The Lemon Index
200020022nd generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: electrical
Fewest complaints of its generation (2nd generation).
82 owner complaints, first 3 years 26–29 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2001 Ford Taurus 842001 Toyota Avalon 772001 Volkswagen Golf 278
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 32,000 and 51,000 miles (51,000–82,000 km) (the middle half of the 25 complaints, of all 82 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 09E012000 (lights), 00V310000 (transmission & drivetrain) and 00V309000 (fuel system, gasoline) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Saturn's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 82 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 32K to 51K miles (51K to 82K km) on the car (25 of all 82 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
After a rain or snow day, brakes will tighten up and make a grinding noise like metal to metal. Dealer was contacted.
2001 Saturn SL owner · NHTSA complaint 8005957
More owner reports
While driving at any speed vehicle shimmies. Took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that the brake drums needed changing. Please provide any further information.
NHTSA complaint 8015511
Horn stopped working 1 week after purchase of vehicle. Vehicle has been taken to dealer 5 times, could not remedy the problem.
NHTSA complaint 8017869
Recalls 3
- Lights · recall issued 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2000
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 AUTOMA…
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2000
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 …
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,050–$2,300 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 1.9L 4-cyl.
Every Saturn SL year. 2001 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2001 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/saturn-sl/?y=2001" title="Saturn SL reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="284" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/saturn-sl/2001/">Lemon Index</a> (2001 Saturn SL reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2001 Saturn SL reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 48; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2001 Saturn SL problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (21%), brakes (18%) and engine (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2001 Saturn SL have?
3 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Saturn SL get?
26 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2001 Saturn SL problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 32,000 and 51,000 miles (51,000–82,000 km) (the middle half of the 25 complaints, of all 82 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2001 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2001 Saturn SL have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2001 Saturn SL cost in fuel a year?
About $2,050 to $2,300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2001 Saturn SL have?
1.9L 4-cyl.
Is there a better Saturn SL year than the 2001?
Not nearby: the 2001 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Saturn SL years within 3 model years of it.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works