Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
I own an 2001 Saturn l-33, with 38,280 miles. On two occasions the service light (not the service engine light came on, and when this occurred, the transmission would shift harshly. On 04-30- 2009, I had started the car, which had no been used that day, I was sitting somewhat sideways in the drivers seat talking to my father, when the auto when the auto went into reverse by itself, and dragged me across the street, hitting a block wall. I got up and into the auto, and noticed the shift lever was still in "park". I found a websight "the Saturn forum" wherein other Saturn l-300 owners had the same problem with the service light coming on etc. As far as I know, Saturn has not sent out a service bulletin, or re-call on this problem. I also found out the problem might be due to "pinched" wiring going to the "transmission control module. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Saturn l-series. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway with the key removed on a slight incline it rolled backwards and crashed into another vehicle which was destroyed. Upon inspecting the vehicle the gear shift was in reverse. The contact stated that the emergency brake was engaged as well. No one was injured during the crash. The contact also stated that the key could be removed while the vehicle was in drive. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the crash and the manufacturer stated that there was nothing they could do to assist him. The contact noticed a recall for the power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (PRNDL) (00V344000) but the contact never received a letter from the manufacturer. The contact stated that the manufacturer should be responsible. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Well first my engine control monitor is sending a bunch of random off codes from ma's air sensor vol low to crankshaft sensor volume low to o2 sensors to transmission codes, my side airbag on driver side blue up out of no were my key fob stopped reading and now my car won't start I know all of a sudden it's sending off codes for camshaft sensor and o2 sensors I believe there should be a recall on the ECM it's a very expensive replacement that seems to be a common failure it's dangers and defective.my car locked up in middle of I busy intersection do to these codes and low voltage readings my name is [redacted] I live at [redacted] my #[redacted] accident date 10/17/2017
Tl contact owns a 2001 Saturn l200. While the vehicle was still in drive, the contact was able to easily remove the key from the ignition. As a result, the vehicle struck two vehicles and caused $2,320 in damages. The manufacturer stated that nothing could be done because the failure was not due to a safety defect. The Saturn dealer stated that the failure May have been due to an old steering column and the number of times the key has been used. The failure mileage was 66,900 and current mileage is 68,000. Updated 01/29/08 there was no damage done to the consumers vehicle. The consumer discovered he left the vehicle in drive, in though he had removed the key. Updated
On March 17, 2006, my wife and I returned home from supper around 8:45 pm. At approximately 9:00 pm, I heard a crash outside. I soon discovered that our Saturn had rolled out of the garage and into our neighbors yard across the road. Upon inspection inside the car, I discovered the car was not in park, yet the ignition system had allowed me to remove the key. This is a major safety failure. No car should allow a key to be removed from the ignition without the car being in park. As yet, the failure hasn't been corrected since the car is still at the body shop.
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.
Good afternoon, I am a the original Saturn owner who never received recall information regarding my 2001 Saturn l series. I have experienced various problems that directly correlate to the recall listed below: recall 07V519000-pertaining to engine and engine cooling potential number of units affected: 20,514 summary: on certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.2l 4-cylinder engine, links in the engine's timing chain can separate. Consequence: if a timing chain link separates while the engine is running, the engine will stall and will not restart increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: dealers will replace the timing chain free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2008. Owners May contact Saturn at [phone]. The recall listed above has effected our vehicle on two different occasions; the first of which was fixed out of our own pocket for $4,614.29 on 9/18/12. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Saturn lw300 series. The trans axle shift cable cable slipped out of its bracket and the trans axle lever would not function properly. When the vehicle was in park the trans axle caused it to remain in neutral mode which made it impossible to drive the vehicle. The contact attempted to place her feet on the brake pedal and turn the vehicle off; however, it continued to indicate that it was in neutral instead of park. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that her VIN was not a part of recall #00V344000, power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL) and that the repair cost was $560. A complaint was also filed with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 54,101.
Saturn l200 series has a recall 06074a for a faulty timing chain. They failed to notify me. My timing chain failed late one dark night on a busy interstate leaving me and my family stranded in the cold. My VIN number falls in the range of the recall for mentioned. Saturn admits that my VIN falls in the recall range but claims my VIN is somehow excluded. Saturn will not provide a list of included VIN numbers. This is a safety hazard for all saturns in the VIN range of this recall. (1y504884 ' 1y559453). It should be included and repaired with this recall.
I bought the car brand new and it was in the shop two weeks later. So far I've gone through 2 catalytic converters, 2 electronic control modules. I think only one coil, with a couple oxygen sensors to go along with that. Both of the cylinders have gone out on the clutch. I'm still waiting for Saturn to call me on an air check valve that supposedly failed. As for the power locks, they just seem to lock or not to lock when they feel fit to do so. I also get a service light that comes on when it feels like it to.....
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles. Some of these vehicles were assembled with the transaxle shift cable clip missing or improperly seated. Without the clip, the cable can slip out of its bracket and the transaxle lever would not move along with the shift lever.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transaxle shift cable retainer clip to verify proper installation and, if necessary, replace the clip and adjust the cable to specifications.
Transmission complaints in other LS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Saturn LS?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Saturn LS, 5% of the model year's 582 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Saturn LS transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-344 (gear position indication (prndl), Oct 30, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Saturn LS transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.