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Fuel systemPart report

2001 Saturn LS Fuel system Problems

Complaints
24about this part
Share
4%of 582 total for the year
Median mileage
78,714miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the fuel system of the 2001 Saturn LS, 4% of the 582 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,714 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I started to notice the smell of gas coming from my car, but I could not identify where the leak was. I took it to my mechanic and he identified the fuel pump assembly, pressure line, return line, and sending unit all needed to be replaced. The mechanic said that the fuel pump was difficult to get to and the entire gas tank needed to be removed. Parts alone cost $793.53 while the labor was $382.00 for a total after tax and shop supplies of $1257.28. …”

NHTSA complaint #10565018, filed 2014-02, 54,620 miles

“Gas fumes are coming from the rear of the vehicle. A mechanic told me that the plastic gas tank has a small crack. Gass appears to be vaporizing. There is no leakage of liqid gas that can be identified. Gas vapor permeates that interior to varying degree but is usually evident on the vehicle exterior. I cant rull out that the leak may originate from a ruptured line, fitting, or failed filter. Availability of new oem fuel tanks is a problem probably related to the discontinuation of the Saturn line by GM. I have read several other accounts of Saturn gas leaks on internet bulletin boards. …”

NHTSA complaint #10914287, filed 2016-10, 125,000 miles

“Dt: 2001 Saturn l series. The contact stated the gas tank was leaking gas in the gasket area. The contact smelled gas on april 27, 2005. The contact also, there was gas forming on the ground under his vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealership on may 27, 2005. The dealership stated the problem was with the gasket, but the entire gas tank had to be replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10140195, filed 2005-10, 72,000 miles

“Strong smell of fuel around rear of car. Fuel pump leaking fuel. Fuel pump replaced, old fuel pump part available. 2001 Saturn l-200, 116,000 miles. Smell was so strong at times a spark or lit cigarette would cause explosion or fire. Dealer said this is a commom problem at 100,000 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #10188374, filed 2007-04, 116,000 miles

“Smell of gasoline r/s rear had filler neck and cap replaced; still able smell gas; crawled under car and noticed a small amount of gas on side of tank passenger side.”

NHTSA complaint #10614665, filed 2014-07, 73,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2002459%
2001244%
2000103%

Other parts of the 2001 Saturn LS

Engine cooling
300 complaints
Electrical system
80 complaints
Exterior lighting
51 complaints
Engine
41 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
30 complaints
Steering
29 complaints
Suspension
29 complaints
Brakes
22 complaints
Air bags
16 complaints
Other or unknown
13 complaints
Vehicle speed control
12 complaints
Equipment
11 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2001 Saturn LS

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology