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2001 Saturn SCProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 21 owner complaints about the 2001 Saturn SC, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints216 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage118kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 8, 2022. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2001 Saturn SC has problems

21 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system51
Engine and engine cooling40
Air bags42
Steering31
Equipment20
Tires20
Structure10
Suspension10
Visibility10
5 other systems50

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2001 Saturn SC recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Storage: tank assembly

Recall 00V-309 · Oct 12, 2000 · 6,092 vehicles

Risk. FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR DURING REFUELING OR IF THE VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch

Recall 00V-310 · Oct 12, 2000 · 65,000 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Saturn.

Best & worst years

2001 vs. every other SC year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the SC median. How we score

'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What SC owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

2001 SATURN SC WITH FAULTY IGNITION. KEY BINDS WHEN STARTING THE CAR IT ALSO FALLS OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN DRIVING. KEY HAS BEEN GRINDING DOWN BECAUSE OF THE FAULTY CYLINDER. THIS IS A HAZARD AND DANGER TO ANYONE WHO DRIVES THIS VEHICLE. I CALLED GM AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN…
Complaint 10658524 · Nov 17, 2014 · 100,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN SC. WHEN THE CONTACT INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN TO THE ON POSITION PROPERLY. IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START, THE CONTACT HAD TO TAMPER WITH THE KEY AND IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD EJECT FROM THE…
Complaint 10619560 · Aug 7, 2014 · 185,000 miles
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 10619445 · Aug 6, 2014 · 135,000 miles

Own a 2001 SC?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.