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2001 Saturn SL electrical problems

29 complaints (26% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 64,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
29
of this car's complaints
26%
typical mileage
64,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Ignition
    5
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    5
  • Ignition: switch
    3
  • Horn
    2
  • Wiring: rear compartment/trunk
    1
  • Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
    1
  • Wiring
    1
  • Instrument cluster/panel
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Saturn SL electrical problems in other years

199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2001 Saturn SL owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 25, 2018 · Airbags, Body · 127 miles · LA · crash

I have soo much problem with this car

Filed Feb 14, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 190,000 miles · NC

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.

Filed May 4, 2015 · Electrical · 142,000 miles · FL

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

Filed Nov 2, 2014 · Electrical · 118,025 miles · WI

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.

Filed Oct 4, 2014 · Electrical · 135,169 miles · MI

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!!!

Filed Sep 16, 2014 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Aug 27, 2014 · Electrical · 185,084 miles · FL

The security light on the dash board turn on and the wheel turn to the right side by it self and the car turn off and won't start again until the security light is off. This is the third time that happened wile driving with my son inside the car.

Filed May 13, 2014 · Electrical · 65,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn sl. The contact stated that the anti theft warning lamp illuminated and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the ignition was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 72,000.

Filed Apr 24, 2014 · Electrical · 36,000 miles · WA

For some time now my horn is unreliable. I was behind a car that was attempting to reverse and was trying to alert them of my presence and my horn would not work. I repeatedly kept pressing the horn icon on the steering wheel and nothing happened. I was lucky that a person walking noticed and alerted the driver in front of me. Another time I was at a traffic light and the person in front of me was distracted with something in their car and the light was green and I had cars lined up behind me, I tried to blow my horn to alert them of the light change, no horn. Again pressed horn icon repeatedly and nothing happened. I would say the first occurrence happened in 2009 and progressed with sporadic availability until it completely stopped. I have too many instances to name where I needed my horn and it failed to work. I have contacted saturn and am waiting their reply.

Filed Mar 29, 2012 · Electrical · 13,000 miles · VT

Sometimes my security light goes on-when that happens, in order to start car up I have to lock all of the doors, wait 20 minutes then start up the car. It now has 117000 miles on it and it makes a loud noise and shakes at anything over 60 miles an hour

Questions about the 2001 Saturn SL electrical

Does the 2001 Saturn SL have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 29 complaints about the electrical of the 2001 Saturn SL, 26% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2001 Saturn SL electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 64,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2001 Saturn SL electrical?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Saturn SL have the most electrical problems?

The Saturn SL model years with the most electrical complaints are 2002 (43 complaints), 1996 (39 complaints) and 1997 (31 complaints).

Other 2001 Saturn SL problems

Engine 20Transmission 20Airbags 13Brakes 13Seats 6Body 4Tires 4Acceleration 3Fuel system 3Lights 3Steering 3Visibility 3Suspension 2

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