I have a 2001 saturn l200 and the timing chain broke at only 77,352 miles.
The worst 2001 Saturn L Series problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine8
- Fuel system2
- Airbags1
- Visibility1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine8
- Fuel system2
- Airbags1
- Visibility1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
Timing chain failure-stall
On june 6, 2006, odi opened an investigation of timing chain failure resulting in engine stall while driving with no restart in approximately 20,514 model year (my) 2001 saturn l-series vehicles equipped with 2.2l engines (l61) built from november 2000 through february 2001 (ea06-009).the vehicles built during those months exhibited higher failure rates than similarly equipped vehicles built before and after.gm introduced a new timing chain design in production in may 2002.odi closed its investigation after gm initiated a safety recall on november 7, 2007 (recall 07v‑519). On may 22, 2008, the north carolina consumers council (nccc) submitted a defect petition to odi requesting the expansion of recall 07v‑519 to include all my 1999 through 2003 saturn l-series vehicles with 2.2l engines using the same timing chain design as the recalled population.the petition states that the nccc continues to receive complaints from consumers that have had a timing chain fail in vehicles built outside the production range covered by the recall.the petition also notes that odi has continued to receive complaints.since the closing of ea06-009 odi has received 80 new complaints from consumers who had a timing chain fail in a my 2000 through 2002 saturn l-series with the 2.2l engine that were not covered by recall 07v‑519 and were built prior to the timing belt change in may 2002.the complaints describe the same failure mode as the recalled population where the timing chain can break suddenly and without warning, resulting in engine damage and loss of motive power.the defect petition has been granted. A preliminary evaluation (pe08-061) has been opened.
DP08002
Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Saturn L Series 2
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 2001 Saturn L Series owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Fuel system/fuel tank vent valve in 2001 saturn l200. I kept smelling gas from the rear of the vehicle. Could not find the source of the smell. Was afraid of fire/asphyxiation. Finally took to mechanic and had a fuel diagnostics performed. The fuel tank ventline and the fuel pump had to be replaced. Had I continued to drive it this way it could have resulted in fire.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. While driving approximately 10 MPH on normal road conditions, the vehicle backfired while making a left turn. The engine stalled and failed to restart and the vehicle coasted to the side of the road. Roadside assistance was called and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that the timing chain failed. The vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v519000 (engine and engine cooling), although the failures were identical. The VIN was not accepted by the system. The failure and current mileages were 102,000.
There is no one thing wrong with my 2001 saturn l300 v6. Just everything. I take it in for one repair and something else is wrong less than a week later. Less than 3 months after I bought it used, I had to replace the radiator. Then my tires were bad because the suspension sucks, and you have to buy an after-market kit just to fix that issue. Then my water pump blew up. Then my fuel pump blew. These cars are horrible & something needs to be done about it!
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn l series. While driving 5 MPH, the timing belt came apart and the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. The vehicle was towed to a shop to be repaired. The failure and current mileages were 93,750.
Timing chain broke on a 2 lane highway going about 65 MPH. Lucky to get to the side of the road in one piece. Engine stalled and would not start.
Timing chain links separated on my 2001 saturn l series.
Tl*- the contact stated that the 2001 saturn l station wagon's timing chain broke while driving at 5-10 MPH and turning a corner. The contact had the vehicle serviced at 99,000 miles back in 07/04, and asked the service manager if the timing chain should be serviced and was told that timing chains did not usually break. The contact asked about this at that time because she did research on the vehicle due to other problems she was having with it, and found a bulletin regarding the timing chain. She gave service bulletin action # ea6009 with the investigation still open. The contact stated that the vehiclewas out of warranty, and due to the timing chain breaking, it also ruined the engine. She stated that the dealership informed her that she would have to replace the timing chain and have the engine rebuilt or purchase a new engine. The contact stated that the vehicle had 150,000 miles with routine oil changes. The contact felt that the service bulletin should have been sent to her regarding the problem with the timing chain. The contact filed a complaint with the saturn manufacturer of saturn, and was given claim # 1-23035882.
In october 2006, my engine coolant light came on. I was told it was a bad cap that was not holding the pressure. Within two weeks, the same light came on. I went back and they said cap was fine and could not find a problem. Stated that they had added a dye to the engine coolant to look for the problem and come back in two weeks. Almost exactly two weeks later, dec. 1, I returned because I had found the problem. The coolant - including the bright, fluorescent greenish, yellowish dyed - leaked all in the passenger floorboard and was being soaked into the mat and upholstery. My heater core had failed. When I questioned the wisdom of using the dye, saturn said there was no way for them to know this would happen, ie leak into my car - yet I have found online many complaints of the same heater core problem.
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Questions about the 2001 Saturn L Series
Is the 2001 Saturn L Series reliable?
Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2001 Saturn L Series, 3.0 times a typical Saturn L Series model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Saturn L Series?
Engine and cooling, with 8 complaints, typically around 93,750 miles. Next is fuel system (2).
How many recalls does the 2001 Saturn L Series have?
No recalls on record.
VIN decoder
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