2001 Saturn SL problems
Owners have filed 137 complaints about the 2001 Saturn SL with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 22.6% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 14.6%.
Complaints137
Crashes16
Fires0
Injuries10
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 22.6% · 31
Power train 14.6% · 20
Engine and engine cooling 13.1% · 18
Service brakes, hydraulic 10.2% · 14
Air bags 9.5% · 13
Seats 4.4% · 6
Structure 2.9% · 4
Tires 2.9% · 4
Severity
Of those complaints, 16 describe a crash and 10 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Saturn SL in this data, 2001 draws comparatively few complaints; 1995 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 16 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 58,888 miles.
In owners' own words
Since I bought the car in february 2001, in january 2002, february 2002, january 2003 and june 2003, the car would not start. Saturn changed the battery in january 2003 and in all other occasions the car needed jump start. When I contacted Saturn, they said everything is fine. Since all of them were identical problems, Saturn would not treat these as repairs as jump starts do not count as repairs. Electrical system
Dt: after exiting the vehicle the key was removed with the key in the accessory position,. Then, the key could not be reentered. Also, key was taken out of ignition while vehicle was in motion. Dealership told the owner it was due to wear and tear, and she would have to pay for repairs. Owner did not think that she should to pay for repairs. Electrical system
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. Electrical system · reported at 38,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Saturn SL years
1996 369 complaints · 19.0% engine and engine cooling 1997 286 complaints · 14.3% engine and engine cooling 1998 222 complaints · 15.3% power train 1999 232 complaints · 21.1% engine and engine cooling 2000 202 complaints · 17.8% engine and engine cooling 2002 154 complaints · 28.6% electrical system