NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Saturn SL; the most frequently affected component is exterior lighting. Owners filed 128 complaints, most often about electrical system. Among the 3 model years of this model in the database, 2001 ranks #2 for number of recalls.
Problem: 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 conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Risk: Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
Power train — Park/neutral start interlock switchCampaign 00V310000 · 12 Oct 2000
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.
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 comfortable performing the functional check themselves, they can have their dealer perform this inspection for them.
Fuel system, gasoline — Tank assemblyCampaign 00V309000 · 12 Oct 2000
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.
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.
What owners complain about
Share of the 37 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Electrical system12 · 32%
Power train9 · 24%
Engine and engine cooling6 · 16%
Air bags5 · 14%
Unknown or other3 · 8%
Tires2 · 5%
Engine2 · 5%
Steering1 · 3%
When complaints were filed
200814
20093
20113
20122
20149
20153
20161
20181
20241
From owner complaints
Saturn 2001 ion ignition - car won't start because key won't turn this is a known problem with saturns and is a bad safety issue. People are stranded with vehicles that won't start or sometimes even turn off. This is awful, and saturn knows about it, and gm is asking for a bailout? This should be a recall. If…
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn sl2. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop and the contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no…
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn sl1. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, he heard a loud noise and the vehicle started shaking excessively. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the transmission…
2001 saturn sl2 transmission will slam when placed in reverse replaced fluids and let run in reverse position with emergency brake set and backed up against a tree to try and clean valve body - no success. *tr
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.