2001 Saturn SC problems
Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Saturn SC. Electrical system is the most reported problem area, at 17% of complaints. Next are engine (17%) and air bags (14%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 29 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Electrical system 17% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 4 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 85,000 miles 20 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 5 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 3 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 3 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 3 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 20 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 85,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 4 complaints mention a crash; 1 complaint mentions a fire; 2 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2001 ranks 6th most-complained-about out of 8 model years of the Saturn SC with enough data (18 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 2 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
In a front-end collision the front airbags failed to deploy and resulted in facial and chest injuries to the driver. When contacted, saturn's explanation was that the car did not hit the other vehicle at the correct angle. Saturn refuses to accept responsibility, and states that there is no design flaw or malfunnction of the airbag system.
Vehicle involved in front impact accident, rear-ending a non-moving vehicle at approximately 30 MPH on impact (straight-on and center). Airbag did not deploy, driver sustained head injury. Vehicle damage included front bumper & hood.
While the car was being tested in the shop, a fuse was replaced. A fire started in the electrical system. According to the dodge dealership, this is a common problem with saturns. The dodge dealership checked with a general motors who verified that it is not uncommon for saturns to catch on fire.
Dt: the contact complained about several problems. There was a fuel smell in the vehicle. The vehicle was hard to steer, when she turned the wheel there was a squeaking noise. The brakes dragged and squeaked, and it felt like the vehicle was sliding and it was hard to stop. The vehicle shook at highway speeds of 50 to 60 MPH. The vehicle hesitated when going uphill or turning a corner. When she first got the vehicle it would keep running after she turned it off. They replaced something in the fuel system.
2001 saturn sc with faulty ignition. Key binds when starting the car it also falls out of the ignition switch when driving. Key has been grinding down because of the faulty cylinder. This is a hazard and danger to anyone who drives this vehicle. I called GM and they said there is nothing they can do because it has not been formally recalled. I wanted a case opened and told them if anything happens because of this defective design I will seek restitution. The sr.