2001 Saturn SL Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 26%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Saturn SL, 26% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My Saturn that I've been driving for about a year and a half now, completely cut off in the middle of me driving it. Luckily I was at a drive they so so serious damage to me or anyone else. Could not get it to start back up for a good 5-10 mins. Also the transmission is going out in it and I'm constantly having to add fluid so it doesnt skip. The rear tail lights keep having to be replaced because they keep blowing out.”
NHTSA complaint #10826037, filed 2016-02, 190,000 miles“After the key is inserted in the ignition cylinder it will not engage and turn to start the vehicle. The lock remains stuck in the off position. Over the past several months the problem has become consistently worse. We have been stranded numerous occasions unable to start the vehicle. While the vehicle is running we are able to remove the key from the ignition. I have researched the internet and found this is a common issue with Saturn's vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10651903, filed 2014-11, 118,025 miles“I took my Saturn in for repair because I was having trouble with the ignition and starting my car. The dealer said that the ignition cylinder binding and column was loose. They replaced the cylinder and code cylinder and secured the steering wheel column. Now the same ignition problem is back but even worse. It takes a series of shakes of my key and moving the steering wheel to even start the car! I hope that I won't get stranded somewhere when this car won't start!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10641435, filed 2014-10, 135,169 miles“My 2001 Saturn sl2 has had many complaints about ignition lock on discussion boards. I have had problems with it for about a year, but have been able to jiggle it to start. I've been lucky. If this has been such a problem why hasn't there been a recall rather than all the false charges and repairs people have had to pay?”
NHTSA complaint #10239160, filed 2008-08, 96,000 miles“Sometimes my security light goes on-when that happens, in order to start car up I have to lock all of the doors, wait 20 minutes then start up the car. It now has 117000 miles on it and it makes a loud noise and shakes at anything over 60 miles an hour”
NHTSA complaint #10453448, filed 2012-03, 13,000 milesRelated service bulletins
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 43 | 33% |
| 2001 | 29 | 26% |
| 2000 | 26 | 18% |
| 1999 | 20 | 11% |
| 1998 | 16 | 10% |
| 1997 | 31 | 14% |
| 1996 | 40 | 14% |
| 1995 | 27 | 8% |
| 1994 | 23 | 8% |
| 1993 | 19 | 11% |
| 1992 | 16 | 13% |
| 1991 | 3 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2001 Saturn SL
20 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Saturn SL
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology