VehicleVerdict

2001 Saturn Sc problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 2001 Saturn Sc — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

29

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Sc years?

Sc NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted59 complaints1991: 6 complaints1992: 24 complaints1993: 29 complaints1994: 59 complaints1995: 50 complaints1996: 41 complaints1997: 44 complaints1998: 17 complaints1999: 27 complaints2000: 8 complaints2001: 29 complaints2002: 45 complaints
Sc NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sc years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Saturn Sc problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine517%
Electrical System517%
Airbags414%
Steering310%
Fuel System27%
Other27%
Tires & Wheels27%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Brakes13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Lighting13%
Body & Structure13%
Suspension13%

Does the 2001 Saturn Sc have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V309000Fuel SystemOctober 12, 2000 · 6,092 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

00V310000TransmissionOctober 12, 2000 · 65,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 24, 2014 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN SC1. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE INCREASED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE BECAUSE THE CONTACT TRADED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 1, 2003

“IN A FRONT-END COLLISION THE FRONT AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND RESULTED IN FACIAL AND CHEST INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. WHEN CONTACTED, SATURN'S EXPLANATION WAS THAT THE CAR DID NOT HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE AT THE CORRECT ANGLE. SATURN REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY, AND STATES THAT THERE IS NO DESIGN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 11, 2002 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 30, 2008 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 16, 2022

2001 Saturn Sc — common questions

Is the 2001 Saturn Sc reliable?

The record is thin — 29 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2001 Sc problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), airbags (4 complaints).

Does the 2001 Saturn Sc have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Saturn Sc. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Saturn Sc years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sc years to avoid are 1994, 1995, 2002, 1997. The cleanest record among Sc years belongs to 1991.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.