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2001 Saturn SC problems

The most common problem on the 2001 Saturn SC is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical SC model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
85/100
Owner complaints
21
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
51
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
26-29mpg

The worst 2001 Saturn SC problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    5
  • Engine
    5
  • Airbags
    4
  • Steering
    3
  • Fuel system
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    5
  • Engine
    5
  • Airbags
    4
  • Steering
    3
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 2

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported October 12, 2000 · 6,092 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 00V309000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switchReported October 12, 2000 · 65,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 00V310000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2001 Saturn SC

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Saturn SC 51

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 51 bulletins for the 2001 Saturn SC

2001 Saturn SC fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.9L 4‑cylFWD22-2532-3626-29

What 2001 Saturn SC owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 8, 2022 · Fuel system · FL

Vehicle leaks fuel when filled with gasoline at pump. If operator fills vehicle till the pump stops vehicle will leak fuel after roughly 15 seconds of pump stopping. The vehicle will only drip a small puddle of fuel. Vehicle could leak more if vehicle is at an incline or rolled. This has occurred at multiple pump at stations of differing brands. Over the span of weeks.

Filed Mar 29, 2017 · Airbags · 160,000 miles · CA

Air bags, name unknown, opened after hitting a curb in a parking lot, approx. Less than10mph. No dents, no damage, I was bruised but I'm ok, is my air bags a recall, should air bags pop out after bumping a curb, thank goodness I didn't have my grandchild with me, or any body!! Can you let me know why this would happen, thank you. Updated 08/28/2017

Filed Nov 17, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 100,000 miles · NJ

2001 saturn sc with faulty ignition. Key binds when starting the car it also falls out of the ignition switch when driving. Key has been grinding down because of the faulty cylinder. This is a hazard and danger to anyone who drives this vehicle. I called gm and they said there is nothing they can do because it has not been formally recalled. I wanted a case opened and told them if anything happens because of this defective design I will seek restitution. The sr. Advisor was not helpful and tried to dismiss me as quickly as possible. Gm is not stepping up to the plate to stand by their vehicles or their customers. Poor design, poor quality, poor support = bodily harm, more lawsuits and no more customers!

Filed Aug 7, 2014 · Electrical · 185,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn sc. When the contact inserted the key into the ignition, the key would not turn to the on position properly. In order for the vehicle to start, the contact had to tamper with the key and ignition switch. The contact also stated that the key would eject from the ignition while driving at any speed. A mechanic stated that the ignition switch malfunctioned. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.

Filed Aug 6, 2014 · Electrical · 135,000 miles · CO · fire

While the car was being tested in the shop, a fuse was replaced. A fire started in the electrical system. According to the dodge dealership, this is a common problem with saturns. The dodge dealership checked with a general motors who verified that it is not uncommon for saturns to catch on fire.

Filed Jan 21, 2010 · Lights · NY

2001 saturn sc1 has moisture in the headlamps. Currently does not pose a problem but may limit the output of light. I have been told by saturn mechanics that it will not pass inspection and it is a known problem, yet does not have a recall.

Filed Nov 12, 2009 · Body · 120,000 miles · TX

Key switch no longer works on my 2001 saturn sc2. Dealer wants $400 to fix because car is out of warranty. . My key still works on the doors and trunk. I have a '53 chevrolet with the original key and it still works. I understand this is a problem with all saturns.

Filed May 13, 2008 · Steering · 85,000 miles · CO · crash

My daughter katie was driving her car around a curved exit ramp when the steering seemed to fail. The car veered wildly back and forth, and the brakes were unresponsive as well. She made minor corrections to the steering until it finally began to straighten out. Then a fox ran across the road, she jerked reflexively, and the car veered into a ditch and rolled. Luckily she was uninjured except for scrapes, however the car was totaled - windshield smashed, roof smashed, passenger side smashed, and so on. Had there been a passenger there would have been a serious injury.

Filed Aug 16, 2007 · Engine · 60,000 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn sc1. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle sputtered and the engine temperature increased. The dealer stated that there was a leak in the intake manifold gasket. There were no repairs made because the contact traded in the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 60,000. Updated 02-01-08 *bf updated 02/01/08

Filed May 1, 2006 · Airbags · 96,000 miles · LA · crash · 1 injury

Vehicle involved in front impact accident, rear-ending a non-moving vehicle at approximately 30 MPH on impact (straight-on and center). Airbag did not deploy, driver sustained head injury. Vehicle damage included front bumper & hood.

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Questions about the 2001 Saturn SC

Is the 2001 Saturn SC reliable?

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 2001 Saturn SC, fewer than a typical SC model year.

What is the 2001 Saturn SC year score?

The 2001 Saturn SC scores 85 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Saturn SC: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Saturn SC?

Electrical system, with 5 complaints. Next is engine (5).

How many recalls does the 2001 Saturn SC have?

2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and power train.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Saturn SC get?

Official estimates for the 2001 Saturn SC range from 26 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.9L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-25 city and 32-36 highway.

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