Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Saturn LS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2001 Saturn L200. The contact stated while driving, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with the fuel pump needing to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired however, the contact removed the fuel tank. The contact was relating the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was informed that a tow truck would pick up the vehicle and transport it to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 226,000. THE CONUMER STATED THE PASSENGERS HAD HEADACHES, STOMACH ACHES, COUGHING AND BREATHING ISSUES WHILE RIDING IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.
Gas fumes are coming from the rear of the vehicle. A mechanic told me that the plastic gas tank has a small crack. Gass appears to be vaporizing. There is no leakage of liqid gas that can be identified. Gas vapor permeates that interior to varying degree but is usually evident on the vehicle exterior. I cant rull out that the leak May originate from a ruptured line, fitting, or failed filter. Availability of new OEM fuel tanks is a problem probably related to the discontinuation of the Saturn line by GM. I have read several other accounts of Saturn gas leaks on internet bulletin boards. Given the potential catastrophic consequences including property loss and human injury and death, the government should launch an investigation to identify the defective component (s) and initiate a recall to correct the problem. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Saturn ls200. The contact stated that fuel leaked onto the rear passenger seat and carpet. The contact removed the fuel tank from the vehicle. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and agreed to have the vehicle towed to a local dealer. Once the vehicle was towed to cable dahmer Chevrolet of independence located at (1834 s noland rd, independence, mo 64055), the contact was informed that due to the age of the vehicle, the vehicle could not be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 264,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Saturn l-series. While the vehicle was parked in a garage the contact smelled a strong fuel odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated the fuel cap and fuel filter had to be replaced. After the vehicle was repaired the failure continued to occur. The vehicle was taken a mechanic twice who stated the emission control module seal on the fuel tank would had to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure and stated the fuel tank had to be replaced because the emission control module seal was not sold separately. The mechanic replaced the fuel tank. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000. Updated 01/02/2013 the consumer stated after the fuel tank was removed, there were gas streaks found where the gas leaked out around the emission seal and on top of the tank. …
I started to notice the smell of gas coming from my car, but I could not identify where the leak was. I took it to my mechanic and he identified the fuel pump assembly, pressure line, return line, and sending unit all needed to be replaced. The mechanic said that the fuel pump was difficult to get to and the entire gas tank needed to be removed. Parts alone cost $793.53 while the labor was $382.00 for a total after tax and shop supplies of $1257.28. It was pretty shocking to me how this car needed to have a fuel pump replaced at such a low mileage but I did not want to risk a car fire or explosion. There is another complaint on this website that also mentions the same issue.
I bought my car with 36,000 miles on it and spent $8000. Less than four months later, I had to spend almost $2000 to fix a timing chain. Then when it had 61,000 miles on it, I had to have a fuel pump fixed. I have found out this is such a common problem, there is a fix it kit for it. They refuse to assist me in getting it fixed because I will not pay for a second tow to take it to their retailer to have it diagnosed because my certified mechanic lets me make payments. They also refuse to recall the defective part.
Timing chain on 2001 Saturn l200 with 78,000 miles broke while driving along highway, lost all power. Saturn refused to acknowledge problem. Thiswas a well documented problem with most vehicles with a 2.2 l engine manufactured between 200-2003. They never issued a recall on the defective oil nozzle, and were telling the customers it wastheir fault due to not keeping up with the oil changes. Having a vehicle lose power on a major highway constituted a major safety concern.
Dt: 2001 Saturn l series. The contact stated the gas tank was leaking gas in the gasket area. The contact smelled gas on April 27, 2005. The contact also, there was gas forming on the ground under his vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealership on May 27, 2005. The dealership stated the problem was with the gasket, but the entire gas tank had to be replaced.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, gas fumes were noticed and the gas gauge dropped at an accelerated rate. This has been an ongoing problem for a few months. Once while pulling out of the driveway a leak was observed under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was determined the fuel line clip needed to be replaced.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling various speeds, the vehicle's fuel pump leaked gas profusely and on a worsening basis. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined there was a crack in the fuel pump and the fuel pump assembly needed to be replaced. The dealer serviced the vehicle, and no further problems had occurred. Updated 12/15/06.
Fuel System complaints in other LS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2001 Saturn LS?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2001 Saturn LS, 4% of the model year's 582 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Saturn LS fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2001 Saturn LS, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Saturn LS fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.