2001 Saturn LS recalls and problems
The 2001 Saturn LS has 7 safety recalls and 582 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saturn dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2001 Saturn LS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2001 Saturn LS recalls
Recall 07V-519: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.2l 4-cylinder engine, links in the engine's timing chain can separate.
Risk: If a timing chain link separates while the engine is running, the engine will stall and will not restart increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the timing chain free of charge. The recall began on january 15, 2008. Owners may contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
Recall 05V-245: Exterior Lighting
Problem: On certain sedans and wagons, the plastic housing in the rear tail lamp assembly can become distorted if the brake lamps remain on for an extended time.
Risk: This can cause (1) an intermittently inoperative brake/tail lamp bulb or (2) a short circuit that opens a fuse causing inoperative brake lamps (Including the center high-mounted stop lamp) or tail lamps. A following driver may not know when the brakes have been applied, and a rear-end crash could occur without prior warning.
Fix: Dealers will install two new tail lamp reinforcing socket adapters and sockets free of charge. The recall began on october 17, 2005. Owners may contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
Recall 03V-231: Electrical System
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.2l l4 (L61) engines, a failure of the ignition control module may cause deterioration in idle quality, reduction in overall engine power, and the vehicle may be hard to start. Continued operation of the vehicle after such an ignition module failure will result in the "service engine soon" light flashing, and may lead to secondary failures of the catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, and exhaust resonator.
Risk: Failure of the resonator will cause increased exhaust noise. Prolonged operation of the vehicle following a resonator failure may lead to a fire.
Fix: Dealers will (1) replace the ignition control module, (2) replace the ignition control module and spark plugs, or (3) replace the ignition control module, spark plugs, and update the powertrain control module calibration. Owner notification began on august 4, 2003. Owners should contact saturn at 1-800-553-6000, prompt 3.
Recall 02V-329: Air Bags
Problem: On certain passenger, sport utility vehicles and mini vans, some of these vehicles have a passenger air bag that was manufactured without a check valve pin. An air bag without the check valve pin could produce increased pressure at the onset of the air bag deployment and reduced pressure afterward.
Risk: This could increase the severity of injury to a person who was not properly restrained and who was close to the passenger air bag at the time of deployment. It could also reduce the ab8ility of the air bag to protect a restrained front seat passenger.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag. Owner notification began december 16, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or saturn at 1-800-553-6000, prompt #3.
Recall 01V-026: Air Bags
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger, sport utility vehicles and minivans. The passenger air bag inflator modules were built without the correct amount of generant, which produces the gas that fills the air bag. Some were built with a double load of generant and some were built without generant.
Risk: In the event of a crash that would trigger a passenger air bag deployment, a double load of generant can cause the inflator module to explode. If the air bag module explodes, metal and plastic debris could cause severe injury to vehicle occupant. A module with no generant would not inflate the air bag, and the occupants could receive more severe injuries.
Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module. Telephone calls were made to owners on january 29, 2001. Follow up owner mailing began on april 17, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or saturn at 1-800-553-6000.
Recall 00V-344: Power Train
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles. Some of these vehicles were assembled with the transaxle shift cable clip missing or improperly seated. Without the clip, the cable can slip out of its bracket and the transaxle lever would not move along with the shift lever. The driver may put the shift lever in park, but the transaxle may be in reverse or neutral.
Risk: Unexpected movement of the vehicle could cause a crash without prior warning.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the transaxle shift cable retainer clip to verify proper installation and, if necessary, replace the clip and adjust the cable to specifications.
Recall 00V-235: Air Bags
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a side impact air bag system. The air bag system has a lower side impact safing sensor threshold than specified. Because of this reduced threshold, there could be an inadvertent deployment of the side head curtain air bag with severe slamming of the door.
Risk: This could cause injury to an occupant.
Fix: Dealers will replace the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module assembly.
2001 Saturn LS problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 305 | |
| Electrical System | 82 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 53 | |
| Engine | 41 | |
| Steering | 34 | |
| Power Train | 31 | |
| Suspension | 30 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 17 | |
| Air Bags | 16 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 15 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 12 | |
| Tires | 11 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 91
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys — 45
- Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 13
- Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights — 13
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 9
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 9
- Suspension › Rear — 8
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 6
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2001 Saturn LS complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Saturn LS years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Saturn LS have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2001 Saturn LS: 07V-519 (engine and engine cooling), 05V-245 (exterior lighting), 03V-231 (electrical system), 02V-329 (air bags), 01V-026 (air bags) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Saturn LS?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (305 reports), followed by electrical system (82). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 miles.
Are Saturn recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Saturn dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.