2001 Saturn SC recalls and problems

The 2001 Saturn SC has 2 safety recalls and 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saturn dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

3 / 1

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Saturn SC vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Saturn SC recalls

Recall 00V-309: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Oct 12, 2000 · 6,092 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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: 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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle to ensure the fuel tank vent valve is properly welded. If necessary, dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly.

Recall 00V-310: Power Train

Reported Oct 12, 2000 · 65,000 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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 removed.

Risk: This condition increases the risk of a crash resulting from the unintended movement of parked vehicles.

Fix: 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.

2001 Saturn SC problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	5
Air Bags	4
Engine and Engine Cooling	4
Steering	3
Tires	2
Equipment	2
Visibility	1
Suspension	1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Fuel System, Gasoline	1
Unknown or Other	1
Structure	1

Most reported parts

Air Bags › Frontal — 3
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 2
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 96,000 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 SC complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Sep 8, 2022

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 · at 160,000 miles · reported Mar 29, 2017

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

Engine · at 100,000 miles · reported Nov 17, 2014

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…

Electrical System · at 185,000 miles · reported Aug 7, 2014

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 · at 135,000 miles · reported Aug 6, 2014

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.

Other Saturn SC years

200220012000

Compare all Saturn SC years · All Saturn models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Saturn SC have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Saturn SC: 00V-309 (fuel system, gasoline), 00V-310 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Saturn SC?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (5 reports), followed by air bags (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 96,000 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.