2001 Saturn SL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2001 Saturn SL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2001 Saturn SL. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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
111 complaints14 involved a crash10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
The problem is with the Firestone Tempa Spare T115/70 R14 spare tire. This tire came with the car when new, and has never been used. Tire date of manufacture is 42 2000. I periodically check its air pressure, but it has never been out of the spare tire well. I checked the pressure 1 week ago, and…
The problem is with the Firestone Tempa Spare T115/70 R14 spare tire. This tire came with the car when new, and has never been used. Tire date of manufacture is 42 2000. I periodically check its air pressure, but it has never been out of the spare tire well. I checked the pressure 1 week ago, and found a large bulge in the tread, along with broken cords, both steel, and polyester (see photos). The inner tire liner has not ruptured, and the tire still holds air. One month ago I checked the pressure, and it looked completely normal. If I had a flat tire then, I would have put it on the car without hesitation. I suspect that it would have failed on the road leading to a possible disaster. My reason for alerting NHTSA is that I suspect there are many compact spare tires in people's trunks, in the same condition, just waiting to cause trouble. I brought it to a Firestone store and they showed no interest in it. I have removed the tire from the steel wheel, and you are welcome to have it to inspect. I live about 25 miles south of Chicago, IL. When you look at the attached photos, numbers 1-3 show the tire on the steel wheel with the tire inflated, number 4 shows the tire deflated, and off the wheel.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Structure › Body
I have soo much problem with this car
- Electrical system · Engine · Exterior lighting
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…
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 constantly having to add fluid so it doesnt skip. The rear tail lights keep having to be replaced because they keep blowing out.
- Unknown or other
My key comes out the ignition in the run position, when the car IS running. I am original owner since new. this started about the year of 2009 at about 65,000 miles. I have 165,000 miles on the car now.
- Unknown or other
I have trouble turning the ignition switch. Once started the keys can fall out of the switch. Please add this to the ignition recall because I don't want to die!!!
- Electrical system
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…
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 position. The contact also stated that while refueling the fuel tank, the vehicle failed to indicate when the fuel tank was fuel causing fuel to spill. The failures recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000. updated 7/7/15*cn the consumer stated the vehicle would shut off, when she approached a stop sign. Updated 08/06/15*jb
- Electrical system
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…
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 vehicle IS running we are able to remove the key from the ignition. I have researched the internet and found this IS a common issue with saturn's vehicles. *tr
- Air bags
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. Our daughter sustained injuries. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition
I took my saturn in for repair because I was having trouble with the ignition and starting my car. The dealer said that the ignition cylinder binding and column was loose. They replaced the cylinder and code cylinder and secured the steering wheel column. Now the same ignition problem IS back but…
I took my saturn in for repair because I was having trouble with the ignition and starting my car. The dealer said that the ignition cylinder binding and column was loose. They replaced the cylinder and code cylinder and secured the steering wheel column. Now the same ignition problem IS back but even worse. It takes a series of shakes of my key and moving the steering wheel to even start the car! I hope that I won't get stranded somewhere when this car won't start!!! *Tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 saturn SL. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, the key intermittently released from the ignition. The failure occurred on two occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Electrical system
The security light on the dash board turn on and the wheel turn to the right side by it self and the car turn off and won't start again until the security light IS off. This IS the third time that happened wile driving with my son inside the car. *tr
- Service brakes
While accelerating from a light up to ~20mph there was the smell of brake fluid/rubber burning. When traffic slowed again brakes had no response even when press all the way to the floor. Car was stopped in time to avoid accident by application of emergency brake and placing the car in neutral.…
While accelerating from a light up to ~20mph there was the smell of brake fluid/rubber burning. When traffic slowed again brakes had no response even when press all the way to the floor. Car was stopped in time to avoid accident by application of emergency brake and placing the car in neutral. Pumping the brakes failed to regain pressure though after driving to the side of the road with ebrake and restarting car a hard pump of the brakes had some resistance. Further cautious driving and pressure rebuilt. After inspection at the shop no explanation for the event could be found. *tr
- Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
1ST incident: I went in to the saturn dealer for an oil change and the dealer found a fuel leak between the tank and the filter. There was fuel on top of the tank top and also dripping down the side. The dealer said there was a cracked line in the fuel system close to the tank top. I had to replace…
1ST incident: I went in to the saturn dealer for an oil change and the dealer found a fuel leak between the tank and the filter. There was fuel on top of the tank top and also dripping down the side. The dealer said there was a cracked line in the fuel system close to the tank top. I had to replace the fuel pump assembly in order to repair the leak of my pocket as it was not covered by the warranty. 2ND incident: yesterday I went for a state inspection at the local chevrolet dealer that takes care of my saturn and they reported that I have a fuel tank leaking and have to replace the fuel pump. Because of this it failed the state inspection. My car currently has only 41152 miles on it and IS driven mostly for pleasure. IS there a current recall on the fuel pump assembly or the fuel tanks of the saturn L300 series? *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 saturn SL. The contact stated that the anti theft warning lamp illuminated and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the ignition was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 saturn SL. The contact stated that the anti theft warning lamp illuminated and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the ignition was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 72,000.
- Electrical system
For some time now my horn IS unreliable. I was behind a car that was attempting to reverse and was trying to alert them of my presence and my horn would not work. I repeatedly kept pressing the horn icon on the steering wheel and nothing happened. I was lucky that a person walking noticed and…
For some time now my horn IS unreliable. I was behind a car that was attempting to reverse and was trying to alert them of my presence and my horn would not work. I repeatedly kept pressing the horn icon on the steering wheel and nothing happened. I was lucky that a person walking noticed and alerted the driver in front of me. another time I was at a traffic light and the person in front of me was distracted with something in their car and the light was green and I had cars lined up behind me, I tried to blow my horn to alert them of the light change, no horn. Again pressed horn icon repeatedly and nothing happened. I would say the first occurrence happened in 2009 and progressed with sporadic availability until it completely stopped. I have too many instances to name where I needed my horn and it failed to work. I have contacted saturn and am waiting their reply. *tr
- Tires
I am seeing a pattern of severe dry rot stress cracks in all, nearly new (less than 12 months old) michelin and uniroyal tires in the tread area first then later the sidewalls, and even goodyear tires in just 1-2 years. All these tires came from walmart. I have them on 6 vehicles, all with the same…
I am seeing a pattern of severe dry rot stress cracks in all, nearly new (less than 12 months old) michelin and uniroyal tires in the tread area first then later the sidewalls, and even goodyear tires in just 1-2 years. All these tires came from walmart. I have them on 6 vehicles, all with the same problems. I have been buying tires for over 38 years, and never had this problem till the last few years. This needs to be investigated and dealt with quickly. I am a degreed chemical engineer and I do all my own auto repairs, even major rebuilds, in other words I am very experienced and I see a very dangerous safety and consumer issue here!!!! *tr
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
Sometimes my security light goes on-when that happens, in order to start car up I have to lock all of the doors, wait 20 minutes then start up the car. It now has 117000 miles on it and it makes a loud noise and shakes at anything over 60 miles an hour
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 2001 saturn SL2. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop and the contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Automatic transmission
TL* the contact owns a 2001 saturn SL1. the contact stated that while driving 70 mph, he heard a loud noise and the vehicle started shaking excessively. neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 saturn SL1. the contact stated that while driving 70 mph, he heard a loud noise and the vehicle started shaking excessively. neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the transmission valve body was defective and needed to be replaced. the contact was awaiting repairs. the current and the failure mileages were 132,000. ....updated 12/03/12 *bf updated 01/11/12
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Saturn 2001 SL1, my girlfriend was driving the car and called me saying that it was knocking she only drove it around the block due to her being scared of the sounds. I then drove the car around to ensure that it was a transmission problem. The car has 97,000 miles on it and I just had the O2…
Saturn 2001 SL1, my girlfriend was driving the car and called me saying that it was knocking she only drove it around the block due to her being scared of the sounds. I then drove the car around to ensure that it was a transmission problem. The car has 97,000 miles on it and I just had the O2 sensor changed for an idle high issue. I also had to clean out the idle air control valve due to build up and faulty operation. I brought my car to aamco to ensure the transmission IS taken care of properly. they have to rebuild the transmission replacing every part inside the casing. 2,480$ in the hole, so I better not have anymore issues with this car after this. also the door lock gets stuck on the driver side, so you have to manually push over the leaver every time you exit the vehicle. *Tr
- Air bags
I was in an accident on july 18 2009 a lady pulled out of a side street and we hit. I could not avoid her. Im not sure what speed I was going at impact but I slammed on my brakes at 40 mph. My front end hit her side.most passengers me, the front passenger and two others were injured. Neither air…
I was in an accident on july 18 2009 a lady pulled out of a side street and we hit. I could not avoid her. Im not sure what speed I was going at impact but I slammed on my brakes at 40 mph. My front end hit her side.most passengers me, the front passenger and two others were injured. Neither air bag deployed. Im not sure if they should have but at that speed and the impact I feel they definitely should have. My daughter and I flew forward and she hit the windshield and I went into the steering wheel coming very close to the windshield. The car in totaled. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn SL2. while driving 7 mph, the vehicle failed. the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. she did not notice any warnings prior to the failure. the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the technician stated that the timing chain…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn SL2. while driving 7 mph, the vehicle failed. the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. she did not notice any warnings prior to the failure. the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the technician stated that the timing chain failed. the repair would cost $2,000. the contact called the manufacturer and was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer for further inspection. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they also stated that the timing chain failed. the manufacturer stated that there was no current recall on her vehicle, but they would cover half of the repair cost. the contact does not feel she should have to pay because there IS a service bulletin pertaining to the timing chain failure. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 66,636.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Only had the car for a couple of months - started having problems with the transmission..... kept shifting real hard from 2ND to 3RD (automatic). took it to our mechanic and said it was out of his hands and referred us to a transmission specialist. had the car towed to them and once he looked it…
Only had the car for a couple of months - started having problems with the transmission..... kept shifting real hard from 2ND to 3RD (automatic). took it to our mechanic and said it was out of his hands and referred us to a transmission specialist. had the car towed to them and once he looked it over it needed a new transmission!!!! only had 60,000 miles - go figure. valve body!! wrote a letter to the saturn corporate office about the problem to see what they could do and told us that we should have taken the car to a saturn service station. we already were in the process of getting it repair, costing us $ 2,000.00!!!! I feel that saturn should look into their customer's complaints and realize that there actually IS a problem with this models transmission. this could lead to an injury or something more serious. I don't think saturn would like to have that on their shoulders!! the more complaints about the transmission problem the better and hopefully they will make this a recall for the safety of the consumers. *Tr
- Electrical system › Ignition · Steering
Saturn 2001 ion ignition - car won't start because key won't turn this IS a known problem with saturns and IS a bad safety issue. people are stranded with vehicles that won't start or sometimes even turn off. this IS awful, and saturn knows about it, and gm IS asking for a bailout? this…
Saturn 2001 ion ignition - car won't start because key won't turn this IS a known problem with saturns and IS a bad safety issue. people are stranded with vehicles that won't start or sometimes even turn off. this IS awful, and saturn knows about it, and gm IS asking for a bailout? this should be a recall. if government won't force a recall on known issues, the company winds up going extinct due to poor quality issues. recall this! *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2001 saturn SL2 transmission will slam when placed in reverse replaced fluids and let run in reverse position with emergency brake set and backed up against a tree to try and clean valve body - no success. *Tr
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.
- 10212625This 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.
- 10200151This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200090This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10197294This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10193450This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.
- 10191191This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 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."
- 10190437This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible cause of engine oil consumption, misfire, cylinder leakage or blow by. Technician will need to inspect the engine for Cylinder damage or scoring, An out of round cylinder bore, Dirt intrusion, and Catalytic Converter failure.
Every Saturn SL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.