2001 Saturn SC
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2001 Saturn SC. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2001 Saturn SC. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
21 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
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 at multiple pump at stations of differing brands. Over the span of weeks.
- Air bags
Air bags, name unknown, opened after hitting a curb in a parking lot, approx. Less than10mph. No dents, no damage, I was bruised but I'm ok, IS my air bags a recall, should air bags pop out after bumping a curb, thank goodness I didn't have my grandchild with me, or any body!! Can you let me know why this would happen, thank you. updated 08/28/2017*js
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
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…
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 do because it has not been formally recalled. I wanted a case opened and told them if anything happens because of this defective design I will seek restitution. The sr. Advisor was not helpful and tried to dismiss me as quickly as possible. Gm IS not stepping up to the plate to stand by their vehicles or their customers. Poor design, poor quality, poor support = bodily harm, more lawsuits and no more customers! *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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…
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 ignition while driving at any speed. A mechanic stated that the ignition switch malfunctioned. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.
- Electrical system
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. *tr
- Exterior lighting
2001 saturn SC1 has moisture in the headlamps. currently does not pose a problem but may limit the output of light. I have been told by saturn mechanics that it will not pass inspection and it IS a known problem, yet does not have a recall. *Tr
- Equipment · Structure
Key switch no longer works on my 2001 saturn SC2. Dealer wants $400 to fix because car IS out of warranty. . My key still works on the doors and trunk. I have a '53 chevrolet with the original key and it still works. I understand this IS a problem with all saturns. *Tr
- Steering · Unknown or other
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…
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 jerked reflexively, and the car veered into a ditch and rolled. Luckily she was uninjured except for scrapes, however the car was totaled - windshield smashed, roof smashed, passenger side smashed, and so on. Had there been a passenger there would have been a serious injury. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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 60,000. updated 02-01-08 *bf updated 02/01/08 *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle involved in front impact accident, rear-ending a non-moving vehicle at approximately 30 mph on impact (straight-on and center). airbag did not deploy, driver sustained head injury. vehicle damage included front bumper & hood. *Nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
I bought a new 2000 SC1. The warranty period ended in may of this year. Today I had to have the head gasket replaced. This IS a very expensive repair on a car with less than 75000 miles. The repairman at saturn said he had never replaced a head gasket on a saturn in 14 years with the company. They…
I bought a new 2000 SC1. The warranty period ended in may of this year. Today I had to have the head gasket replaced. This IS a very expensive repair on a car with less than 75000 miles. The repairman at saturn said he had never replaced a head gasket on a saturn in 14 years with the company. They also found carbon deposits in the motor that the repairman was suprised to see. The repair department stated that their findings were inconclusive in determining if the gasket was defective. This car was advertised using two employees driving around the country to see how many dependable miles they could get on the car without an unscheduled repair. I think at one time they were at two million miles. If they really feel their car IS that dependable I think they should pay for this unscheduled repair at 73000 miles. The advertising, which lead me to purchase the car was very misleading. I had expected to drive a lot more than this before having to consider a repair this costly. My experience has taught me to look past the advertising lies and hipe they use to instill false confidence in their product. I would like saturn to reimburse me for the cost of this repair because the repairmen lead me to believe this condition was very unusual. *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Steering · Suspension · Tires
Dt: the contact complained about several problems. there was a fuel smell in the vehicle. The vehicle was hard to steer, when she turned the wheel there was a squeaking noise. The brakes dragged and squeaked, and it felt like the vehicle was sliding and it was hard to stop. The vehicle shook at…
Dt: the contact complained about several problems. there was a fuel smell in the vehicle. The vehicle was hard to steer, when she turned the wheel there was a squeaking noise. The brakes dragged and squeaked, and it felt like the vehicle was sliding and it was hard to stop. The vehicle shook at highway speeds of 50 to 60 mph. The vehicle hesitated when going uphill or turning a corner. When she first got the vehicle it would keep running after she turned it off. They replaced something in the fuel system. Dealer said the fuel smell was normal for this vehicle and they could not smell it. They replaced a part in the steering. Also, replaced the rotors. They told her to get tires balanced. Dealer said that most of these things were normal for vehicle . Manufacturer told the contact to go to the dealer and give them another chance. The contact said every time she took vehicle to dealer the problem got worse or old problems came back. The dealer switched the firestone tires for goodyear tires because of a recall on the tires. *ak updated 11/29/05. *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
The consumer was able to remove the key from the ignition while drivng. the consumer was also able to start the vehicle with a key other than the one which was designed for the vehicle. *Jb *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
While traveling on the highway without prior warning the check engine light will appear on the dashboard. please fill in additional information dealer IS aware of the problem.
- Engine and engine cooling
While traveling on the highway without prior warning the check engine light will appear on the dashboard. please fill in additional information dealer IS aware of the problem.
- Electrical system
2001 saturn sc1-ideling problems and over 70 misfires noted by computer. I paid for a complete tune up with did no good and also had to replace all the brakes for $362. the dealer states since the computer doesn't show any problems there are no problems. Warranty just went out 6-30-03. the car idels roughly and misfires intermittently. *Ak
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
The high pressure hose to the air conditioning compressor fitting cracked. The crack occurred on the end of the tubing. *nlm
- Air bags › Frontal
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 flaw or malfunnction of the airbag system.*ak
- Tires
Traveling at a speed of approx. 30 miles per hour on surface street ( weather clear, pavement dry and clean) tread separated from right front tire. tire blew out.*ak (dot number: w2fpafa tiresize: p185/65r15)
- Air bags › Frontal
Passenger's airbag IS defective. when traveling on highway airbag deploys without prior warning.*ak
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Passenger side mirror vibrates, 3 small paint chips on hood. company will not stand behind warranty. the car has never been in an accident. the mirror has vibrated for a long time, I do not know if it was from the beginning or not. the paint chips I noticed when I was washing the car. normally, I use the car wash so would not have noticed them prior to this. *ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10233370This service bulletin revision provides a repair procedure to Remove Debris from Evaporator Case, Disinfect evaporator or Apply Cooling coil coating and install blower motor control module to correct a customer concern of A/C Odor at start-up.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10222796This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10214869This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10209980This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10209921This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10190934Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190933Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190932Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10190931Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10190512OnStar Voice Fallback Number Update Some customers may have received a letter from OnStar stating that "We recently tried to provide a software update to the OnStar hardware in your vehicle. However, your system could not be updated remotely. As a result, some of your OnStar system functions may not be working as expected." The customer is further instructed in this letter to "Please contact your dealer or any dealer near you as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this no-cost software update. Your dealer will reprogram your OnStar module with an update. This is for vehicles that have previously received the Canada upgrade as described in Service Bulletin #15-08-44-001F."
- 10176607This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10125106This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle's odometer appears to be inaccurate relative to a known distance traveled. Technician should obtain a hand-held GPS unit to test the odometer. If a hand held GPS unit is not available, the only other option is to verify the miles traveled using a surveyor's wheel or a dynamometer.
- 10083900This preliminary information communication advises the technician, if unable to place an onstar call in the ignition on mode after the onstar canada upgrade to contact the gm technical assistance center onstar group for further assistance.
- 10083898This preliminary information communication advises the technician if unable to place an onstar call in the ignition on mode after the onstar canada upgrade, to contact the gm technical assistance center onstar group for further assistance.
- 10083884This preliminary information communication advises the technician on the steps for diagnosing the concern. The vehicle may be unable to connect to onstar using the white, blue or red onstar buttons.
- 10083489This preliminary information communication advises the technician the steps on repairing the concern. A customer may identify a concern of unable to reactivate a vehicle's onstar that has been previously disabled by onstar. Dealer IS to call general motors technical assistance center for further assistance if the concern IS still present.
- 10083484This preliminary information communication provides information to help the dealership technicians perform a parasitic drain test for the onstar module. When performing battery parasitic drain test, there may be some confusion as to what the normal power consumption reading should be from the onstar system.
Every Saturn SC model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.