 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Vehicle leaks fuel when filled with gasoline at pump. If operator fills vehicle till the pump stops vehicle will leak fuel after roughly 15 seconds of pump stopping. The vehicle will only drip a small puddle of fuel. Vehicle could leak more if vehicle is at an incline or rolled. This has occurred at multiple pump at stations of differing brands. Over the span of weeks.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2022
“Air bags, name unknown, opened after hitting a curb in a parking lot, approx. Less than10mph. No dents, no damage, I was bruised but I'm ok, is my air bags a recall, should air bags pop out after bumping a curb, thank goodness I didn't have my grandchild with me, or any body!! Can you let me know why this would happen, thank you. Updated 08/28/2017*js”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn sc. When the contact inserted the key into the ignition, the key would not turn to the on position properly. In order for the vehicle to start, the contact had to tamper with the key and ignition switch. The contact also stated that the key would eject from the ignition while driving at any speed. A mechanic stated that the ignition switch malfunctioned. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“While the car was being tested in the shop, a fuse was replaced. A fire started in the electrical system. According to the dodge dealership, this is a common problem with saturns. The dodge dealership checked with a general motors who verified that it is not uncommon for saturns to catch on fire. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2014
“Key switch no longer works on my 2001 saturn sc2. Dealer wants $400 to fix because car is out of warranty. . My key still works on the doors and trunk. I have a '53 chevrolet with the original key and it still works. I understand this is a problem with all saturns. *tr”Owner report · Equipment · Oct 2009
“My daughter katie was driving her car around a curved exit ramp when the steering seemed to fail. The car veered wildly back and forth, and the brakes were unresponsive as well. She made minor corrections to the steering until it finally began to straighten out. Then a fox ran across the road, she jerked reflexively, and the car veered into a ditch and rolled. Luckily she was uninjured except for scrapes, however the car was totaled - windshield smashed, roof smashed, passenger side smashed, and so on. Had there been a passenger there would have been a serious injury. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2008
“Vehicle involved in front impact accident, rear-ending a non-moving vehicle at approximately 30 mph on impact (straight-on and center). Airbag did not deploy, driver sustained head injury. Vehicle damage included front bumper & hood. *nm”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2006
“The consumer was able to remove the key from the ignition while drivng. The consumer was also able to start the vehicle with a key other than the one which was designed for the vehicle. *jb *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2005
“2001 saturn sc1 has moisture in the headlamps. Currently does not pose a problem but may limit the output of light. I have been told by saturn mechanics that it will not pass inspection and it is a known problem, yet does not have a recall. *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · May 2004
“While traveling on the highway without prior warning the check engine light will appear on the dashboard. Please fill in additional information dealer is aware of the problem.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INADEQUATE VENT VALVE WELD ON THE TOP PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ENSURE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE IS PROPERLY WELDED. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED.
Remedy: SATURN IS ASKING OWNERS AND RETAILERS TO PERFORM A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY OPERATION, AND IF NECESSARY, TO HAVE THE CABLE ADJUSTED. IF OWNERS ARE NOT COMFORTABLE PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONAL CHECK THEMSELVES, THEY CAN HAVE THEIR DEALER PERFORM THIS INSPECTION FOR THEM.
How other years compare
Check your exact SC by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Saturn SC reliable?
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Saturn SC. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2001 Saturn SC have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.