Model year record

2001 Saturn SL

2 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 137 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V310000

Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
65,000
Reported to NHTSA
2000-10-12
Owners notified
2000-10-06

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.

Manufacturer 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 campaignNHTSA 00V309000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
6,092
Reported to NHTSA
2000-10-12
Owners notified
2000-10-06

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Power train: automatic transmission1461,000 mi
Electrical system1065,000 mi
Air bags: frontal747,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine743,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling666,636 mi
Air bags566,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery538,119 mi
Electrical system: ignition596,000 mi
Unknown or other465,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch3
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline310,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission3140,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder332,000 mi
Tires310,000 mi
Electrical system: horn2
Engine227,291 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.28,715 mi
Exterior lighting2190,000 mi
Seats2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components2
Air bags: side/window190,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables139,040 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module1
Electrical system: wiring138,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: rear compartment/trunk1
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe141,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights1
Fuel system, gasoline127,291 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1
Parking brake1
Power train155,153 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)15,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal124,000 mi
Seats: mid/rear assembly1
Service brakes194,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic18,715 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper155,153 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads176,885 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum1
Steering1
Steering: column143,900 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system1
Structure1
Structure: body1127 mi
Structure: body: roof and pillars1
Structure: frame and members1
Suspension1
Suspension: front: macpherson strut182,845 mi
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire1
Vehicle speed control1
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal116,600 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages129,750 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core143,900 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls175,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer1

The 2000 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 2002 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.