2001 Saturn SL Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 190,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Saturn SL, 3% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 190,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
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“I can not understand why this board has allowed the use of driving lights on cars on our highways. These lights are misused constantly and pose (in my opinion) a severe safety hazard. They are used for driving in the rain and considered sufficient during dusk and evening hours. They present a reduced visibility and a danger to other drivers. They are especially a problem since they do not turn on the tail lights. Coming up on such a vehicle using driving lights at dusk in the rain is one of the worst experiences I have had while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10174922, filed 2006-12“2002 Saturn sl1. Customer stated that the low beam lights cut off intermittently**cc the vehicle has been taken to the dealer but they have been unable to fix the problem. The high beam lights work fine. The dash light also stopped working.”
NHTSA complaint #10183710, filed 2007-02Related service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10116890Feb 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage and what should be considered warranty replacement and not
- 10116874Feb 8, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
- 10135219Apr 22, 2014This informational bulletin explains condensation in exterior lights and replacment guidelines for warranty replacement.
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 Saturn SL
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsTires
4 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 30, 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