2001 Saturn SL recalls and problems

The 2001 Saturn SL has 2 safety recalls and 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saturn dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
111
Crashes / fires
14 / 0
Injuries / deaths
10 / 0

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

2001 Saturn SL 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 SL problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System31
Power Train20
Engine and Engine Cooling18
Service Brakes, Hydraulic14
Air Bags13
Seats6
Tires4
Structure4
Unknown or Other4
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Visibility3

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 14
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 7
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 7
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 5
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 5
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 3
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,000 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 SL complaints

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

Tires · reported Jan 15, 2024
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…
Electrical System · at 190,000 miles · reported Feb 14, 2016
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 · at 65,000 miles · reported Jun 16, 2015
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 · at 185,000 miles · reported Jun 1, 2015
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 · at 142,000 miles · reported May 4, 2015
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.…

Other Saturn SL years

Compare all Saturn SL years · All Saturn models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Saturn SL have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Saturn SL: 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 SL?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (31 reports), followed by power train (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,000 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.