KnownCarProblems2001 Saturn SL Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 111 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Saturn SL, most often about the electrical (26% of complaints, typically around 64,500 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about SL model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2001 Saturn SL problems
Electrical
29 complaints · 26%Half of these problems showed up before 64,500 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, 12v/24v/48v battery, wiring, horn.
I purchased a 2001 Saturn SL from a small car dealership at the end of june 2006. The car was purchased with a 30 day warranty. In the middle of august, many components of the electrical system began to fail - alternator, battery, starter. All were replaced. In addition, the engine failed. Just today (12/27/06) the…
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…
Transmission
20 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 60,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission, axle assembly.
Only had the car for a couple of months - started having problems with the transmission..... Kept shifting real hard from 2nd to 3rd (automatic). Took it to our mechanic and said it was out of his hands and referred US to a transmission specialist. Had the car towed to them and once he looked it over it needed a new…
The vehicle brake rotor warp several times which caused vibration while braking. The dealer replaced the rotors. When the vehicle was moved from a stop the vehicle jerked forward. The vehicle also acts as if it want to stall when sitting idle. The dealer was unable to duplicate either concern. The radio light was…
Engine
20 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 63,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system, exhaust system.
I purchased a 2001 Saturn SL from a small car dealership at the end of june 2006. The car was purchased with a 30 day warranty. In the middle of august, many components of the electrical system began to fail - alternator, battery, starter. All were replaced. In addition, the engine failed. Just today (12/27/06) the…
Tl contact owns a 2001 Saturn sl2. While driving 7 MPH, the vehicle failed. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. She did not notice any warnings prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the technician stated that the timing chain failed. The repair would…
Air bags
13 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 73,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
While driving 45 MPH the vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. The air bags did not deploy. As a result the vehicle was considered totaled. The passenger sustained a broken knee in three places and now unable to walk. Please provide additional. Information.
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…
Brakes
13 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
The vehicle brake rotor warp several times which caused vibration while braking. The dealer replaced the rotors. When the vehicle was moved from a stop the vehicle jerked forward. The vehicle also acts as if it want to stall when sitting idle. The dealer was unable to duplicate either concern. The radio light was…
The consumer stated the brake pads wear prematurely. The part has been replaced five times within one year. The cause has not been determined. Please provide additional information.
Seats
6 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: front assembly, mid/rear assembly.
Wheels and tires
4 complaints · 4%Parts named most often: temporary/emergency spare tire.
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…
Body and structure
4 complaints · 4%Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
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 SL 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 SL
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Saturn SL?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (29 complaints, typically around 64,500 miles); transmission (20 complaints, typically around 60,500 miles); engine (20 complaints, typically around 63,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2001 Saturn SL 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 SL?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about SL model year since 2000, with 111 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.