MYRModel Year Report

2001 Saturn SL

▲ Better than typical
2001 Saturn SL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:31:14.110Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
111
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2001

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

28% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 29 complaints 1991 1992: 131 complaints 1993: 179 complaints 1993 1994: 303 complaints 1995: 356 complaints 1995 1996: 287 complaints 1997: 227 complaints 1997 1998: 168 complaints 1999: 178 complaints 1999 2000: 148 complaints 2001: 111 complaints 2001 111 2002: 131 complaints
1991: 29 complaints 1991 1992: 131 complaints 1992 1993: 179 complaints 1993 1994: 303 complaints 1994 1995: 356 complaints 1995 1996: 287 complaints 1996 1997: 227 complaints 1997 1998: 168 complaints 1998 1999: 178 complaints 1999 2000: 148 complaints 2000 2001: 111 complaints 2001 111 2002: 131 complaints 2002
1991: 29 complaints 1991 1992: 131 complaints 1992 1993: 179 complaints 1993 1994: 303 complaints 1994 1995: 356 complaints 1995 1996: 287 complaints 1996 1997: 227 complaints 1997 1998: 168 complaints 1998 1999: 178 complaints 1999 2000: 148 complaints 2000 2001: 111 complaints 2001 111 2002: 131 complaints 2002

2001: 111 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199129
1992131
1993179
1994303
1995356
1996287
1997227
1998168
1999178
2000148
2001111
2002131

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

28% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I have soo much problem with this car

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-25

Also filed under Air bags and structure

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-29

Power train

18% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

Service brakes

14% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Air bags

12% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-13

Consumer's vehicle stopped at a traffic light and another vehicle rear-ended it, causing the consumer's vehicle to rear end another vehicle. Upon impact, both frontal air bags did not deploy. Consumer had vehicle towed to the dealership.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-01

While traveling at 35MPH vehicle was involved in an accident. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. Please provide further information.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-08-30

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2000-10-06Fuel system, gasoline00V309000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2000-10-06Power train00V310000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Saturn SL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 31 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 18 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 00V309000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 00V310000 · Power train
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2001 Saturn SL reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Saturn SL is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Saturn SL?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Saturn SL have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.