2001 Saturn SL: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 111 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My saturn that I've been driving for about a year and a half now, completely cut off in the middle of me driving it. Luckily I was at a drive they so so serious damage to me or anyone else. Could not get it to start back up for a good 5-10 mins. Also the transmission is going out in it and I'm constantly having to add fluid so it doesnt skip. The rear tail lights keep having to be replaced because they keep blowing out.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Sep 2015
“Our daughter was involved in a motor vehicle accident on 10/9/2014. A vehicle pulled out in front of her. Our daughter was not able to stop in time and hit the vehicle with the front end of the saturn to the drivers door of the other vehicle. Air bags did not deploy but we believe they should have. Our daughter sustained injuries. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2014
“The security light on the dash board turn on and the wheel turn to the right side by it self and the car turn off and won't start again until the security light is off. This is the third time that happened wile driving with my son inside the car. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“While accelerating from a light up to ~20mph there was the smell of brake fluid/rubber burning. When traffic slowed again brakes had no response even when press all the way to the floor. Car was stopped in time to avoid accident by application of emergency brake and placing the car in neutral. Pumping the brakes failed to regain pressure though after driving to the side of the road with ebrake and restarting car a hard pump of the brakes had some resistance. Further cautious driving and pressure rebuilt. After inspection at the shop no explanation for the event could be found. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2014
“After the key is inserted in the ignition cylinder it will not engage and turn to start the vehicle. The lock remains stuck in the "off" position. Over the past several months the problem has become consistently worse. We have been stranded numerous occasions unable to start the vehicle. While the vehicle is running we are able to remove the key from the ignition. I have researched the internet and found this is a common issue with saturn's vehicles. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn sl. The contact stated that the anti theft warning lamp illuminated and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the ignition was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 72,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn sl. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, the key intermittently released from the ignition. The failure occurred on two occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2012
“I am seeing a pattern of severe dry rot stress cracks in all, nearly new (less than 12 months old) michelin and uniroyal tires in the tread area first then later the sidewalls, and even goodyear tires in just 1-2 years. All these tires came from walmart. I have them on 6 vehicles, all with the same problems. I have been buying tires for over 38 years, and never had this problem till the last few years. This needs to be investigated and dealt with quickly. I am a degreed chemical engineer and I do all my own auto repairs, even major rebuilds, in other words I am very experienced and I see a very dangerous safety and consumer issue here!!!! *tr”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2012
“I took my saturn in for repair because I was having trouble with the ignition and starting my car. The dealer said that the ignition cylinder binding and column was loose. They replaced the cylinder and code cylinder and secured the steering wheel column. Now the same ignition problem is back but even worse. It takes a series of shakes of my key and moving the steering wheel to even start the car! I hope that I won't get stranded somewhere when this car won't start!!! *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2012
“I have trouble turning the ignition switch. Once started the keys can fall out of the switch. Please add this to the ignition recall because I don't want to die!!!”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2012
When filing, owners marked a crash in 14 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 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.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
How other years compare
Check your exact SL 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 SL reliable?
NHTSA has 111 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Saturn SL. The most complained-about area is electrical system (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Saturn SL problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 64,500 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Saturn SL have open recalls?
3 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.