Most common 2001 Saturn SL problems
Share of the 111 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Saturn SL complaints by model year
Best SL years: 2001, 2002, 2000. Years to avoid: 1995, 1996. Compare all years →
2001 Saturn SL 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 SL owners say
Electrical system all 29 →
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 the consumer stated the vehicle would shut off, when she approached a stop sign. Updated 08/06/15
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.
Transmission & drivetrain all 20 →
My 2001 Saturn sl2 recently developed a sever 'buck' in the automatic transmission when it shifts. That is, when it changes gears it either slams into the next or hesitates then slams. Reverse is the most severe as it slammed so hard that it broke the muffler from its mount at the very rear of the vehicle. The fluid has been changed ahead of schedule on the transmission, and the oils changes have also been timely. I've read on several forums that this is not only symptomatic of the make and model of my car, but predominate in quite a few of the models in the Saturn family. I've since had the fluid changed to no avail of correcting the problem. The symptoms described are exactly synonymous with others posted elsewhere on electronic mediums such as here: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/saturn_trans.html. …
Only had the car for a couple of months - started having problems with the transmission..... Kept shifting real hard from 2nd to 3rd (automatic). Took it to our mechanic and said it was out of his hands and referred us to a transmission specialist. Had the car towed to them and once he looked it over it needed a new transmission!!!! Only had 60,000 miles - go figure. Valve body!! Wrote a letter to the Saturn corporate office about the problem to see what they could do and told us that we should have taken the car to a Saturn service station. We already were in the process of getting it repair, costing us $ 2,000.00!!!! I feel that Saturn should look into their customer's complaints and realize that there actually is a problem with this models transmission. This could lead to an injury or something more serious. I don't think Saturn would like to have that on their shoulders!! …
Engine & cooling all 20 →
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.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Saturn sl2. While driving 7 MPH, the vehicle failed. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. She did not notice any warnings prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the technician stated that the timing chain failed. The repair would cost $2,000. The contact called the manufacturer and was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer for further inspection. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they also stated that the timing chain failed. The manufacturer stated that there was no current recall on her vehicle, but they would cover half of the repair cost. The contact does not feel she should have to pay because there is a service bulletin pertaining to the timing chain failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 66,636.
2001 Saturn SL 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 | 24 / 34 / 27 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Saturn SL a good car?
Based on 111 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 SL rates better than average: 42% fewer complaints than a typical year of the SL at the same age. It is one of the best SL 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 SL?
The electrical system — 29 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about 12v/24v/48v battery. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (20) and engine & cooling (20).
How many recalls does the 2001 Saturn SL have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2001 Saturn SL, 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 SL?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001, 2002 and 2000. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995 and 1996. See the full Saturn SL years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Saturn SL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 64,000 miles; 34% 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.