2001 Saturn LS Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2001 Saturn LS. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Engine and engine coolingCovers: Saturn LS 2001
Reported issue: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.2l 4-cylinder engine, links in the engine's timing chain can separate.
Possible consequence: If a timing chain link separates while the engine is running, the engine will stall and will not restart increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the timing chain free of charge. The recall began on january 15, 2008. Owners may contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
- Exterior lighting › Brake lightsCovers: Saturn LS 2000–2002, L200 2003, L300 2004
Reported issue: On certain sedans and wagons, the plastic housing in the rear tail lamp assembly can become distorted if the brake lamps remain on for an extended time.
Possible consequence: This can cause (1) an intermittently inoperative brake/tail lamp bulb or (2) a short circuit that opens a fuse causing inoperative brake lamps (including the center high-mounted stop lamp) or tail lamps. A following driver may not know when the brakes have been applied, and a rear-end crash could occur without prior…
Remedy: Dealers will install two new tail lamp reinforcing socket adapters and sockets free of charge. The recall began on october 17, 2005. Owners may contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
- Electrical system › Ignition › ModuleCovers: Saturn LS 2000–2002, L200 2003
Reported issue: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.2l l4 (l61) engines, a failure of the ignition control module may cause deterioration in idle quality, reduction in overall engine power, and the vehicle may be hard to start. Continued operation of the vehicle after such an ignition module failure will result in the "service engine soon" light flashing, and may lead to secondary failures of the catalytic converter…
Possible consequence: Failure of the resonator will cause increased exhaust noise. Prolonged operation of the vehicle following a resonator failure may lead to a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will (1) replace the ignition control module, (2) replace the ignition control module and spark plugs, or (3) replace the ignition control module, spark plugs, and update the powertrain control module calibration. Owner notification began on august 4, 2003. Owners should contact saturn at 1-800-553-6000…
- Air bags › FrontalCovers: Saturn LS 2001, Chevrolet Lumina 2001–2002, Monte Carlo 1999 +5 more
Reported issue: On certain passenger, sport utility vehicles and mini vans, some of these vehicles have a passenger air bag that was manufactured without a check valve pin. An air bag without the check valve pin could produce increased pressure at the onset of the air bag deployment and reduced pressure afterward.
Possible consequence: This could increase the severity of injury to a person who was not properly restrained and who was close to the passenger air bag at the time of deployment. It could also reduce the ab8ility of the air bag to protect a restrained front seat passenger.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger air bag. Owner notification began december 16, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at…
- Air bags › FrontalCovers: Saturn LS 2001, Pontiac Aztek 2001, Montana 2001 +3 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger, sport utility vehicles and minivans. The passenger air bag inflator modules were built without the correct amount of generant, which produces the gas that fills the air bag. Some were built with a double load of generant and some were built without generant.
Possible consequence: In the event of a crash that would trigger a passenger air bag deployment, a double load of generant can cause the inflator module to explode. If the air bag module explodes, metal and plastic debris could cause severe injury to vehicle occupant. A module with no generant would not inflate the air bag, and the…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module. Telephone calls were made to owners on january 29, 2001. Follow up owner mailing began on april 17, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact…
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)Covers: Saturn LS 2001
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transaxles. Some of these vehicles were assembled with the transaxle shift cable clip missing or improperly seated. Without the clip, the cable can slip out of its bracket and the transaxle lever would not move along with the shift lever. The driver may put the shift lever in park, but the transaxle may be in reverse or neutral.
Possible consequence: Unexpected movement of the vehicle could cause a crash without prior warning.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transaxle shift cable retainer clip to verify proper installation and, if necessary, replace the clip and adjust the cable to specifications.
- Air bags › Side/windowCovers: Saturn LS 2001
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a side impact air bag system. The air bag system has a lower side impact safing sensor threshold than specified. Because of this reduced threshold, there could be an inadvertent deployment of the side head curtain air bag with severe slamming of the door.
Possible consequence: This could cause injury to an occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module assembly.
NHTSA investigations
- PE08061Timing chain breaks, engine stallClosed · Oct 16, 2008
- DP08002Timing chain failure-stallClosed · Jun 18, 2008
- EA06009Timing chain failure - stallClosed · Jun 6, 2006
- PE06006Timing chain failureClosed · Jan 24, 2006
- DP05008Timing chain failureClosed · Dec 20, 2005
- PE05010Inoperative tail lampsClosed · Feb 15, 2005
- DP05001Inoperative tail lampsClosed · Feb 10, 2005
- PE03017Headlamps flicker off and onClosed · Apr 17, 2003
← 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.