KnownCarProblems2001 Saturn SC1 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 25 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Saturn SC1, most often about the transmission (16% of complaints). It is the most complained-about SC1 model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2001 Saturn SC1 problems
Transmission
4 complaints · 16%Parts named most often: manual transmission, automatic transmission.
While driving transmission failed and fluid leaked. Consumer managed to pull over, and had vehicle towed. Dealership mechanic was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
I own a 2001 Saturn sc2 with 84000 miles. A gear in the transaxle differential has worn a hole through the inside of the bell housing causing a major leak. I have contacted 5 transmission shops in my local area and all have seen this problem numerous times. I have contacted my local dealer and the customer service…
Electrical
4 complaints · 16%Parts named most often: ignition, wiring.
While driving in the center lane on a 3-lane highway the vehicle shut off without warning. No lights were visible on the dashboard prior to the engine shutting off. The loss of power steering and power brakes resulted in a loss of control of the vehicle. The car swerved into the right lane striking another motorist…
The contact owns a 2001 Saturn sc2. The contact stated while inserting the key into the ignition, she noticed that the ignition switch was loose. The ignition switch was replaced by the dealer. The failure recurred. The ignition switch was replaced by the dealer august 2003, june 2004 and august 2006. The failure…
Wheels and tires
3 complaints · 12%Parts named most often: sidewall.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Saturn sc2 equipped with sigma supreme tires. While driving various speeds the vehicle would shake. She did not want to provide an approximate speed because the failure occurred while driving at any speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where she was informed that there was…
Speed control
3 complaints · 12%On thursday, february 8, 2007, I was stopped at a stop light on north aurora road in naperville, illinois. When the light turned green, I stepped on the accelerator to proceed through the intersection. At that time, the car revved to 6000 RPM and went from 0-40 MPH. I thought the accelerator must be stuck, so I tried…
Tl contact owns a 2001 Saturn sc2. While driving 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle accelerated. The vehicle accelerated to 55 MPH. The emergency brake was applied, but the failure continued. The RPM's increased. The gear was shifted into park and the vehicle stopped. There were no warning…
Engine
3 complaints · 12%Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
2001 Saturn sc2 bought 2/04 20,000 orginal miles ....... Suporting documents state the car was sitting and not driven prior to purchasing. As of oct 2004 and 30,000 miles there has been a leak in exhaust, checked with Saturn dealer and was told I needed a new resonator and pipe dealer wants to charge me approx. $400…
While driving in the center lane on a 3-lane highway the vehicle shut off without warning. No lights were visible on the dashboard prior to the engine shutting off. The loss of power steering and power brakes resulted in a loss of control of the vehicle. The car swerved into the right lane striking another motorist…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 Saturn SC1 recalls
Transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
Risk: This condition increases the risk of a crash resulting from the unintended movement of parked vehicles.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: tank assembly
Risk: Fuel spillage could occur during refueling or if the vehicle were involved in a rollover. If an ignition source were present, a fire could occur.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle to ensure the fuel tank vent valve is properly welded. If necessary, dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2001 Saturn SC1
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Saturn SC1?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (4 complaints); electrical (4 complaints); wheels and tires (3 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2001 Saturn SC1 have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 12, 2000 (transmission). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the Saturn SC1?
- It is the most complained-about SC1 model year since 2000, with 25 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.
Other Saturn SC1 years
- 2001