Sl (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.
Saturn Sl Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
LV6
1.8L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LL0
1.9L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Saturn Sl, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2001 Saturn Sl
On a used 2001 Saturn Sl, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (29), the transmission and drivetrain (22) and the engine (19). 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.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 29 owner complaints on the 2001 Saturn Sl about the electrical system.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 22 owner complaints on the 2001 Saturn Sl about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 19 owner complaints on the 2001 Saturn Sl 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 18 owner complaints on the 2001 Saturn Sl about the cooling system, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 15 owner complaints on the 2001 Saturn Sl about the brakes.
Recalls (3)
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. 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.
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 AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED.
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 TANK.
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2001-2001 Saturn Sl complaints?
Owners have filed 119 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 Saturn Sl. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the transmission and the engine.
Is the 2001-2001 Saturn Sl 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 119 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 Saturn Sl. 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 Sl have?
NHTSA has 119 owner complaints on file for the 2001-2001 Saturn Sl 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 Sl?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering some 2001-2001 Saturn Sl vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Saturn Sl?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the transmission and the engine, 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 Sl have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2001 Saturn Sl. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 119 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-18.