Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
Replaced water pump, timing chain and pulleys at approximately 90K miles. App. 10K miles later, timing chain broke and had to be replaced again. Multiple issues with suspension, fuel sensors, oil filter casing.
At 12000 miles I took my l200 Saturn in for routine service and was informed that the rear wheels were out of alignment and the tires (2) were choppy. They replaced the tires and did the alignment at no charge. I inquired as to why this happened and was informed that it was a problem with this model Saturn because of the light weighted rear end of the car. I am not sure that this is or is not a safety problem?? I notified Saturn co and they filed my complaint under reference # 1-4597347, and stated the man made components May require repair or replacement. That I understand, but what I don't know is if this is a safety problem. Is ongoing, and that I must assume the costs, or a problem that requires a recall to correct the wheel alignment problem? Or could this result in a buy back etc....? Please advise. Thank you. William surbrook. …
Low bang noise in passenger side front end. Worse turning right or left. Sounded like major break, but nothing could be seen visually. Had car towed to mechanic. Had to replace upper strut mounts on both front and right struts. Passenger side upper strut mount was broken completely, and driver side upper strut mount was cracked. Upper strut mounts both made of a plastic based material. Service manager stated the shock could have broken through, and hit hood of car if we had not serviced it immediately. Replacement part made of same material. Had to have an alignment done. Very expensive to fix, and I am now concerned the car could be dangerous to drive.
Rear tires failed well within their expected mileage and had to be replaced, along with a rear-end alignment. This should be a recall issue for all 2001 Saturn l300 owners. Make: Saturn model: l-series year: 2001 service bulletin number: 00t72a NHTSA item number: 633545 summary description: subject regarding service manual update for chassis service manuals regarding alignment specifications and service procedure for installation of spacers between rear suspension support and vehicle body when performing wheel alignment.
I get very poor mileage on my tires and I inevitable get cupping in my rear tires. This causes a sound in my car that sounds like the tire is flat when I am driving when in fact it is due to cupping. I read on alldatadiy that a spacer needs to be placed between the rear suspension support and the vehicle body during alignment to correct the problem. Tires are expensive and it causes me to not want to drive my car too far.
Continuous cupping of rear tires due to an engineering defect. Shims placed in rear of car. The cupping has continued causing dangerous wearing of the tires at one point, the tread was beginning to separate from the core after a highway trip. Saturn told me that they corrected the problem with the shims. The fourth set of tires in 90,000 miles is now placed on the car because on the continuing cupping.
The Saturn l-200 has a rear suspension problem. I know there is a service bulletin out there somewhere, but Saturn is neglecting to acknowledge this problem no matter if the car is in or out of warranty. It makes the car unsafe to drive, and could very easily cause loss of control.
Consumer has a concern that the vehicle has three and a half sets of tires replaced after the front end had been replaced by the dealer. The problem with tires wearing out excessively are still recurring. Please provide any further information.
Front left spring in mcpherson stut suspension. Spring snapped at bottom. Mechanic said he had seen this on another Saturn. Repair cost is $972.00. Clean break with rust. Mechanic suggested manufacturing flaw.
Consumer notice vibration coming from front end of vehicle while traveling. 2 good year tires had to replaced due to separation. Dealer service couldn't correct problem. Consumer suggested recall.
Suspension complaints in other LS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2001 Saturn LS?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Saturn LS, 5% of the model year's 582 complaints. The component named most often is rear (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Saturn LS suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
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.