2001 Saturn SC1 Problems
- Complaints
- 25filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 61,779miles, 12 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Saturn SC1 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 25 consumer complaints for the 2001 Saturn SC1. The part named most often is electrical system, with 4 complaints (16% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (4) and engine cooling (3). 12 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 61,779 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 2 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the park/neutral start interlock switch filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system4 16%
- Engine cooling3 12%
- Tires3 12%
- Seat belts2 8.0%
- Body and structure2 8.0%
- Brakes1 4.0%
- Equipment1 4.0%
- Fuel system1 4.0%
Also reported: Seats (1), Steering (1), Suspension (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “While driving in the center lane on a 3-lane highway the vehicle shut off without warning. No lights were visible on the dashboard prior to the engine shutting off. The loss of power steering and power brakes resulted in a loss of control of the vehicle. The car swerved into the right lane striking another motorist and then spun out of control making at least two full revolutions before coming to a rest against the guard rails of the median. …”
NHTSA complaint #10180861, filed 2007-01, 112,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “While driving transmission failed and fluid leaked. Consumer managed to pull over, and had vehicle towed. Dealership mechanic was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10057519, filed 2004-02, 38,000 milesEngine cooling: “I have a 2001 Saturn sc-2 coupe that was bought new in 2001. I have routinely changed the oil and done scheduled maintenance on the vehicle. The engine has ~75,000 miles on it and the timing chain recently went out while driving down a busy highway at 60 MPH. I took it to the mechanic and learned the timing chain did not break but became loose. I have also learned Saturn engineers designed the timing chain to run the oil pump. …”
NHTSA complaint #10162994, filed 2006-07, 76,000 milesTires: “In 2007, based on recommendations from service technicians and other owners of my car's model, I purchased new michelin hydroedge tires. Upon recent inspection and rotation at a service center, it was noted that all four of my tires were dry-rotting at the sidewall near the treads. The technician stated that michelins do that. The tires are 4 1/2 years old, have been driven 23,000 miles with very little tread wear (9/32 left) and are not housed inside a garage where ozone could affect them. I drive 10 miles round trip each work day. I also do not live in an urban area. …”
NHTSA complaint #10455985, filed 2012-04, 77,383 milesMileage when problems were reported
33% of the 12 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 44,861 and 77,383 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 00V309000Oct 12, 2000Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Saturn SC1 2000–2001, SL 2000–2001, SW 2000–2001 +1 more
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.
- 00V310000Oct 12, 2000Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switchCovers: Saturn SC1 2000–2001, SL 2000–2001, SW 2000–2001 +1 more
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…
Recall details for the 2001 Saturn SC1 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 2 on record; the latest 2 are shown.
- 10125106Nov 7, 2017Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle's odometer appears to be inaccurate relative to a known distance traveled. Technician should…
- 10042986Nov 1, 2011Seats. General motors: information provided by bulletin for all 2012 and prior general motor trucks and passenger vehicles regarding the adjustable comfort and custom upholstery of the driver and the…
Other model years of the Saturn SC1
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 25 | 61,779 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 8 | 57,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 21 | 61,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 39 | 56,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 61 | 78,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 39 | 80,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 59 | 65,673 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 82 | 100,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 58 | 122,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 15 | 16,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1991 | 6 | 134,635 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Saturn SC1 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Saturn SC1 have?
NHTSA recorded 25 consumer complaints for the 2001 Saturn SC1 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Saturn SC1 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 4 complaints (16% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 4.
Has the 2001 Saturn SC1 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Saturn SC1 reported?
Among the 12 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 61,779 miles and the middle half falls between 44,861 and 77,383 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.