Total Complaints
137 filings
SATURN SL · model year
137 NHTSA complaints, 16 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2001SATURNSL carries 137 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 16 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2001 SL is power train:automatic transmission with 14 filings, followed by electrical system (10) and air bags:frontal (7). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 14 investigation files overlapping the 2001 SL. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
137 filings
Crashes Reported
16 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 14 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 10 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 7 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 7 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 6 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY | 5 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 5 |
| AIR BAGS | 5 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 4 |
| SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER | 3 |
| TIRES | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER | 3 |
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
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 POSSIBL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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
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 pressure 1 week ago, and found a large bulge in the tread, along with broken cords, both steel, and polyester (see photos). The inner tire liner has not ruptured, and the tire still holds air. One month ago I checked the pressure, and it looked completely normal. If I had a flat tire then, I would have put it on the car without hesitation. I suspect that it would have failed on the road leading to a possible disaster. My reason for alerting NHTSA is that I suspect there are many compact spare tires in people's trunks, in the same condition, just waiting to cause trouble. I brought it to a Firestone store and they showed no interest in it. I have removed the tire from the steel wheel, and you are welcome to have it to
I HAVE SOO MUCH PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR
Mileage: 127
I HAVE SOO MUCH PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR
Mileage: 127
I HAVE SOO MUCH PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR
Mileage: 127
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 IN IT AND I'M CONSTANTLY HAVING TO ADD FLUID SO IT DOESNT SKIP. THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS KEEP HAVING TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY KEEP BLOWING OUT.
Mileage: 190,000
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 IN IT AND I'M CONSTANTLY HAVING TO ADD FLUID SO IT DOESNT SKIP. THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS KEEP HAVING TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY KEEP BLOWING OUT.
Mileage: 190,000
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 IN IT AND I'M CONSTANTLY HAVING TO ADD FLUID SO IT DOESNT SKIP. THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS KEEP HAVING TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY KEEP BLOWING OUT.
Mileage: 190,000
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.
Mileage: 65,000
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!!!
Mileage: 185,000
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 TO THE OFF POSITION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING THE FUEL TANK, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO INDICATE WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FUEL CAUSING FUEL TO SPILL. THE FAILURES RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000. UPDATED 7/7/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF, WHEN SHE APPROACHED A STOP SIGN. UPDATED 08/06/15*JB
Mileage: 142,000
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 THE VEHICLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING WE ARE ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH SATURN'S VEHICLES. *TR
Mileage: 118,025
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 BELIEVE THEY SHOULD HAVE. OUR DAUGHTER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *TR
Mileage: 66,000
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 PROBLEM IS BACK BUT EVEN WORSE. IT TAKES A SERIES OF SHAKES OF MY KEY AND MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL TO EVEN START THE CAR! I HOPE THAT I WON'T GET STRANDED SOMEWHERE WHEN THIS CAR WON'T START!!! *TR
Mileage: 135,169
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 APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Mileage: 100,000
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
Mileage: 185,084
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 CAR IN NEUTRAL. PUMPING THE BRAKES FAILED TO REGAIN PRESSURE THOUGH AFTER DRIVING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH EBRAKE AND RESTARTING CAR A HARD PUMP OF THE BRAKES HAD SOME RESISTANCE. FURTHER CAUTIOUS DRIVING AND PRESSURE REBUILT. AFTER INSPECTION AT THE SHOP NO EXPLANATION FOR THE EVENT COULD BE FOUND. *TR
Mileage: 94,000
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 TOP. I HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE LEAK OF MY POCKET AS IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. 2ND INCIDENT: YESTERDAY I WENT FOR A STATE INSPECTION AT THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER THAT TAKES CARE OF MY SATURN AND THEY REPORTED THAT I HAVE A FUEL TANK LEAKING AND HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. BECAUSE OF THIS IT FAILED THE STATE INSPECTION. MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS ONLY 41152 MILES ON IT AND IS DRIVEN MOSTLY FOR PLEASURE. IS THERE A CURRENT RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY OR THE FUEL TANKS OF THE SATURN L300 SERIES? *TR
Mileage: 27,291
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 TOP. I HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE LEAK OF MY POCKET AS IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. 2ND INCIDENT: YESTERDAY I WENT FOR A STATE INSPECTION AT THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER THAT TAKES CARE OF MY SATURN AND THEY REPORTED THAT I HAVE A FUEL TANK LEAKING AND HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. BECAUSE OF THIS IT FAILED THE STATE INSPECTION. MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS ONLY 41152 MILES ON IT AND IS DRIVEN MOSTLY FOR PLEASURE. IS THERE A CURRENT RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY OR THE FUEL TANKS OF THE SATURN L300 SERIES? *TR
Mileage: 27,291
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 BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Mileage: 65,000
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 WALKING NOTICED AND ALERTED THE DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME. ANOTHER TIME I WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME WAS DISTRACTED WITH SOMETHING IN THEIR CAR AND THE LIGHT WAS GREEN AND I HAD CARS LINED UP BEHIND ME, I TRIED TO BLOW MY HORN TO ALERT THEM OF THE LIGHT CHANGE, NO HORN. AGAIN PRESSED HORN ICON REPEATEDLY AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I WOULD SAY THE FIRST OCCURRENCE HAPPENED IN 2009 AND PROGRESSED WITH SPORADIC AVAILABILITY UNTIL IT COMPLETELY STOPPED. I HAVE TOO MANY INSTANCES TO NAME WHERE I NEEDED MY HORN AND IT FAILED TO WORK. I HAVE CONTACTED SATURN AND AM WAITING THEIR REPLY. *TR
Mileage: 36,000
Electric Power Steering Failure
Electric Power Steering Failure
OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES STICK UNLATCHED
TIMING CHAIN BREAKS, ENGINE STALL
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE-STALL
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.