2001 Saturn SW Problems
- Complaints
- 6filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles, 5 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 1.9L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Saturn SW (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 2001 Saturn SW. The part named most often is fuel system, with 2 complaints (33% of the total), followed by electrical system (1) and engine cooling (1). 5 of the complaints include a mileage, and 60% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 48,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 47 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the tank assembly and 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 10 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
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.
- Fuel system2 33%
- Electrical system1 17%
- Engine cooling1 17%
- Seat belts1 17%
Example complaints
Fuel system: “The contact owns a 2001 Saturn SW. The contact stated that there was a visible fuel leak. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10561658, filed 2014-01, 41,000 milesElectrical system: “The contact owns a 2001 Saturn SW. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the key released from the ignition switch. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the cylinder lock and the key needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of failure and stated that the VIN was not included in a related manufacturers recall. The failure mileage was 64,734.”
NHTSA complaint #10667296, filed 2014-12, 64,734 milesSeat belts: “Dt: contact stated when latching the rear driver side seat belt it will not retract to secure the occupant. As the occupant leaned forward the seat belt continued to loosen. The service dealer said the retractor needed to be replaced. The seat belt was used under light to normal conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #10142358, filed 2005-11, 25,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
60% of the 5 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 41,000 and 64,734 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2001 Saturn SW version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,500 |
| SW FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| SW FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 00V309000Oct 12, 2000Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Saturn SW 2000–2001, SL 2000–2001, SC1 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 SW 2000–2001, SL 2000–2001, SC1 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 SW → · 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. 47 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492…
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024Engine cooling. This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024Engine cooling. This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024Engine cooling, Transmission and drivetrain. This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024Exterior lighting. This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10244274Oct 6, 2023Wheels. This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201Sep 26, 2023Equipment. This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
Other model years of the Saturn SW
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 | 48,000 | 2 | — | 26 | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 15 | 122,916 | 7 | — | 27 | — | Stable |
| 1999 | 16 | 36,000 | 1 | — | 27 | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 27 | 117,500 | 0 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 31 | 91,050 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 20 | 94,000 | 0 | — | 27 | — | Stable |
| 1995 | 36 | 97,000 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 30 | 115,091 | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 27 | 77,530 | 2 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Saturn SW model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Saturn SW have?
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 2001 Saturn SW as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Saturn SW is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 2 complaints (33% of the total), followed by electrical system with 1.
Has the 2001 Saturn SW been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Saturn SW get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Saturn SW (SW, 1.9L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 23 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Saturn SW reported?
Among the 5 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 48,000 miles and the middle half falls between 41,000 and 64,734 miles; 60% 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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
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.