Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Saturn SL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
For some time now my horn is unreliable. I was behind a car that was attempting to reverse and was trying to alert them of my presence and my horn would not work. I repeatedly kept pressing the horn icon on the steering wheel and nothing happened. I was lucky that a person walking noticed and alerted the driver in front of me. Another time I was at a traffic light and the person in front of me was distracted with something in their car and the light was green and I had cars lined up behind me, I tried to blow my horn to alert them of the light change, no horn. Again pressed horn icon repeatedly and nothing happened. I would say the first occurrence happened in 2009 and progressed with sporadic availability until it completely stopped. I have too many instances to name where I needed my horn and it failed to work. I have contacted Saturn and am waiting their reply.
I took my Saturn in for repair because I was having trouble with the ignition and starting my car. The dealer said that the ignition cylinder binding and column was loose. They replaced the cylinder and code cylinder and secured the steering wheel column. Now the same ignition problem is back but even worse. It takes a series of shakes of my key and moving the steering wheel to even start the car! I hope that I won't get stranded somewhere when this car won't start!!!
After the key is inserted in the ignition cylinder it will not engage and turn to start the vehicle. The lock remains stuck in the "off" position. Over the past several months the problem has become consistently worse. We have been stranded numerous occasions unable to start the vehicle. While the vehicle is running we are able to remove the key from the ignition. I have researched the internet and found this is a common issue with Saturn's vehicles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Saturn SL. The contact stated that the anti theft warning lamp illuminated and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the ignition was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 72,000.
I purchased a 2001 Saturn SL from a small car dealership at the end of June 2006. The car was purchased with a 30 day warranty. In the middle of August, many components of the electrical system began to fail - alternator, battery, starter. All were replaced. In addition, the engine failed. Just today (12/27/06) the car started to act up again. Worst car I've ever owned.
The daytime running lights went out while driving. The dealership indicated that the daytime running lights wiring burnt out and broke. This wires are located close to other wires in the engine, and could of resulted in an engine fire. The dealership replaced the burnt wires. The cause of the wires burning is undetermined.
My 2001 Saturn sl2 has had many complaints about ignition lock on discussion boards. I have had problems with it for about a year, but have been able to jiggle it to start. I've been lucky. If this has been such a problem why hasn't there been a recall rather than all the false charges and repairs people have had to pay?
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Saturn SL. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the key intermittently released from the ignition. The failure occurred on two occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Electrical complaints in other SL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2001 Saturn SL?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Saturn SL, 26% of the model year's 111 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Saturn SL electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2001 Saturn SL, though it has 2 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 SL electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to electrical 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.