Does the 2001 Saturn SL have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Saturn SL, the most recent reported on October 12, 2000 (Fuel system, gasoline: storage, tank assembly). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Saturn SL?

Owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (29 complaints), followed by power train (20).

How many 2001 Saturn SL complaints mention a crash or fire?

14 of 111 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 10 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2001 Saturn SL recalls and problems

2 recalls and 111 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Saturn SL.

recalls

111

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2001 Saturn SL recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: storage, tank assembly

NHTSA campaign 00V309000 · reported October 12, 2000 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 6,092 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: Fuel spillage could occur during refueling or if the vehicle were involved in a rollover. If an ignition source were present, a fire could occur.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle to ensure the fuel tank vent valve is properly welded. If necessary, dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly.

Power train: automatic transmission, park/neutral start interlock switch

NHTSA campaign 00V310000 · reported October 12, 2000 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 65,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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. If improperly adjusted, it is possible to shift from the "park" position with the ignition key removed.
The risk: This condition increases the risk of a crash resulting from the unintended movement of parked vehicles.
The fix: 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. If owners are not comfortable performing the functional check themselves, they can have their dealer perform this inspection for them.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Electrical system29
Power train20
Engine and engine cooling18
Air bags13
Service brakes, hydraulic12
Seats6
Structure4
Tires4
Unknown or other4
Exterior lighting3

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jan 15, 2024 · Tires
The problem is with the Firestone Tempa Spare T115/70 R14 spare tire. This tire came with the car when new, and has never been used. Tire date of manufacture is 42 2000. I periodically check its air pressure, but it has never been out of the spare tire well. I checked the pressure 1 week ago, and found a large bulge…

Mar 25, 2018 · Air bags · 127 miles · crash reported
I HAVE SOO MUCH PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR

Feb 14, 2016 · Electrical system · 190,000 miles
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…

Jun 16, 2015 · Unknown or other · 65,000 miles
MY KEY COMES OUT THE IGNITION IN THE RUN POSITION, WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER SINCE NEW. THIS STARTED ABOUT THE YEAR OF 2009 AT ABOUT 65,000 MILES. I HAVE 165,000 MILES ON THE CAR NOW.

Jun 1, 2015 · Unknown or other · 185,000 miles
I HAVE TROUBLE TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH. ONCE STARTED THE KEYS CAN FALL OUT OF THE SWITCH. PLEASE ADD THIS TO THE IGNITION RECALL BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!!

SL model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	7	147	10	3
2001	2	111	14	0
2002	0	131	20	5

Across all years, the 2000 SL has the most complaints (147). All Saturn SL years →

Questions

Does the 2001 Saturn SL have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Saturn SL, the most recent reported on October 12, 2000 (Fuel system, gasoline: storage, tank assembly). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Saturn SL?: Owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (29 complaints), followed by power train (20).
How many 2001 Saturn SL complaints mention a crash or fire?: 14 of 111 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 10 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 15, 2024.