2001 Saturn SC
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 5 |
| 1992 | 16 |
| 1993 | 23 |
| 1994 | 51 |
| 1995 | 39 |
| 1996 | 26 |
| 1997 | 33 |
| 1998 | 13 |
| 1999 | 24 |
| 2000 | 7 |
| 2001 | 21 |
| 2002 | 38 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 21 total reports mention: steering.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080513
3 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140806
3 of 21 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20060501
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020531
PASSENGER'S AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE. WHEN TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AIRBAG DEPLOYS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010918
2 of 21 total reports mention: tires.
2 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 TO
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.
Campaign 00V309000 — check if this car was fixed
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 IMPR
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 COMF
Campaign 00V310000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Saturn SC — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V309000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V310000 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2001 Saturn SC reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Saturn SC?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Saturn SC have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.