no report yet
Storage: tank assembly
Risk. FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR DURING REFUELING OR IF THE VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER.
2001 Saturn SLProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 111 owner complaints about the 2001 Saturn SL, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 15, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2001 Saturn SL has problems
111 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
29Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
20Power train
18Engine and engine cooling
13Air bags8 crash/fire/injury
12Service brakes, hydraulic1 crash/fire/injury
6Seats
4Tires
4Structure
3Visibility
209 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 29 | 1 |
| Power train | 20 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 18 | 0 |
| Air bags | 13 | 8 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 12 | 1 |
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Tires | 4 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 2 |
| Visibility | 3 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 20 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2001 Saturn SL 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
Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
Risk. THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.
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 SL 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 SL median. How we score
'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2001 Saturn SL safety ratings
2001 Saturn SL 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What SL owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
MY SATURN THAT I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF NOW, COMPLETELY CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF ME DRIVING IT. LUCKILY I WAS AT A DRIVE THEY SO SO SERIOUS DAMAGE TO ME OR ANYONE ELSE. COULD NOT GET IT TO START BACK UP FOR A GOOD 5-10 MINS. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT IN IT AND I'M…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TOWARDS THE ON POSITION, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN THE KEY AND IT TOOK NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS REMOVED WITHOUT THE IGNITION BEING TURNED TO THE OFF…
AFTER THE KEY IS INSERTED IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER IT WILL NOT ENGAGE AND TURN TO START THE VEHICLE. THE LOCK REMAINS STUCK IN THE "OFF" POSITION. OVER THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME CONSISTENTLY WORSE. WE HAVE BEEN STRANDED NUMEROUS OCCASIONS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. WHILE THE…
Own a 2001 SL?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.