2001 Saturn Sl: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Saturn Sl: 2 recalls, 111 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #00V310000 · 2000 · 65,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
Fuel system Vehicle recall #00V309000 · 2000 · 6,092 vehicles
What's wrong: 301, "fuel system integrity." these vehicles were built with an inadequate vent valve weld on the top portion of the fuel tank.
Why it matters: 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (29): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), door / lock issues (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (20): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (8), noise or vibration (5), stalls / loses power (3).
- Engine & cooling (18): the most common themes are leaks (4), stalls / loses power (3), electrical failure (2).
- Airbags (13): the most common themes are fails to deploy (4).
The 2001 Saturn Sl has 111 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 12 Sl model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 185). Complaints peaked in 2002 (20 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 64,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (148 complaints, 7 recalls), 2002 (131 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 36 | 29 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 27 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 34 | 27 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Saturn Sl.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 Saturn Sl have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Saturn Sl, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2001 Saturn Sl problems?
Owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (29), transmission & drivetrain (20), engine & cooling (18).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Saturn Sl get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 Saturn Sl repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.