VehicleVerdict

2001 Saturn SL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2001 Saturn SL is among the quieter years of the SL on NHTSA's books: 137 complaints (39% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (33), engine (20), and transmission (20), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

137

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other SL years?

SL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted481 complaints1991: 31 complaints1992: 173 complaints1993: 228 complaints1994: 376 complaints1995: 481 complaints1996: 369 complaints1997: 286 complaints1998: 222 complaints1999: 232 complaints2000: 202 complaints2001: 137 complaints2002: 154 complaints
SL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SL years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Saturn SL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3324%
Engine2015%
Transmission2015%
Brakes1612%
Airbags139%
Seats64%
Other43%
Body & Structure43%
Tires & Wheels43%
Steering32%
Fuel System32%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Lighting32%
Speed Control32%
Suspension21%

Does the 2001 Saturn SL have recalls?

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

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

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.

“DT: AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE THE KEY WAS REMOVED WITH THE KEY IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION,. THEN, THE KEY COULD NOT BE REENTERED. ALSO, KEY WAS TAKEN OUT OF IGNITION WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. DEALERSHIP TOLD THE OWNER IT WAS DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR, AND SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. OWNER DID…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 21, 2005

“I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO THE MAIN HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR MADE A PFFFF SOUND AND I LOST ALL POWER TO THE CAR THE MOTOR JUST STOPPED. I HAD NO POWER STEERING AND NO POWER BRAKES. THE DEALER STATED THE TIMING CHAIN JUST SNAPPED AND THEN 12 OUT OF THE 16 VALVES IN THE CAR BENT. I FOUND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 14, 2007

“THE TRANSMISSION STARTED GOING OUT ON MY 2001 SATURN SL1 (AUTOMATIC), WHICH ONLY HAS 53,000 MILES ON IT. A SATURN SERVICE AGENT ACCIDENTALLY (I THINK) TOLD ME THAT THE VALVE BODY "TENDS TO GO OUT" IN THAT MODEL. A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST HAS VERIFIED THAT, AND IS REPEATEDLY REPAIRING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 8, 2005

“DRIVING DOWN A TWO HOUSE DEAD END STREET TRAVELING ABOUT 20 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL CILINDER BROKE AND ALL ABILITY TO STOP WAS LOST. AFTER REPLACING THE WHEEL CILINDER, IT WAS ALSO REALIZED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LINE TO THE REAR BRAKE WAS MISSING SEVERAL WASHERS AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 15, 2004 · crash

“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.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 9, 2014 · crash

2001 Saturn SL — common questions

Is the 2001 Saturn SL reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 137 NHTSA complaints, below the typical SL year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2001 SL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (33 complaints), engine (20 complaints), transmission (20 complaints).

Does the 2001 Saturn SL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Saturn SL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Saturn SL years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the SL years to avoid are 1995, 1994, 1996. The cleanest record among SL 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.