2001 Saturn SL
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 29 |
| 1992 | 131 |
| 1993 | 179 |
| 1994 | 303 |
| 1995 | 356 |
| 1996 | 287 |
| 1997 | 227 |
| 1998 | 168 |
| 1999 | 178 |
| 2000 | 148 |
| 2001 | 111 |
| 2002 | 131 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
28% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and 12v/24v/48v battery.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I HAVE SOO MUCH PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR
NHTSA ODI report, 20180325
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, 20120329
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
18% of complaints: power train — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
14% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH12% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20141013
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040401
WHILE TRAVELING AT 35MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010830
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
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Saturn SL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V309000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V310000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.