VehicleVerdict

2001 Saturn SC1 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 2001 Saturn SC1 — 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

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other SC1 years?

SC1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted102 complaints1991: 8 complaints1992: 18 complaints1993: 85 complaints1994: 102 complaints1995: 73 complaints1996: 43 complaints1997: 98 complaints1998: 58 complaints1999: 30 complaints2000: 10 complaints2001: 29 complaints
SC1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SC1 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Saturn SC1 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission414%
Electrical System414%
Tires & Wheels414%
Engine310%
Speed Control310%
Seat Belts27%
Body & Structure27%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Fuel System13%
Other13%
Seats13%
Steering13%
Suspension13%
Brakes13%

Does the 2001 Saturn SC1 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.

“VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, ENGINE SHUT OFF, EMERGENCY BRAKE NOT APPLIED, AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT BACKWARD AND ROLLED OVER CONSUMER'S RIGHT FOOT, KNOCKING HER DOWN. DEALER STATED CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE USED PARKING BRAKE. *AK *YD”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 11, 2001 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 13, 2007 · crash

“DRIVING AT 55MPH ON GOOD ROAD WARM DAY 35 MILES INTO TRIP WHEN TIRE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING AND FOR NO APPARENT REASON (BIG HOLE AND TEAR--MAY HAVE TORN BECAUSE I DROVE ON IT A LITTLE TO GET TO A SHOULDER).*AK( DOT NUMBER: W2V9VFB040 TIRE SIZE: P195/60R15 )”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 13, 2000

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 13, 2007 · crash

“TL*THE 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.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 1, 2003

2001 Saturn SC1 — common questions

Is the 2001 Saturn SC1 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 SC1 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (4 complaints), tires & wheels (4 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 2001 Saturn SC1 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Saturn SC1. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Saturn SC1 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the SC1 years to avoid are 1994, 1997, 1993, 1995. The cleanest record among SC1 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.