2001 Saturn LS problems
Owners have filed 708 complaints about the 2001 Saturn LS with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 43.1% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 11.6%.
Complaints708
Crashes18
Fires21
Injuries19
Deaths9
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 43.1% · 305
Electrical system 11.6% · 82
Exterior lighting 7.5% · 53
Engine 5.8% · 41
Steering 4.8% · 34
Power train 4.4% · 31
Suspension 4.2% · 30
Fuel system, gasoline 2.4% · 17
Severity
Of those complaints, 18 describe a crash, 21 describe a fire, 19 report an injury and 9 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Saturn LS in this data, 2001 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 3 in the last three years against 11 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 80,000 miles.
In owners' own words
I was driving on the highway when, without warning my engine turned off and I was forced to the side of the road. I did not know what had happened and I called a tow truck to take me the 30 miles to my home. Turn my car into the manufacturer and they said that the timing chain broke and it might have damaged the heads as well, resulting in a $2668 repair. I had no choice but to pay and have them repair it. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 73,140 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Saturn l series. The contact was driving approximately 65 mph; the timing chain broke without warning. The vehicle was coasted off of the highway. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred to the authorized dealer for repairs. The vin was not included in the recall defects. The vehicle has not been repaired at this time. The current and failure mileages were 82,000. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 82,000 miles
Following routine maintenance by the dealer our Saturn l300 experienced stuttering and hesitation. I immediately brought the car back to the dealership and expressed my concern for the timing belt. Under the dealership's care the timing belt failed and the engine siezed, causing $3,000 worth of damage and subsequent repairs. The timing belt was not due for recommended service for another 6,000 miles. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 93,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…