L (2001)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Every complaint of any kind (brakes, airbags, electrical and the rest) whose VIN names the engine, across all model years. The score above counts only engine, transmission and drivetrain complaints, so its figures for the same engine are smaller. Fire, injury and death figures count complaints that report one.
L61
2.2L 4-cyl / 170 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Saturn L Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
L81
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 5 additional engine variants with limited data
LV6
1.8L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LA1
3.4L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LL0
1.9L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
1.9-I4-Gas
1.9L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LS6
5.7L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Saturn L, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2001 Saturn L
On a used 2001 Saturn L, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (345), the cooling system (307) and the electrical system (80). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-09. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 345 owner complaints on the 2001 Saturn L about the engine, all engines combined.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 307 owner complaints on the 2001 Saturn L about the cooling system, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 80 owner complaints on the 2001 Saturn L about the electrical system.
- Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 51 owner complaints on the 2001 Saturn L about the exterior lighting.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on the 2001 Saturn L about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2001-2001 Saturn L complaints?
Owners have filed 588 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 Saturn L. The systems they name most often are the engine, the cooling system and the electrical system.
Is the 2001-2001 Saturn L a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 588 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 Saturn L. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2001 Saturn L have?
NHTSA has 588 owner complaints on file for the 2001-2001 Saturn L as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2001-2001 Saturn L?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001-2001 Saturn L.
What should I check before buying a used Saturn L?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the cooling system and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the L have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2001 Saturn L. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 588 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-18.