Most common 2001 Saturn SC problems
Share of the 21 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saturn SC complaints by model year
Best SC years: 2000, 1998, 2001. Years to avoid: 1995. Compare all years →
2001 Saturn SC recalls (2)
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.
Remedy: Saturn is asking owners and retailers to perform a functional check of the automatic transaxle park lock cable assembly operation, and if necessary, to have the cable adjusted.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle to ensure the fuel tank vent valve is properly welded. If necessary, dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly.
What 2001 Saturn SC owners say
Electrical system
While the car was being tested in the shop, a fuse was replaced. A fire started in the electrical system. According to the Dodge dealership, this is a common problem with saturns. The Dodge dealership checked with a general motors who verified that it is not uncommon for saturns to catch on fire.
2001 Saturn SC with faulty ignition. Key binds when starting the car it also falls out of the ignition switch when driving. Key has been grinding down because of the faulty cylinder. This is a hazard and danger to anyone who drives this vehicle. I called GM and they said there is nothing they can do because it has not been formally recalled. I wanted a case opened and told them if anything happens because of this defective design I will seek restitution. The sr. Advisor was not helpful and tried to dismiss me as quickly as possible. GM is not stepping up to the plate to stand by their vehicles or their customers. Poor design, poor quality, poor support = bodily harm, more lawsuits and no more customers!
Engine & cooling
I bought a new 2000 sc1. The warranty period ended in May of this year. Today I had to have the head gasket replaced. This is a very expensive repair on a car with less than 75000 miles. The repairman at Saturn said he had never replaced a head gasket on a Saturn in 14 years with the company. They also found carbon deposits in the motor that the repairman was suprised to see. The repair department stated that their findings were inconclusive in determining if the gasket was defective. This car was advertised using two employees driving around the country to see how many dependable miles they could get on the car without an unscheduled repair. I think at one time they were at two million miles. If they really feel their car is that dependable I think they should pay for this unscheduled repair at 73000 miles. The advertising, which lead me to purchase the car was very misleading. …
2001 Saturn SC with faulty ignition. Key binds when starting the car it also falls out of the ignition switch when driving. Key has been grinding down because of the faulty cylinder. This is a hazard and danger to anyone who drives this vehicle. I called GM and they said there is nothing they can do because it has not been formally recalled. I wanted a case opened and told them if anything happens because of this defective design I will seek restitution. The sr. Advisor was not helpful and tried to dismiss me as quickly as possible. GM is not stepping up to the plate to stand by their vehicles or their customers. Poor design, poor quality, poor support = bodily harm, more lawsuits and no more customers!
Air bags
Air bags, name unknown, opened after hitting a curb in a parking lot, approx. Less than10mph. No dents, no damage, I was bruised but I'm OK, is my air bags a recall, should air bags pop out after bumping a curb, thank goodness I didn't have my grandchild with me, or any body!! Can you let me know why this would happen, thank you. Updated 08/28/2017
Vehicle involved in front impact accident, rear-ending a non-moving vehicle at approximately 30 MPH on impact (straight-on and center). Airbag did not deploy, driver sustained head injury. Vehicle damage included front bumper & hood.
2001 Saturn SC engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 25 / 36 / 29 |
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 32 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Saturn SC a good car?
Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 SC rates average: 22% fewer complaints than a typical year of the SC at the same age. It is one of the best SC years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Saturn SC?
The electrical system — 5 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the engine & cooling (5) and air bags (4).
How many recalls does the 2001 Saturn SC have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2001 Saturn SC, the most recent from October 12, 2000 (park/neutral start interlock switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Saturn SC?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000, 1998 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995. See the full Saturn SC years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Saturn SC problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 96,000 miles; 8% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.