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.
2001 Saturn SL engine problems
20 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 63,400.
- owner complaints
- 20
- of this car's complaints
- 18%
- typical mileage
- 63,400
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Engine7
- Engine: gasoline3
- Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1
- Cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Saturn SL engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Saturn SL engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2001 Saturn SL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
1st incident: I went in to the saturn dealer for an oil change and the dealer found a fuel leak between the tank and the filter. There was fuel on top of the tank top and also dripping down the side. The dealer said there was a cracked line in the fuel system close to the tank top. I had to replace the fuel pump assembly in order to repair the leak of my pocket as it was not covered by the warranty. 2nd incident: yesterday I went for a state inspection at the local chevrolet dealer that takes care of my saturn and they reported that I have a fuel tank leaking and have to replace the fuel pump. Because of this it failed the state inspection. My car currently has only 41152 miles on it and is driven mostly for pleasure. Is there a current recall on the fuel pump assembly or the fuel tanks of the saturn l300 series?
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn sl2. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop and the contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn sl1. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, he heard a loud noise and the vehicle started shaking excessively. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the transmission valve body was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact was awaiting repairs. The current and the failure mileages were 132,000. ....updated 12/03/12 *bf updated 01/11/12
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn sl2. While driving 7 MPH, the vehicle failed. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. She did not notice any warnings prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the technician stated that the timing chain failed. The repair would cost $2,000. The contact called the manufacturer and was advised to take the vehicle to a local dealer for further inspection. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they also stated that the timing chain failed. The manufacturer stated that there was no current recall on her vehicle, but they would cover half of the repair cost. The contact does not feel she should have to pay because there is a service bulletin pertaining to the timing chain failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 66,636.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn sl. While driving 70 MPH, the timing chain failed and the vehicle had to be towed to a mechanic. The mechanic stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 160,000.
Multi engine misfire, knock system, idle speed high, ignition system volts. The intake gasket was leaking. My repairman that he has seen this in multiple different saturns especially in the sl1 model. If not fixed, idle will increase.
Excessive oil consumption - epa problem at 75,000 miles our 2001 sl2 began to consume oil at an alarming rate. 1 qt in less than 150 miles. This is less that one quart per fuel stop. No oil is dripping and the engine is dry of oil. There are thousands of such cases posted on numerous web sites. All with the same symptoms starting at between 60,000 and 80,000 miles. It seems that gm used low tension oil rings and they stick easily allowing the oil to burn in the cylinder. A temporary fix can be obtained by removing the spark plugs and filling each cylinder with car cleaner. A soaking of several hours will stop the oil usage for about 3000 miles then it will start again. This is also an epa problem as the oil is going out the exhaust. The response from saturn is this falls in the realm of normal oil usage.
I was pulling out of a parking lot onto the main highway when the car made a pffff sound and I lost all power to the car the motor just stopped. I had no power steering and no power brakes. The dealer stated the timing chain just snapped and then 12 out of the 16 valves in the car bent. I found this incredible on a vehicle with such low mileage.
I purchased a 2001 saturn sl from a small car dealership at the end of june 2006. The car was purchased with a 30 day warranty. In the middle of august, many components of the electrical system began to fail - alternator, battery, starter. All were replaced. In addition, the engine failed. Just today (12/27/06) the car started to act up again. Worst car I've ever owned.
Questions about the 2001 Saturn SL engine
Does the 2001 Saturn SL have engine problems?
Owners have filed 20 complaints about the engine of the 2001 Saturn SL, 18% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2001 Saturn SL engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 63,400 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2001 Saturn SL engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
Other 2001 Saturn SL problems
Electrical 29Transmission 20Airbags 13Brakes 13Seats 6Body 4Tires 4Acceleration 3Fuel system 3Lights 3Steering 3Visibility 3Suspension 2
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