2001 Saturn Ls problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine And Engine Cooling (137) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine (83) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys (44)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Saturn Ls model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
443 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (191)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2025-07-18 · PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this pi communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from tac.
Electrical System 2024-08-26 · General Communication · Service Campaign
vehicle wide programming (vwp) is a new process to update software on gm vehicles. it provides the ability via a single selection within techline connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). the updating of modules is com
Unknown Or Other 2024-06-17 · 18-NA-099 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides information for use on a product assistance claim (pac), which is formerly known as a product allegation resolution (par) claim.
Electrical System 2024-06-06 · 24-NA-098 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on service programming system (sps) error codes e4398, e4399, e4401, e4403, m4404, m4413, m6954, m6955, e4414, e4423, e4491, e4492, or e6961 and resolution information.
Engine And Engine Cooling 2024-03-13 · 16-NA-383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, crank no start, extended crank or misfire, mil with dtcs, and explains how top tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
Engine And Engine Cooling 2024-02-22 · 22-NA-074 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace oil cooler, oil cooler lines and oil tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
Showing the 6 most recent of 191 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2025-01-14 · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust · 30,000 mi“the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls1. the contact stated that the front driver’s seat failed to operate as intended. the contact stated that the power adjust switch was inoperable. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the electrical wiring for the switch was damaged. the vehicle was not repaired.…”
2022-03-02 · Engine“recall bulletin #06074a ,timing chain engine stall. i called gm,and gm arbitration and they said i have no recallcs. this car only has 28,700 miles on it!! my vin fits the criteria of the recall,and i went to the dealership and they confirmed it,but gm does not acknowledge it! page 4, dealer recall responsibility-all. 2nd paragraph dealers are to …”
2021-05-21 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 226,000 mi“the contact owns a 2001 saturn l200. the contact stated while driving, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. the contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with the fuel pump needing to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired however, the …”
2020-03-13 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 264,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls200. the contact stated that fuel leaked onto the rear passenger seat and carpet. the contact removed the fuel tank from the vehicle. the manufacturer had been notified of the failure and agreed to have the vehicle towed to a local dealer. once the vehicle was towed to cable dahmer chevrolet of independence loc…”
2018-11-03 · Unknown Or Other · 141,000 mi“i was driving my car and it stalled and would not restart. i had it diagnosed by a mechanic and it is the timing chain. from what i've researched, this year make and model vehicle had a recall but only on specific ones made within a four month period but my car falls into the recall description and i'm not sure about the time frame. my car was bein…”
2018-02-19 · Unknown Or Other · 115,123 mi“ignition cylinder seized in ignition housing.…”
2017-10-20 · Power Train · 176,000 mi“well first my engine control monitor is sending a bunch of random off codes from ma's air sensor vol low to crankshaft sensor volume low to o2 sensors to transmission codes, my side airbag on driver side blue up out of no were my key fob stopped reading and now my car won't start i know all of a sudden it's sending off codes for camshaft sensor and…”
2017-10-01 · Exterior Lighting“having trouble with brake lights bulbs and 3rd brake light…”
2017-07-29 · Fuel/Propulsion System“the saturn l series when filled with gasoline will stall causing imminent harm to the driver, passengers, and any other cars on the road. in addition, the dashboard at night is so dim that it cannot be seen by the driver. there are several electrical failures involving this vehicle. …”
2017-04-05 · Exterior Lighting · 190,000 mi“i'm having the exact problem as recall 05v245000. examining my car confirms this was not replaced. it has shorted out multiple times having me drive at night time with no lights! this is dangerous and has almost caused me an accident several times.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.