Before you buy
This 2001 Saturn Sl has 128 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2001 Saturn Sl Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2001 Saturn Sl trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2001 Saturn Sl Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
SATURN SL 2001 has 128 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls. Top issues include electrical faults (31), engine problems (23), and transmission issues (22). Buyers should inspect these systems before purchase. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Saturn
- Model
- Sl
- Model year
- 2001
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 128
- Crash-related complaints
- 18
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 23 / 34
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2001 Saturn Sl problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2001 Saturn Sl?
The 2001 Saturn SL has a high complaint volume relative to its single model year, suggesting potential reliability concerns. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection.
Electrical faults and engine problems are the most reported issues, which can lead to costly repairs and safety risks.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers willing to invest time in pre-purchase inspections and potential repairs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable daily driver with minimal maintenance should avoid this year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2001 Saturn Sl
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical system for faults
- Check engine for reported problems
- Examine transmission for drivetrain issues
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical system for faults
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for engine and transmission
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2001 Saturn Sl, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2001 Saturn SL shows a high number of electrical faults (31 complaints) and engine problems (23 complaints). Transmission issues (22 complaints) and airbag malfunctions (16 complaints) are also common. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Only the 2001 model year was analyzed, so no comparison to other years is available.
Recall context: Three recalls indicate that some safety-related defects were officially recognized, so verifying recall completion is essential.
- Electrical faults account for 31 complaints, the highest count.
- Engine problems total 23 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues have 22 complaints.
- Electrical faults (31 complaints)
- Engine problems (23 complaints)
- Transmission/drivetrain issues (22 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2001 Saturn Sl complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Saturn Sl. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 31 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 16 | 11 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 7 | 5 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2001 Saturn Sl. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 pressur…
I HAVE SOO MUCH PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR
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…
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.
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!!!
TL* 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 …
AFTER THE KEY IS INSERTED IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER IT WILL NOT ENGAGE AND TURN TO START THE VEHICLE. THE LOCK REMAINS STUCK IN THE "OFF" POSITION. OVER THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME CONSISTENTLY WORSE. WE HAVE BEEN STRANDED NUMEROUS OCCASIONS UNABLE TO START TH…
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. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT WE BELIEV…
I TOOK MY SATURN IN FOR REPAIR BECAUSE I WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE IGNITION AND STARTING MY CAR. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER BINDING AND COLUMN WAS LOOSE. THEY REPLACED THE CYLINDER AND CODE CYLINDER AND SECURED THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. NOW THE SAME IGNITION PR…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE KEY INTERMITTENTLY RELEASED FROM THE IGNITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPRO…
THE SECURITY LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD TURN ON AND THE WHEEL TURN TO THE RIGHT SIDE BY IT SELF AND THE CAR TURN OFF AND WON'T START AGAIN UNTIL THE SECURITY LIGHT IS OFF. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT HAPPENED WILE DRIVING WITH MY SON INSIDE THE CAR. *TR
WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A LIGHT UP TO ~20MPH THERE WAS THE SMELL OF BRAKE FLUID/RUBBER BURNING. WHEN TRAFFIC SLOWED AGAIN BRAKES HAD NO RESPONSE EVEN WHEN PRESS ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. CAR WAS STOPPED IN TIME TO AVOID ACCIDENT BY APPLICATION OF EMERGENCY BRAKE AND PLACING THE C…
1ST INCIDENT: I WENT IN TO THE SATURN DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THE DEALER FOUND A FUEL LEAK BETWEEN THE TANK AND THE FILTER. THERE WAS FUEL ON TOP OF THE TANK TOP AND ALSO DRIPPING DOWN THE SIDE. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS A CRACKED LINE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM CLOSE TO THE TANK TO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI THEFT WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED …
FOR SOME TIME NOW MY HORN IS UNRELIABLE. I WAS BEHIND A CAR THAT WAS ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE AND WAS TRYING TO ALERT THEM OF MY PRESENCE AND MY HORN WOULD NOT WORK. I REPEATEDLY KEPT PRESSING THE HORN ICON ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I WAS LUCKY THAT A PERSON WALKIN…
I AM SEEING A PATTERN OF SEVERE DRY ROT STRESS CRACKS IN ALL, NEARLY NEW (LESS THAN 12 MONTHS OLD) MICHELIN AND UNIROYAL TIRES IN THE TREAD AREA FIRST THEN LATER THE SIDEWALLS, AND EVEN GOODYEAR TIRES IN JUST 1-2 YEARS. ALL THESE TIRES CAME FROM WALMART. I HAVE THEM ON 6 VEHICLES…
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. IT NOW HAS 117000 MILES ON IT AND IT MAKES A LOUD NOISE AND SHAKES AT ANYTHING OVER 60 MILES AN HOUR
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…
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 INFOR…
SATURN 2001 SL1, MY GIRLFRIEND WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND CALLED ME SAYING THAT IT WAS KNOCKING SHE ONLY DROVE IT AROUND THE BLOCK DUE TO HER BEING SCARED OF THE SOUNDS. I THEN DROVE THE CAR AROUND TO ENSURE THAT IT WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS 97,000 MILES ON IT AND I JU…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2001 Saturn Sl.
Safety recalls
2001 Saturn Sl recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2001 Saturn Sl. Three recalls indicate that some safety-related defects were officially recognized, so verifying recall completion is essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2001 Saturn Sl buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2001 Saturn Sl reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 128 owner complaints, 18 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2001 Saturn SL has a high complaint volume relative to its single model year, suggesting potential reliability concerns. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Saturn Sl?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (31 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (23 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (22 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2001 Saturn Sl?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2001 Saturn Sl?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2001 Saturn Sl, NHTSA complaints include 18 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 128 total complaints. 11 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2001 Saturn Sl have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2001 Saturn Sl. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Three recalls indicate that some safety-related defects were officially recognized, so verifying recall completion is essential. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2001 Saturn Sl?▾
The 2001 Saturn SL has a high complaint volume relative to its single model year, suggesting potential reliability concerns. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection. Electrical faults and engine problems are the most reported issues, which can lead to costly repairs and safety risks. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Saturn Sl reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2001 Saturn Sl based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.