The problem is with the Firestone Tempa Spare T115/70 R14 spare tire. This tire came with the car when new, and has never been used. Tire date of manufacture is 42 2000. I periodically check its air pressure, but it has never been out of the spare tire well. I checked the pressure 1 week ago, and found a large bulge in the tread, along with broken cords, both steel, and polyester (see photos). The inner tire liner has not ruptured, and the tire still holds air. One month ago I checked the pressure, and it looked completely normal. If I had a flat tire then, I would have put it on the car without hesitation. I suspect that it would have failed on the road leading to a possible disaster. My reason for alerting the federal safety agency is that I suspect there are many compact spare tires in people's trunks, in the same condition, just waiting to cause trouble. I brought it to a Firestone store and they showed no interest in it. I have removed the tire from the steel wheel, and you are welcome to have it to inspect. I live about 25 miles south of Chicago, IL. When you look at the attached photos, numbers 1-3 show the tire on the steel wheel with the tire inflated, number 4 shows the tire deflated, and off the wheel.
The worst 2001 Saturn SL problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical29
- Engine20
- Transmission20
- Airbags13
- Brakes13
- Seats6
- Body4
- Tires4
- Acceleration3
- Fuel system3
- Lights3
- Steering3
- Visibility3
- Suspension2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Saturn SL
Recalls 2
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- 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 switch
- 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
Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Saturn SL 208
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
- This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License...
- This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR)...
2001 Saturn SL fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4‑cyl | FWD | 22-25 | 32-36 | 26-29 |
What 2001 Saturn SL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I have soo much problem with this car
My saturn that I've been driving for about a year and a half now, completely cut off in the middle of me driving it. Luckily I was at a drive they so so serious damage to me or anyone else. Could not get it to start back up for a good 5-10 mins. Also the transmission is going out in it and I'm constantly having to add fluid so it doesnt skip. The rear tail lights keep having to be replaced because they keep blowing out.
My key comes out the ignition in the run position, when the car is running. I am original owner since new. This started about the year of 2009 at about 65,000 miles. I have 165,000 miles on the car now.
I have trouble turning the ignition switch. Once started the keys can fall out of the switch. Please add this to the ignition recall because I don't want to die!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn sl. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned towards the on position, it was difficult to turn the key and it took numerous attempts to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the key was removed without the ignition being turned to the off position. The contact also stated that while refueling the fuel tank, the vehicle failed to indicate when the fuel tank was fuel causing fuel to spill. The failures recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000. Updated 7/7/15*cn the consumer stated the vehicle would shut off, when she approached a stop sign. Updated 08/06/15
After the key is inserted in the ignition cylinder it will not engage and turn to start the vehicle. The lock remains stuck in the "off" position. Over the past several months the problem has become consistently worse. We have been stranded numerous occasions unable to start the vehicle. While the vehicle is running we are able to remove the key from the ignition. I have researched the internet and found this is a common issue with saturn's vehicles.
Our daughter was involved in a motor vehicle accident on 10/9/2014. A vehicle pulled out in front of her. Our daughter was not able to stop in time and hit the vehicle with the front end of the saturn to the drivers door of the other vehicle. Air bags did not deploy but we believe they should have. Our daughter sustained injuries.
I took my saturn in for repair because I was having trouble with the ignition and starting my car. The dealer said that the ignition cylinder binding and column was loose. They replaced the cylinder and code cylinder and secured the steering wheel column. Now the same ignition problem is back but even worse. It takes a series of shakes of my key and moving the steering wheel to even start the car! I hope that I won't get stranded somewhere when this car won't start!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn sl. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the key intermittently released from the ignition. The failure occurred on two occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Compare the 2001 Saturn SL
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Questions about the 2001 Saturn SL
Is the 2001 Saturn SL reliable?
Owners have filed 111 complaints about the 2001 Saturn SL, fewer than a typical SL model year.
What is the 2001 Saturn SL year score?
The 2001 Saturn SL scores 78 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Saturn SL: 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 SL?
Electrical system, with 29 complaints, typically around 64,000 miles. Next is engine (20).
How many recalls does the 2001 Saturn SL have?
2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and power train.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Saturn SL get?
Official estimates for the 2001 Saturn SL 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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