Recalls (2)
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2001 Saturn SL. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗GM/FMVSS 301/VENT VALVE WELD
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ENSURE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE IS PROPERLY WELDED. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.
GM/FMVSS 114/PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.
- Remedy
- 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 INSPECTION FOR THEM.
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (111)
111 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 111 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 29 | 26.1% |
| Power train | 20 | 18% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 18 | 16.2% |
| Air bags | 13 | 11.7% |
| Service brakes | 13 | 11.7% |
| Seats | 6 | 5.4% |
| Structure | 4 | 3.6% |
| Tires | 4 | 3.6% |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 3.6% |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 2.7% |
How 2001 compares with other SL years
Best and worst SL years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 175 | 2 |
| 1994 | 286 | 1 |
| 1995 | 355 | 3 |
| 1996 | 287 | 1 |
| 1997 | 227 | 2 |
| 1998 | 168 | 0 |
| 1999 | 178 | 1 |
| 2000 | 148 | 7 |
| 2001 | 111 | 2 |
| 2002 | 131 | 0 |
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 29 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $2,300
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 306 g/mi
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 29 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | $2,300 | 306 |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 27 | $2,500 | 329 |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 34 / 27 | $2,500 | 329 |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | $2,600 | 342 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2001 SL for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2001 Saturn SL FAQ
How many recalls does the 2001 Saturn SL have?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns: 00V309000 (fuel system), 00V310000 (power train). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2001 Saturn SL problems?
Owners filed 111 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (29), Power train (20), Engine and engine cooling (18) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2001 Saturn SL get?
EPA rates the 1.9 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual version at 25 city, 36 highway and 29 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2001 SL compare with other years?
Among the 1993–2002 Saturn SL model years at least five years old, the 2001 drew the fewest complaints (111) and the 1995 the most (355). The 2001 drew 111. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.