Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2001 Saturn SL: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

111 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

64,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2001 model year. Data updated: . 61 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Automatic Transmission is the most frequently named component, appearing in 14 of 111 complaints (12.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior2018.0%
Transmission and shifting1715.3%
Steering behavior87.2%
Electrical and battery issues76.3%
Engine operation43.6%
Fuel system concerns43.6%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
14
Electrical System
10
Air Bags:Frontal
7
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
7
Engine And Engine Cooling
6
Air Bags
5
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
5
Electrical System:Ignition
5
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Power Train:Automatic Transmission14
Electrical System10
Air Bags:Frontal7
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine7
Engine And Engine Cooling6
Air Bags5
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery5
Electrical System:Ignition5

Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 14; Electrical System: 10; Air Bags:Frontal: 7; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 7; Engine And Engine Cooling: 6; Air Bags: 5; Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery: 5; Electrical System:Ignition: 5

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
9
25,000 to 49,999
12
50,000 to 74,999
15
75,000 to 99,999
10
100,000 to 149,999
11
150,000 and above
4
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0009
25,000 to 49,99912
50,000 to 74,99915
75,000 to 99,99910
100,000 to 149,99911
150,000 and above4

Under 25,000: 9; 25,000 to 49,999: 12; 50,000 to 74,999: 15; 75,000 to 99,999: 10; 100,000 to 149,999: 11; 150,000 and above: 4

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (15). 50 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2001
8
2002
20
2003
15
2004
10
2005
9
2006
4
2007
7
2008
15
2009
3
2011
3
2012
2
2014
9
2015
3
2016
1
2018
1
2024
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20018
200220
200315
200410
20059
20064
20077
200815
20093
20113
20122
20149
20153
20161
20181
20241

2001: 8; 2002: 20; 2003: 15; 2004: 10; 2005: 9; 2006: 4; 2007: 7; 2008: 15; 2009: 3; 2011: 3; 2012: 2; 2014: 9; 2015: 3; 2016: 1; 2018: 1; 2024: 1

Pattern summary

Power Train:Automatic Transmission leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 20 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 17 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 8 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10002740 · 2003-01-15 (January 15, 2003)

2001 SL1 SATURN

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10002740 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10003424 · 2003-01-26 (January 26, 2003)

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER TRUNK AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES WHILE DRIVING. DEALER CANNOT REMEDY

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10003424 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10010890 · 2003-03-22 (March 22, 2003)

IGNITION LOCKED DOWN WAS REPLACED BUT PROBLEM KEEPS HAPPENING. COMPLAINED TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT, BUT THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT RECREATE PROBLEM. STOPPED GOING TO DEALERSHIP. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10010890 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10011082 · 2003-03-26 (March 26, 2003)

2001 SATURN 1.9 LITER L4 SL2 5 SPEED. THE MANIFOLD GASKET WENT BAD CAUSING ANTI-FREEZE TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSED THE WATER PUMP TO GO BAD. THE CAR HAD 46,000 MILES. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 43,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10011082 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10011541 · 2003-03-12 (March 12, 2003)

THE AXLE SQUEAKED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.*JB. FRONT LEFT AXLE HAS BEEN REPLACED, BUT NOISE CONTINUED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN LOCATED THE PROBLEM-AXLE SEALS. TECHNICIAN REPLACED BOTH AXLE SEALS, AND PROBLEM HAS BEEN SOLVED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 24,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10011541 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10016822 · 2003-05-01 (May 1, 2003)

FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAVE HAD TO BE "TURNED" TWO OR THREE TIMES AND VEHICLE ONLY HAS 33K MILES ON IT. DEALER IS AWARE AND HAS SO FAR COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10016822 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10020861 · 2003-06-01 (June 1, 2003)

TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND TOP MOTOR MOUNT BOTH CRACKED. *TT

Owner-reported narrative. 63,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10020861 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10024545 · 2003-06-13 (June 13, 2003)

DEFECTIVE BRAKE ROTORS ON 2001 SATURN SL. *MR FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED 4 TIMES. INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE BUCKED AND STALLED AT IDLE. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE CONCERN ON ROAD TEST. RADIO LIGHT INOPERATIVE. RADIO ASSEMBLY REPLACED. *TT *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 8,715 miles reported. Look up ODI 10024545 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

00V309000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly

Reported: 2000-10-12 (October 12, 2000)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
00V310000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch

Reported: 2000-10-12 (October 12, 2000)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

111 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

55.0%Usable mileage61 / 111 records
94.6%Valid incident date105 / 111 records
100.0%Valid filing date111 / 111 records
94.6%Ordered incident and filing dates105 / 111 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
13.4%
ODI 807126

ENGINE OIL LEAK, GASKET OIL PAN RUSTED, CAUSING LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, IN FOR REPAIR WILL PROVIDE INVOICE RECEIPT. *AK

Look up ODI 807126 at NHTSA ↗

1713.8%
ODI 504568

PISTON RINGS FAILED, CAUSING ENGINE TO BURN OIL EXCESSIVELY. *DH

Look up ODI 504568 at NHTSA ↗

169.1%
ODI 10009241

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.*JB *TS

Look up ODI 10009241 at NHTSA ↗

258.7%
ODI 10093917

AIR BAG LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING, REPLACED 2 OF THE COMPONENETS UNDER THE DASH ONE UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE UP IN THE CORNER AND THE OTHER UP BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX. COOLING FAN DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY MUST KEEP THE AC ON FOR THE FAN TO WORK. A FRIEND OF MINE HAS THE SAME CAR AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. TRIED TO FIX BY REPLACING THE SENSORS HAD A MECHANIC TRY TO TROUBLE SHOOT, CAN'T FIND A REASON SO IT IS NOT FIXED JUST KEEP AC ON ALWAYS. CAR VIBRATES AND CAN'T FIND A REASON STILL LOOKING FOR PROBLEM, VIBRATES SO MUCH BODY PARTS ON FRONT ARE BECOM…

Look up ODI 10093917 at NHTSA ↗

339.3%
ODI 10006456 · 45,000 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS CAUSED ME NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS, IT EATS OIL WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF WHERE IT IS GOING. THE AUTO BELT TIGHTENER IS NOT WORKING AND COST AN ARM AND A LEG TO FIX. SUNROOF BROKE WITHOUT ANY NOTICE OR CAUSE, THE FAN SWITCH NEVER DID OPERATE CORRECTLY, NOW IT IS SHIFTING REAL HARD ALL THE TIME WHILE YOUR DRIVING, ONCE IT IS WARMED UP. THIS VEHICLE IS DEFINITELY A LEMON. AK SCC ***DIMSII IVOQ POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****744336

Look up ODI 10006456 at NHTSA ↗

3110.8%
ODI 10005654 · 70,000 mi

I PURCHASED MY SATURN SL2 NEW IN 1996. AFTER 70,000 MILES IT STARTED USING AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF OIL. OIL CONSUMPTION STARTED TO ECLIPSE 1 QT. FOR EVERY 500 MILES. MY OIL CHANGE SERVICE SAID SATURN ENGINES WERE NOTORIOUS FOR BAD RINGS. I TOOK TO SATURN DEALERSHIP. THEY WANTED SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR A NEW ENGINE. I REPLACED ENGINE WITH A SATURN ENGINE WITH 23,000 MILES. AFTER ANOTHER 40,000 MILES THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE EXHIBITED THE EXACT SAME BEHAVIOR. I NOW NEED TO PURCHASE A THIRD ENGINE.

Look up ODI 10005654 at NHTSA ↗

177.5%
ODI 10019532

THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. *JB

Look up ODI 10019532 at NHTSA ↗

148.3%
ODI 10001275 · 11,979 mi

THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. THE CAM SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE IDLE CONTROL WAS ADJUSTED AND THE THROTTLE WAS REPLACED YET THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED IN REVERSE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. *NM

Look up ODI 10001275 at NHTSA ↗

179.6%
ODI 10008758

THE HEAD GASKET LEAKED.*JB

Look up ODI 10008758 at NHTSA ↗

106.8%
ODI 10027114 · 45,000 mi

WHEN THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO STATED THE OIL PUMP FAILED. *AK *TS *JB

Look up ODI 10027114 at NHTSA ↗

76.3%
ODI 10011082 · 43,000 mi

2001 SATURN 1.9 LITER L4 SL2 5 SPEED. THE MANIFOLD GASKET WENT BAD CAUSING ANTI-FREEZE TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSED THE WATER PUMP TO GO BAD. THE CAR HAD 46,000 MILES. *JB

Look up ODI 10011082 at NHTSA ↗

53.8%
ODI 10013802

2002 SATURN SL HAS 3 LEAKING SEALS. VERY DANGEROUS FOR A FIRE. REAR SEAL, OIL PAN GASKET AND CRANK CASE GASKET ALL LEAKING. DANGEROUS FOR SINGLE WOMEN ON THE ROAD. *JB

Look up ODI 10013802 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

43.3%
ODI 507374

DRIVER REPLACED BATTERIES 4 TIMES, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING IN 2ND GEAR, REPLACED GENERATOR WIRING AS PER SERVICE RECALL, ALSO REPLACED MOTOR MOUNTS AND BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS. *AK

Look up ODI 507374 at NHTSA ↗

137.4%
ODI 10053882 · 35,000 mi

AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AND PLACING THE GEAR IN PARK OR NEUTRAL VEHICLE WILL JUMPED FORWARD, DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT THE VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE CONSUMER OWNS FOUR OTHER SATURN VEHICLES. THREE OF THEM HAVE ALSO HAD THEIR VALVE BODY ASSEMBLIES REPLACED. ALL OF THE VEHICLES HAD UNDER 50000 MILES ON THEIR ODOMETER'S. *NM

Look up ODI 10053882 at NHTSA ↗

175.9%
ODI 10093917

AIR BAG LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING, REPLACED 2 OF THE COMPONENETS UNDER THE DASH ONE UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE UP IN THE CORNER AND THE OTHER UP BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX. COOLING FAN DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY MUST KEEP THE AC ON FOR THE FAN TO WORK. A FRIEND OF MINE HAS THE SAME CAR AND HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. TRIED TO FIX BY REPLACING THE SENSORS HAD A MECHANIC TRY TO TROUBLE SHOOT, CAN'T FIND A REASON SO IT IS NOT FIXED JUST KEEP AC ON ALWAYS. CAR VIBRATES AND CAN'T FIND A REASON STILL LOOKING FOR PROBLEM, VIBRATES SO MUCH BODY PARTS ON FRONT ARE BECOM…

Look up ODI 10093917 at NHTSA ↗

185.1%
ODI 10006456 · 45,000 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS CAUSED ME NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS, IT EATS OIL WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF WHERE IT IS GOING. THE AUTO BELT TIGHTENER IS NOT WORKING AND COST AN ARM AND A LEG TO FIX. SUNROOF BROKE WITHOUT ANY NOTICE OR CAUSE, THE FAN SWITCH NEVER DID OPERATE CORRECTLY, NOW IT IS SHIFTING REAL HARD ALL THE TIME WHILE YOUR DRIVING, ONCE IT IS WARMED UP. THIS VEHICLE IS DEFINITELY A LEMON. AK SCC ***DIMSII IVOQ POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****744336

Look up ODI 10006456 at NHTSA ↗

113.8%
ODI 10023280 · 81,000 mi

1996 SATURN SL1'S HAVE A PROBLEM REFERRED TO AS "DELAYED ENGAGEMENT IN REVERSE. WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE IT WILL NOT MOVE, CAUSING POTENTIAL PROBLEMS. THIS IS DUE TO THE VALVE BODY ON THE TRANSMISSION WEARING EXCESSIVELY, ALLOWING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID TO FLOW AROUND A POPPET BEFORE ENGAGING. SATURN IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SO ARE THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR PLACES. SATURN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM THOUGH THEY HAVE ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE PROBLEM AND AT ABOUT $1000 PER REPAIR PER VEHICLE SATURN HAS A VES…

Look up ODI 10023280 at NHTSA ↗

114.8%
ODI 10018432 · 91,328 mi

WE BROUGHT OUR SATURN INTO THE OAKLAND, CA DEALER FOR A TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS DEVELOPED SOME LEAKS AND CLUTCH / GEAR ASSEMBLY PROBLEMS. INITIAL QUOTE FROM THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER FOR REPAIR IS $2600.00+. EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED 12/31/02, AND THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE 94,904 MILE MARK. AT THE 91,328 MILEAGE MARK, THE DEALER PERFORMED AN "87,000 MILE" SERVICE, NOT A "90,000 MILE" SERVICE. WHY DIDN'T THE SERVICE ADVISOR INFORM MY DAUGHTER THAT THE "90,000 MILE" SERVICE WAS DUE, WHICH INCLUDED A TRANSMISSION…

Look up ODI 10018432 at NHTSA ↗

1810.7%
ODI 10001275 · 11,979 mi

THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. THE CAM SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE IDLE CONTROL WAS ADJUSTED AND THE THROTTLE WAS REPLACED YET THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED IN REVERSE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. *NM

Look up ODI 10001275 at NHTSA ↗

95.1%
ODI 10003575 · 30,550 mi

1999 SATURN SL2 WITH 30,500 MILES TRANSMISSION EXPLODED.

Look up ODI 10003575 at NHTSA ↗

2214.9%
ODI 10024819

WHEN VEHICLE IS ENGAGED IN REVERSE IT MAKES A TERRIBLE NOISE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 10024819 at NHTSA ↗

1412.6%
ODI 10053889 · 50,000 mi

AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AND WHEN PLACING THE GEAR IN PARK OR NEUTRAL VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT THAT VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY HAD BEEN REPLACED. *AK

Look up ODI 10053889 at NHTSA ↗

1410.7%
ODI 10072203

WHEN PUTTING THE GEAR SHIFT IN REVERSE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK

Look up ODI 10072203 at NHTSA ↗

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
26.9%
ODI 513637

WHILE LEANING BACK IN SEAT TO REACH INTO PANTS POCKET, THE SEATBACK FRAME BENT BACKWARDS, CAUSIN GTHE RECLINING CATCH TO RELEASE. *AK

Look up ODI 513637 at NHTSA ↗

64.9%
ODI 10017680

CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED HER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED AND WHEN THE SEAT RECLINED, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HER. *JB

Look up ODI 10017680 at NHTSA ↗

126.9%
ODI 539614

VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED AND PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF CONSUMER. HAD BOTH FRON TAND RAE IMPACT. DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY, AND SHOULDER BELT DID NOT LOCK IN TIME TO PREVENT DRIVER FROM FALLING FORWARD, HITTING HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, SEATBACK COLLAPSED, DRIVER FELL BACKWARDS AND HIT BACK OF HEAD. SUSTAINED INJURIES, AND VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK

Look up ODI 539614 at NHTSA ↗

2910.1%
ODI 10022969 · 162,700 mi

AS A RESULT OF BEING REAR ENDED, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. *AK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. *JB

Look up ODI 10022969 at NHTSA ↗

3810.7%
ODI 10029595

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEM, WITH DRIVERS CHAIR BREAKING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED FROM THE BACK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE.MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME AT THIS CALL. *AK

Look up ODI 10029595 at NHTSA ↗

124.2%
ODI 10025482 · 46,500 mi

UNSATISFACTORY RESPONSES FROM SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE; REPAIRS THAT SHOULD BE COVERED PER CALIFORNIAS LEMON LAW FOR OUR 1996 SATURN SL1 WITH ONLY 46K MILES. ROTE TO GM & SATURN CEO'S. THEY LIE AND DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR CRAPPY PRODUCT. WE WILL NEVER BUY AMERICAN AGAIN!PER MY RECENT CONVERSATIONS WITH SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE, THERE HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO EFFORT OF GOODWILL TO REIMBURSE AND FIX THE BELOW AFOREMENTIONED MECHANICAL PROBLEMS FROM THE INFERIOR MATERIALS USED IN BUILDING OUR SATURN VEHICLE. THE FAILURES WE NEED REIMBURSEMENT F…

Look up ODI 10025482 at NHTSA ↗

62.6%
ODI 550684

DURING COLLESION DUE TO POOR DESIGN OF GAS TANK ASSEMBLY CAP CAME OFF AND REAR WHEEL BED AND TANK WRAPPED AROUND EACH OTHER RESULTING IN LEAKAGE. YH

Look up ODI 550684 at NHTSA ↗

42.4%
ODI 10169896

DURING A REAR END COLLISION THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT RELEASED TO FULL RECLINE POSITION. LEAVING ME WHICH MORE SEVERE INJURIES THAN I SHOULD HAVE SUSTAINED. *NM

Look up ODI 10169896 at NHTSA ↗

63.4%
ODI 10014740 · 76,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, AND THE FRONT SEATS RECLINED BACKWARDS. *JB

Look up ODI 10014740 at NHTSA ↗

42.7%
ODI 10072146

WHILE STOPPING VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED. AFTER THE COLLISION BOTH FRONT SEAT BACKS COLLAPSED AND FELL BACK ONTO REAR SEATS.*AK

Look up ODI 10072146 at NHTSA ↗

32.7%
ODI 746284

FREEWAY TRAFFIC SUDDENLY CAME TO A STOP. I STOPPED BUT WAS REAR ENDED BY A VEHICLE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND PUSHED INTO CAR IN FRONT OF ME. DRIVERS SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. I SUSTAINED MINOR BACK, HIP, BRUISED STOMACH MUSCLES AND KNEE INJURIES THAT I FEEL WOULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED OR MUCH LESS SEVERE HAD THE SEAT BACK HELD. I'M HAVING A PROBLEM COMPREHENDING GMS CONTENTION THAT THE SEAT BACK YIELDING IS A DESIRABLE RESPONSE TO THIS OR ANY SITUATION (AND THE FACT THAT THEIR PRODUCT ADHERES TO ALL RELEVANT STANDARDS, ETC).*AK

Look up ODI 746284 at NHTSA ↗

53.8%
ODI 10051952 · 25,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED A REAR END COLLISION. UPON IMPACT THE DRIVER SEAT COLLAPSED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM

Look up ODI 10051952 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control
26.9%
ODI 822021

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY VEHICLE STARTED ACCELERATING BY ITSELF. DRIVER STEPPED ON THE BRAKES TO STOP. BUT VEHICLE DID NOT STOP, AND DRIVING OVER CURVES WITHOUT STOPPING, SHE FINALLY STOPPED IT BY PULLING THE IGNITION KEY ON A MALL PARKING LOT. *AK

Look up ODI 822021 at NHTSA ↗

54.1%
ODI 747891

ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AND BATTERY REPLACED 5 TIMES. NOW EXPERIENCING SURGING, HESITATION AND STALLING, AND THE DEALER CANNOT FIND THE CAUSE AFTER FOUR TRIPS. *AK

Look up ODI 747891 at NHTSA ↗

179.7%
ODI 484682

CRUISE CONTROL LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING ON A DOWN GRADE FREEWAY. *AK

Look up ODI 484682 at NHTSA ↗

3311.5%
ODI 10532626 · 86,000 mi

FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW, THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE CAR WILL TURN ITSELF OFF WHILE ENGAGED, AND, IF LEFT ALONE, WILL RANDOMLY REENGAGE TEN OR FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER WITH NO WARNING. THIS CAN CAUSE A SURGE OF ACCELERATION (AS MUCH AS ONE CAN EXPECT FROM A SATURN, ANYHOW) IF SPEED HAS SLOWED DUE TO TRAFFIC. *TR

Look up ODI 10532626 at NHTSA ↗

174.8%
ODI 501334

FRONT BRAKES GRIND, DUE TO LEFT CALIPER FAILURE.

Look up ODI 501334 at NHTSA ↗

103.5%
ODI 10299775 · 76,824 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 SATURN SL2. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 10 MPH AND ENGAGING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ORDER TO STOP THE ACCELERATION, THE CONTACT HAD SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT HAD THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR HARNESS REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,824. UPDATED 02/17/10. *LJ UPDATED 02/18/10

Look up ODI 10299775 at NHTSA ↗

94.0%
ODI 10015331

THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. *NLM

Look up ODI 10015331 at NHTSA ↗

31.8%
ODI 753785

MY MOTHER AND I WERE DRIVING SOUTH ON I-95, MILE MARKER 277 (NORTH OF DAYTONA) WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET FOR 72 MILES PER HOUR. I WAS IN THE RIGHT LANE, AND AS I APPROACHED A CAR GOING SLOWER, I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO RELEASE THE CRUISE CONTROL. IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF, SO I MOVED TO THE LEFT LANE AND TRIED REPEATEDLY TO RELEASE IT. I WAS ABOUT THE HIT THE REAR OF THE CAR INFRONT OF ME, AND IT SEEMED LIKE I WAS ACCELERATING RATHER THAN DECELERATING. I COULD NOT SLOW DOWN SO WENT INTO THE MEDIAN STRIP, AND STILL WAS UNABLE TO SLOW DOWN.IT SEEMED …

Look up ODI 753785 at NHTSA ↗

31.7%
ODI 10040051 · 29,000 mi

WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP MOTOR REVVED, BUT VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THIS RESULTED IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK

Look up ODI 10040051 at NHTSA ↗

53.4%
ODI 10107479 · 100,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATEED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONSUMER HAD TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

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10.9%
ODI 746638

THIS IS A DESIGN ISSUE. WE ARE PRIOR YEAR (1993, 1997 (2), AND 1998) SATURN OWNERS. FOR THE PRIOR YEARS, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS LOCATED ON THE INSIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE HORN BUTTONS WERE LOCATED ON THE LOWER PORTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS RESULTED IN COMPLAINTS FROM MANY OWNERS BECAUSE THIS WAS NOT THE STANDARD LOCATION FOR HORNS ON GM OR OTHER MODELS. IN 1999 OR 2000, SATURN MOVED THE HORN TO THE TYPICAL LOCATION (CENTER OF STEERING WHEEL OVER THE AIRBAG). THEY REPLACED THE HORN BUTTONS WITH THE CURISE CONTROLS. 4-6 WEEKS …

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10.8%
ODI 8009277

WHILE DRIVING IT IS HARD FOR BRAKES TO STOP VEHICLE. *AK WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE. THE ENGINE RPMS RACED AND WOULD NOT IDLE DOWN. DRIVER HAD HAS TO APPLY BRAKES VERY HARD. DEALER REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. *TT

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Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

21.6%
ODI 10115235

1995 SATURN SL2, INCOMPLETE DEPLOYMENT OF PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG IN MODERATE FRONTAL COLLISION. *BF PORTIONS OF THE AIR BAG FABRIC MELTED THE INTERNAL COMPONETS OF THE MODULE. *JB

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74.0%
ODI 484821

NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S AIRBAG DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY. *SD

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186.3%
ODI 10022969 · 162,700 mi

AS A RESULT OF BEING REAR ENDED, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. *AK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. *JB

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267.3%
ODI 10139509

DT: 1995 SATURN SL1 4 DOOR. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2005 . UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER TOOK PICTURES . HOWEVER, HAD NOT CONTACTED DEALERSHIP OR MANUFACTURER BECAUSE HE THOUGHT VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD, AND DEALERSHIP INFORMATION WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 30-35 MPH, HIT THE BRAKES, AND THEY DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS TWO FRONT AIRBAGS . CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT ON FRONT AND DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE C…

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113.8%
ODI 506320

NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS AIR BAG IN FRONT END COLLISION.

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125.3%
ODI 10046330 · 104,000 mi

VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER DRIVER'S SIDE NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *AK

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31.8%
ODI 10130786

MY BROTHER WAS KILLED JUNE 24, 2005, IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT. HE WAS DRIVING A 1998 SATURN SL ON AN INTERSTATE IN MISSISSIPPI, THE SATURN WENT OUT OF CONTROL, HIS SEATBELT (WHICH HE ALWAYS WORE) AND HE WAS EJECTED FROM THE CAR. SINCE HIS DEATH, I'VE FOUND ON NHTSA'S SITE ALMOST 30 DIFFERENT COMPLAINTS FROM 1998 SATURN SLY OWNERS DESCRIBING SERIOUS FAILURES OF THAT CARS STABILITY, BRAKES, STEERING, AND AIR BAGS---ALL OF WHICH RESULTED IN THE CAR GOING OUT OF CONTROL. FORTUNATELY, THE DRIVERS IN THE 30 COMPLAINTS I'VE FOUND ALL STATED THAT THE…

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126.7%
ODI 10015833 · 39,000 mi

THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT. *JB TURNED INTO PARKING SPACE AND BUMPED UNDER CAR ON CURB. BENDING THE SWAY BAR BRACKET BUT DID NOT TOUCH CAR BODY OR BUMPER.*TS

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21.4%
ODI 10237300 · 82,176 mi

SIDEWALL EXPLODED WHILE ENTERING A DRIVEWAY. BOUGHT THE SAME TIRE AS A REPLACEMENT AND IT DEVELOPED A GIANT SIDEWALL BUBBLE IN A FEW THOUSAND MILES THAT JUST RUPTURED...THE TWO TIRES BOTH WENT BAD IN ONLY 11333 MILES...ABOUT 5666 MILES EACH!! *TR

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76.3%
ODI 10044278 · 47,000 mi

WHILE PARKING VEHICLE,BOTH AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING WHILE PARKING VEHICLE. *AK

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32.3%
ODI 10082691

AFTER A CRASH IN A SATURN AND THE AIR BAGS EXPLODED. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD AREA STARTED SMOLDERING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND PUT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE IT DID A LOT OF DAMAGE.*AK

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Seats
26.9%
ODI 503962

DRIVER'S SEAT BACK COLLAPSED DUE TO REAR IMPACT. *SD

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129.8%
ODI 10018147 · 140,000 mi

CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED AND THE DRIVERSIDE SEAT BACK COLLASPED. THE BACK OF THE SEAT SLAMMED DOWN SO HARD THAT IF A PASSENGER WAS SITTING THERE THERE LEGS WOULD HAVE BEEN CRUSHED. "POOR DESIGN", STATES CONSUMER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.

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95.1%
ODI 10585967 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SATURN SL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER SEPARATED FROM THE ARM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT, HORN, IGNITION, AND WINDOWS ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,727. UPDATED 09/15/14*LJ UPDATED 1/13/2014 *JS

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196.6%
ODI 10190383 · 134,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 SATURN SL2. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S FRONT SEAT MECHANISM FAILED SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE NOTED IN RECALL # 99V045000 (SEATS). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE'S PURCHASE DATE AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 139,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000. UPDATED 06/08/07. *JB

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329.0%
ODI 10002150

WHILE SITTING INSIDE OF HER VEHICLE THE FRONT SEAT DRIVER SIDE RECLINE BACKWARDS AND NEVER COME BACK TO ORIGINAL STATE. PLEASE FURNISH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER. PH

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31.0%
ODI 534035

REAR DOOR STICKS CLOSED, INOPERABLE FROM INSIDE AND OUT.

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125.3%
ODI 609525

THE BACK OF THE REAR SEAT COLLAPSED FORWARD AFTER A SUDDEN STOP.

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21.2%
ODI 606181

REAR WINDOW SHIELD WIPER FAILED. YH

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21.1%
ODI 843661

HIT FROM BEHIND DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED. THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS JAMMED TO THE BACK SEAT. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, THEY CLAIMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE SEAT. *AK

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

21.8%
ODI 8013295

THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT LOCK WILL NOT STAY IN PLACE IN ORDER TO LOCK THE SEAT DOWN. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*JB

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43.1%
ODI 10014398

I PURCHASED A 4-DOOR SATURN SL 2002 THIS PAST SUMMER. THE CARS DESIGN IS INCORRECT. WHEN I SIT IN THE SEAT WITH BOTH OF MY HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND DRIVE, I HAVE TO TURN MY BODY FROM THE WAIST DOWN TO THE LEFT IN ORDER TO PRESS ON THE GAS OR BRAKE. I HAVE NO ROOM ON THE RIGHT SIDE NEXT TO THE GAS PEDAL DUE TO THE CENTER CONSOLE PANEL, IT FORCES ME TO SIT WITH MY WAIST TURNED TO THE LEFT. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE POSITION AND I HAVE HAD CONTINUAL BACK PAIN, WHICH BEGAN TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN SEEING A CH…

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Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
13.4%
ODI 721925

HAVE HAD CAR SERVICED NUMEROUS TIMES, ENGINE ALWAYS REMAINED ROUGH, CAR DIES ON US, HAS LOW UPTAKE SPEED, MECHANIC SAID ITS A SATURN ENGINE DEFECT, WILL EVENTUALLY DIE ALTOGETHER. *AK

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32.4%
ODI 715368

SATURNED REFUSED TO HELP WITH THE COSTS

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116.3%
ODI 481477

ENGINE CONTINUES TO HESITATE AFTER REPEATED REPAIRS. *SKD

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62.1%
ODI 517928

ENGINE FAILURE; ALSO, TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED. *AK

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215.9%
ODI 482603

INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION DUE TO COMPUTER CHIP FAILURE.

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186.3%
ODI 10031308

CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE HAD HER AUTOMOBILE INSSPECTED ,AND WAS TOLD THAT HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING. SHE DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT OTHER SATURN OWNER WERE HAVING THE SAME KIND OF PROBLEM. WHAT COULD SHE DO ABOUT IT?*AK

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125.3%
ODI 534043

VEHICLE'S ENGINE CONTINUALLY MAKES NOISE, LOUDER WITH AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING, UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE.

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63.6%
ODI 536547

ENGINE EXPERIENCING KNOCKING PROBLEMS.

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63.4%
ODI 10128892 · 94,000 mi

DT: THE VEHICLE IS A 1999 SATURN SL. WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER TOOK IT TO GET THE OIL CHANGED. FOUR DAYS LATER ON 6-25-05, SHE HEARD AN EXPLOSION; THE CAP ON THE RADIATOR COOLANT HAD POPPED OFF. SHE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING GUSHING OUT OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE THE COOLANT AND OIL MIXED. THIS MIXTURE IS CURRENTLY SPLATTERED ON THE CONSUMERS DRIVEWAY. AFTERWARDS SHE CONTACTED THE PLACE WERE SHE GOT THE OIL CHANGED AND THEY TOLD HER TO BRING IT IN. SHE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE THEM O…

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64.1%
ODI 10210747

DRIVING MY 2000 SATURN SL2 70 MPH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SUDDENLY COMES ON, ENGINE STOPS RUNNING PULL OVER, LUCKILY CLEAR CONDITIONS, SAFELY. TOWED CAR TO DEALER. DEALER SAYS TIMING CHAIN OR BELT MAY HAVE BROKEN. DEALER CALLS BACK, SAYS I NEED A $7000.00 REPLACEMENT ENGINE. THIS CAR HAS COST ME OVER 5000.00 IN REPAIRS. SATURN HAS NOT OFFERED ANY SORT OF EXPLANATION. JUST A BROKEN TIMING CHAIN. THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ONLINE. I AM FURIOUS. *TR

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32.7%
ODI 10144634 · 10,000 mi

WE NOTICED THAT SOMETIMES THE CAR WAS ENGINE WAS RACING WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND YOU HAVE TO HOLD EXTRA PRESSURE ON THE BAKE PEDAL TO KEEP THE CAR FROM MOVING FORWARD. THE IDLE SPEED INCREASES FROM A NORMAL 750 RPM TO APPROXIMATELY 1750 RPM WHILE IN NEUTRAL, INTERMEDIATELY, SOMETIMES RIGHT AFTER STARTING THE CAR, SOMETIMES AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE. THE CAR ENGINE WHEN IT DOES THIS WILL EXCEED 1100 RPM WHILE IN DRIVE WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES UNDER WHILE UNDER WARRANTY AND ONE TIME SPECIFICAL…

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43.1%
ODI 10186683 · 95,000 mi

MY SON HAD AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING 3 OTHER VEHICLES. THE MOTOR OF THE 2002 SATURN SL1 IN WHICH HE WAS DRIVING STALLED AS HE EXITED THE HIGHWAY ONTO A SERVICE ROAD. ONCE THE ENGINE STALLED,HE DID NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO STEER OR STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, HE STRUCK 2 VEHICLES THAT WERE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT CAUSING A CHAIN REACTION. THE SECOND VEHICLE THAT HE STRUCK HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THE VEHICLE MY SON DROVE. THE RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE 1 SUSTAINED DAMAGE. THE REAR AND FRONT BUMPERS WERE DAMAGED ON VEHI…

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Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

64.9%
ODI 483893

BRAKES FAILED DUE TO 'BOILING OF FLUID WHEN APPLYING BRAKES FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME DOWN A STEEP HILL. *SD

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63.4%
ODI 481477

ENGINE CONTINUES TO HESITATE AFTER REPEATED REPAIRS. *SKD

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93.1%
ODI 489249

ENGINE VALVES STICKING DUE TO CARBON BUILD-UP. *SKD

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185.1%
ODI 482603

INTERMITTENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION DUE TO COMPUTER CHIP FAILURE.

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155.2%
ODI 502288

BRAKES GRIND.

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125.3%
ODI 531147

BRAKE FAILURE, CAUSING ACCIDENT.

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42.4%
ODI 536002

WHEN THE TRUCK LID IS RAISED IN RAINY WEATHER, WATER DRIPS INTO LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT DUE TO DESIGN.

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95.1%
ODI 10052540 · 60,000 mi

I PURCHASED A 1999 SATURN SL2 W/ 23,000MI. AT 60,000MI I BEGAN TO FEEL A JUDDER/VIBRATION FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK IT TO A SATURN DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE ROTORS WE'RE WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WENT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND HAD NON-OEM BRAKE ROTORS INSTALLED AND AFTER APPROXIAMETELY 65,000MI, BEGAN TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. AFTER LEAVING THE CAR WITH THE REPAIR SHOP, THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, BUT MY ROTORS KEEP WARPING. THE REPAIR SHOP CUT THE ROTORS "SLIGHTLY" AND NOW AT 70,000MI I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE…

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21.4%
ODI 725955

I WAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND WENT TO HIT THE BRAKES TO STOP AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP, IT DID NOT EVEN SLOW DOWN UNTIL I HIT THE OTHER CAR, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

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21.8%
ODI 8005957

AFTER A RAIN OR SNOW DAY, BRAKES WILL TIGHTEN UP AND MAKE A GRINDING NOISE LIKE METAL TO METAL. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK

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10.8%
ODI 8010054

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NOT ABLE TO SHIFT INTO LOW GEAR WHILE DESCENDING STEEP GRADE/MOUNTAIN ROADS. BRAKES ARE SCORCHED DUE TO EXCESSIVE PEDAL APPLICATION, AND CONTROLLING VEHICLE IS WITH DIFFICULTY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

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Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Power Train:Automatic Transmission52,250–123,132 mi63,473 mi12
ODI 10053889 · 50,000 mi

AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AND WHEN PLACING THE GEAR IN PARK OR NEUTRAL VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT THAT VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY HAD BEEN REPLACED. *AK

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ODI 10134678 · 53,000 mi

THE TRANSMISSION STARTED GOING OUT ON MY 2001 SATURN SL1 (AUTOMATIC), WHICH ONLY HAS 53,000 MILES ON IT. A SATURN SERVICE AGENT ACCIDENTALLY (I THINK) TOLD ME THAT THE VALVE BODY "TENDS TO GO OUT" IN THAT MODEL. A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST HAS VERIFIED THAT, AND IS REPEATEDLY REPAIRING TRANSMISSIONS ON THIS MODEL. *JB

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ODI 10140843 · 65,945 mi

I WAS DRIVING GOING ABOUT 55 WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO LOOSE POWER I PUSHED ON THE GAS AND IT WENT UP TO 5 RPM BEFORE KICKING IN THE TRANSMISSION THEN IT KEPT DOING THAT WHERE THE RMP HAD TO GO WAY UP BEFORE KICKING. I TOOK IT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO HAVE IT LOOK AT BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. HOWEVER IT TOOK THEM THREE TIMES TO FIND OUT ABOUT MY BRAKE PROBLEMS. *JB

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Electrical System43,000–136,006 mi82,500 mi10
ODI 10177132 · 64,000 mi

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. *JB

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ODI 10453448 · 13,000 mi

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

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ODI 10584561 · 36,000 mi

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…

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Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range63,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10044278 · 47,000 mi

WHILE PARKING VEHICLE,BOTH AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING WHILE PARKING VEHICLE. *AK

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ODI 10087794 · 80,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED TOTALED. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BROKEN KNEE IN THREE PLACES AND NOW UNABLE TO WALK. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL. *JB INFORMATION.

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Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine43,000–64,000 mi43,000 mi5
ODI 10011082 · 43,000 mi

2001 SATURN 1.9 LITER L4 SL2 5 SPEED. THE MANIFOLD GASKET WENT BAD CAUSING ANTI-FREEZE TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSED THE WATER PUMP TO GO BAD. THE CAR HAD 46,000 MILES. *JB

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ODI 10024545 · 8,715 mi

DEFECTIVE BRAKE ROTORS ON 2001 SATURN SL. *MR FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED 4 TIMES. INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE BUCKED AND STALLED AT IDLE. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE CONCERN ON ROAD TEST. RADIO LIGHT INOPERATIVE. RADIO ASSEMBLY REPLACED. *TT *JB

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ODI 10039604 · 43,000 mi

THE ENGINE IN MY CAR, A 2001 SATURN SL, SEIZED. THE CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED, AND HAD ONLY ABOUT 43000 MILES. THE OIL HAD BEEN CHANGED ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, AND THE ENGINE SHOWED NO SIGNS OF LEAKAGE. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT WE WERE MOVING SLOWLY, AS SOMEBODY MAY HAVE BEEN INJURED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.

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Engine And Engine Cooling64,209–126,500 mi88,318 mi6
ODI 10020861 · 63,400 mi

TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND TOP MOTOR MOUNT BOTH CRACKED. *TT

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ODI 10197989 · 57,777 mi

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. *TR

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ODI 10233617 · 160,000 mi

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.

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Air Bags50,500–96,650 mi66,000 mi5
ODI 10138196 · 50,500 mi

ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:00 AM I WAS TRAVELING ON I 295 NORTH WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65 MPH. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE INTERSTATE DRIVING A 2001 SATURN SL1 BLUE IN COLOR. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WHICH WAS A SATURN VUE SLAMMED ON HIS BRAKES HITTING A WHITE HONDA THAT WAS IN FRONT OF HIM. WHEN THE VUE HIT THE HONDA THE VUE WENT FROM THE MIDDLE LANE OF TRAFFIC TO THE LEFT LANE. I WAS BEHIND THE VUE IN THE MIDDLE LANE AND WHEN THE VUE WENT INTO THE LEFT LANE I HIT THE WHITE HONDA ON THE RIGHT BUMPER AND WAS GOING APPROXIMATEL…

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ODI 10181015 · 96,650 mi

WHILE PARKING, AT THE SPEED OF ABOUT 3 MPH I HIT THE SIDE OF A CEMENTED DRIVEWAY WHICH WAS HIGHER THAN THE STREET, AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO MY BUMPER OR ANY OTHER PARTS OF MY CAR. *JB

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ODI 10278294 · 133,000 mi

I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON JULY 18 2009 A LADY PULLED OUT OF A SIDE STREET AND WE HIT. I COULD NOT AVOID HER. IM NOT SURE WHAT SPEED I WAS GOING AT IMPACT BUT I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AT 40 MPH. MY FRONT END HIT HER SIDE.MOST PASSENGERS ME, THE FRONT PASSENGER AND TWO OTHERS WERE INJURED. NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. IM NOT SURE IF THEY SHOULD HAVE BUT AT THAT SPEED AND THE IMPACT I FEEL THEY DEFINITELY SHOULD HAVE. MY DAUGHTER AND I FLEW FORWARD AND SHE HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND I WENT INTO THE STEERING WHEEL COMING VERY CLOSE TO THE WINDSHIELD. THE CAR …

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Electrical System:12v/24v/48v BatteryToo few reports for a range38,580 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10041081 · 38,119 mi

AC DELCO CAR BATTERY POSITIVE TERMINAL FELL OFF THE BATTERY, CAUSING CAR TO NOT START AND BATTERY ACID TO DRIP ON CABLES UNDER BATTERY. BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MY RESEARCH REVEALS THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON EXPERIENCE WITH AC DELCO BATTERIES. *JB

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ODI 10063984 · 39,040 mi

BATTERY ACID LEAK ON POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL (SATURN 2001 SL2). ON 3/13/04 AT NIGHT TRIED TO START MY SATURN AND COULDN'T START IT. CALLED SATURN ROADSIDE SERVICE FOR A JUMP (CAR STARTED). *AK ON THE DRIVE HOME CAR LOST ALL POWER COMING OFF THE FREEWAY AFTER PUSHING THE CAR TO A GAS STATION I FOUND THE POSITIVE BATTERY WAS CORRODED. I ATTEMPTED TO CLEAN THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL AND THE BATTERY TERMINAL WITH THE CABLE FELL OUT OF THE BATTERY. CALLED SATURN ROADSIDE SERVICE FOR A TOW TO SATURN OF TORRANCE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. …

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Electrical System:IgnitionToo few reports for a range96,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10002740 · 5,000 mi

2001 SL1 SATURN

Look up ODI 10002740 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10239160 · 96,000 mi

MY 2001 SATURN SL2 HAS HAD MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IGNITION LOCK ON DISCUSSION BOARDS. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH IT FOR ABOUT A YEAR, BUT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO JIGGLE IT TO START. I'VE BEEN LUCKY. IF THIS HAS BEEN SUCH A PROBLEM WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL RATHER THAN ALL THE FALSE CHARGES AND REPAIRS PEOPLE HAVE HAD TO PAY? *TR

Look up ODI 10239160 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10641435 · 135,169 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!!! *TR

Look up ODI 10641435 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 247 reports

2001: 41 complaints · 2002: 47 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2001153041
2002183647
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
200110164
200212092

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentPower Train:Automatic TransmissionElectrical SystemAir Bags:FrontalEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineEngine And Engine CoolingAir BagsElectrical System:12v/24v/48v BatteryElectrical System:Ignition
Power Train:Automatic Transmission—000
1
ODI 10435002 · 132,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10435002 at NHTSA ↗

000
Electrical System0—0
1
ODI 10177132 · 64,000 mi

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. *JB

Look up ODI 10177132 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 11081170 · 127 mi

I HAVE SOO MUCH PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR

Look up ODI 11081170 at NHTSA ↗

00
Air Bags:Frontal00—00000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine0
1
ODI 10177132 · 64,000 mi

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. *JB

Look up ODI 10177132 at NHTSA ↗

0—0000
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
ODI 10435002 · 132,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10435002 at NHTSA ↗

000—000
Air Bags0
1
ODI 11081170 · 127 mi

I HAVE SOO MUCH PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR

Look up ODI 11081170 at NHTSA ↗

000—00
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery000000—
1
ODI 10025328

SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN FEBRUARY 2001, IN JANUARY 2002, FEBRUARY 2002, JANUARY 2003 AND JUNE 2003, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. SATURN CHANGED THE BATTERY IN JANUARY 2003 AND IN ALL OTHER OCCASIONS THE CAR NEEDED JUMP START. WHEN I CONTACTED SATURN, THEY SAID EVERYTHING IS FINE. SINCE ALL OF THEM WERE IDENTICAL PROBLEMS, SATURN WOULD NOT TREAT THESE AS REPAIRS AS JUMP STARTS DO NOT COUNT AS REPAIRS. *AK

Look up ODI 10025328 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Ignition000000
1
ODI 10025328

SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN FEBRUARY 2001, IN JANUARY 2002, FEBRUARY 2002, JANUARY 2003 AND JUNE 2003, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. SATURN CHANGED THE BATTERY IN JANUARY 2003 AND IN ALL OTHER OCCASIONS THE CAR NEEDED JUMP START. WHEN I CONTACTED SATURN, THEY SAID EVERYTHING IS FINE. SINCE ALL OF THEM WERE IDENTICAL PROBLEMS, SATURN WOULD NOT TREAT THESE AS REPAIRS AS JUMP STARTS DO NOT COUNT AS REPAIRS. *AK

Look up ODI 10025328 at NHTSA ↗

—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

8 patterns with matching reports.

Battery drain and no-start mentions

5 mentions · 4.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 135,169 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10025328

SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN FEBRUARY 2001, IN JANUARY 2002, FEBRUARY 2002, JANUARY 2003 AND JUNE 2003, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. SATURN CHANGED THE BATTERY IN JANUARY 2003 AND IN ALL OTHER OCCASIONS THE CAR NEEDED JUMP START. WHEN I CONTACTED SATURN, THEY SAID EVERYTHING IS FINE. SINCE ALL OF THEM WERE IDENTICAL PROBLEMS, SATURN WOULD NOT TREAT THESE AS REPAIRS AS JUMP STARTS DO NOT COUNT AS REPAIRS. *AK

Look up ODI 10025328 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10252496

SATURN 2001 ION IGNITION - CAR WON'T START BECAUSE KEY WON'T TURN THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH SATURNS AND IS A BAD SAFETY ISSUE. PEOPLE ARE STRANDED WITH VEHICLES THAT WON'T START OR SOMETIMES EVEN TURN OFF. THIS IS AWFUL, AND SATURN KNOWS ABOUT IT, AND GM IS ASKING FOR A BAILOUT? THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. IF GOVERNMENT WON'T FORCE A RECALL ON KNOWN ISSUES, THE COMPANY WINDS UP GOING EXTINCT DUE TO POOR QUALITY ISSUES. RECALL THIS! *TR

Look up ODI 10252496 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10439385 · 110,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10439385 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 3.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 31,934 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10024545 · 8,715 mi

DEFECTIVE BRAKE ROTORS ON 2001 SATURN SL. *MR FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED 4 TIMES. INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE BUCKED AND STALLED AT IDLE. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE CONCERN ON ROAD TEST. RADIO LIGHT INOPERATIVE. RADIO ASSEMBLY REPLACED. *TT *JB

Look up ODI 10024545 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10025025 · 55,153 mi

THE VEHICLE BRAKE ROTOR WARP SEVERAL TIMES WHICH CAUSED VIBRATION WHILE BRAKING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ROTORS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED FROM A STOP THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE ALSO ACTS AS IF IT WANT TO STALL WHEN SITTING IDLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE EITHER CONCERN. THE RADIO LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE THEREFORE THE DEALER REPLACED THE RADIO. *AK *CB *NLM

Look up ODI 10025025 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10065530

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC THE MECHANIC RESET THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. *AK THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THERE WAS A RECALL ON CERTAIN 2000-2003 L-SERIES SATURNS REGARDING THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SO THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS NOT WIDESPREAD. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED WITH HIS CAR WAS STATED IN THE RECALL. *JB

Look up ODI 10065530 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

4 mentions · 3.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 90,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10003424

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER TRUNK AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES WHILE DRIVING. DEALER CANNOT REMEDY

Look up ODI 10003424 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10037767

THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH *AK

Look up ODI 10037767 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10065530

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC THE MECHANIC RESET THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. *AK THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THERE WAS A RECALL ON CERTAIN 2000-2003 L-SERIES SATURNS REGARDING THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SO THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS NOT WIDESPREAD. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED WITH HIS CAR WAS STATED IN THE RECALL. *JB

Look up ODI 10065530 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

3 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 50,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10025025 · 55,153 mi

THE VEHICLE BRAKE ROTOR WARP SEVERAL TIMES WHICH CAUSED VIBRATION WHILE BRAKING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ROTORS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED FROM A STOP THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE ALSO ACTS AS IF IT WANT TO STALL WHEN SITTING IDLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE EITHER CONCERN. THE RADIO LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE THEREFORE THE DEALER REPLACED THE RADIO. *AK *CB *NLM

Look up ODI 10025025 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10210046 · 50,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN SL2. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND SLAMMED INTO GEAR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT FAILED AND THEY CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. APPROXIMATELY TEN DAYS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND HE STATED THAT THE LINING INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION SEPARATED, WHICH ALLOWED DEBRIS TO ENTER THE GEARS AND VALVES. AS OF NOVEMBER 27, 2007, THE MECHANIC HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

Look up ODI 10210046 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10222187 · 8,050 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN SL2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE AND JERK WHEN THE GEARS WERE SHIFTED. THE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TWICE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE ON THE FIRST OCCASION. ON THE SECOND OCCASION, THEY STATED THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND RECOMMENDED A REPLACEMENT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,050.

Look up ODI 10222187 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 94,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10616483 · 94,000 mi

WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A LIGHT UP TO ~20MPH THERE WAS THE SMELL OF BRAKE FLUID/RUBBER BURNING. WHEN TRAFFIC SLOWED AGAIN BRAKES HAD NO RESPONSE EVEN WHEN PRESS ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. CAR WAS STOPPED IN TIME TO AVOID ACCIDENT BY APPLICATION OF EMERGENCY BRAKE AND PLACING THE CAR IN NEUTRAL. PUMPING THE BRAKES FAILED TO REGAIN PRESSURE THOUGH AFTER DRIVING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH EBRAKE AND RESTARTING CAR A HARD PUMP OF THE BRAKES HAD SOME RESISTANCE. FURTHER CAUTIOUS DRIVING AND PRESSURE REBUILT. AFTER INSPECTION AT THE SHOP NO EXPLANAT…

Look up ODI 10616483 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 9005681

NUMEROUS BRAKE FAILURE. BRAKE PEDAL FADES TO THE FLOOR AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT, NOTICE NOT FLUID AT RT FRONT BRAKE LINE, REPLACE MASTER CYLINDER. POWER BLEED AND RT 26 MILES AFTER RAPAIR, NORMAL BRAKING PERFORMANCE. POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE, SOMETIMES A LOUD SNAP OR CLICK BEFORE FAILURE, SOMETIME NO WARNING, SOMETIME JUST A SOFT OR SPONGY BRAKE PEDAL. BATTERY LEAKING ACID INTO BATTERY BOX, VERIFIED AND FOUND BATTERY LEAKING AT POSSITIVE CABLE REPLACE BATTERY, COVER, POSSITIVE CABLE, TRANS FILTER AND CLEANED ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HOSE FROM COOLAN…

Look up ODI 9005681 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 27,291 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10610022 · 27,291 mi

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 F…

Look up ODI 10610022 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Oil consumption or dilution

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 75,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10218553 · 75,000 mi

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 FI…

Look up ODI 10218553 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 57,777 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10197989 · 57,777 mi

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. *TR

Look up ODI 10197989 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b