2001 Saturn Ls problems

Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

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Common 2001 Saturn Ls problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2001 Saturn LS, several common problems have been reported:

Oil Consumption: Some Saturn LS 2001 models have been reported to consume oil, with owners noting that the engine may use about a quart of oil every 3,000 miles. Failure to monitor and maintain oil levels can result in engine damage, emphasizing the importance of regular oil checks and top-ups.

Electrical Issues: Complaints have surfaced regarding electrical problems, such as issues with the Body Control Module (BCM) and various components like the heater fan, switch, and connectors. These electrical malfunctions can lead to costly repairs, with replacements ranging from $400 to $600, impacting the overall reliability and maintenance costs of the vehicle.

Mechanical Reliability: Despite some reported issues, many owners have praised the Saturn LS 2001 for its mechanical reliability, ease of maintenance, and minimal repairs over the years. Some have highlighted the car's longevity, with high mileage exceeding 200,000 miles, showcasing its durability and robust build quality.

General Maintenance Costs: Owners have expressed concerns about the escalating maintenance costs associated with the Saturn LS 2001, particularly after reaching 50,000 miles. Repairs such as oil cooler leaks, water pump replacements, power steering pump issues, faulty MAF sensors, and thermostat problems have been cited, with repair bills ranging from $400 to $1,350. This highlights the potential financial burden of owning and maintaining this vehicle as it ages.

These common problems reported by owners of the 2001 Saturn LS highlight a mix of design flaws, maintenance challenges, and reliability issues that potential buyers should consider before purchasing this vehicle. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and vigilance in monitoring oil levels are crucial to mitigating some of the known issues associated with this model.

2001 Saturn Ls complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Saturn Ls.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2001 Saturn Ls recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 2001 Saturn Ls.

2007-11-07

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.2L 4-CYLINDER ENGINE, LINKS IN THE ENGINE'S TIMING CHAIN CAN SEPARATE.
Consequence: IF A TIMING CHAIN LINK SEPARATES WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, THE ENGINE WILL STALL AND WILL NOT RESTART INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.

2005-06-02

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Summary: ON CERTAIN SEDANS AND WAGONS, THE PLASTIC HOUSING IN THE REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CAN BECOME DISTORTED IF THE BRAKE LAMPS REMAIN ON FOR AN EXTENDED TIME.
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE (1) AN INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB OR (2) A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT OPENS A FUSE CAUSING INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMPS (INCLUDING THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP) OR TAIL LAMPS. A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW TAIL LAMP REINFORCING SOCKET ADAPTERS AND SOCKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.

2003-06-23

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L L4 (L61) ENGINES, A FAILURE OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE DETERIORATION IN IDLE QUALITY, REDUCTION IN OVERALL ENGINE POWER, AND THE VEHICLE MAY BE HARD TO START. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE AFTER SUCH AN IGNITION MODULE FAILURE WILL RESULT IN THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT FLASHING, AND MAY LEAD TO SECONDARY FAILURES OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND EXHAUST RESONATOR.
Consequence: FAILURE OF THE RESONATOR WILL CAUSE INCREASED EXHAUST NOISE. PROLONGED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING A RESONATOR FAILURE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL (1) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, (2) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND SPARK PLUGS, OR (3) REPLACE THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, SPARK PLUGS, AND UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT 3.

2002-12-09

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A PASSENGER AIR BAG THAT WAS MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A CHECK VALVE PIN. AN AIR BAG WITHOUT THE CHECK VALVE PIN COULD PRODUCE INCREASED PRESSURE AT THE ONSET OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND REDUCED PRESSURE AFTERWARD.
Consequence: THIS COULD INCREASE THE SEVERITY OF INJURY TO A PERSON WHO WAS NOT PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND WHO WAS CLOSE TO THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AT THE TIME OF DEPLOYMENT. IT COULD ALSO REDUCE THE AB8ILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT A RESTRAINED FRONT SEAT PASSENGER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 16, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000, PROMPT #3.

2001-02-01

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND MINIVANS. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES WERE BUILT WITHOUT THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF GENERANT, WHICH PRODUCES THE GAS THAT FILLS THE AIR BAG. SOME WERE BUILT WITH A DOUBLE LOAD OF GENERANT AND SOME WERE BUILT WITHOUT GENERANT.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT WOULD TRIGGER A PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A DOUBLE LOAD OF GENERANT CAN CAUSE THE INFLATOR MODULE TO EXPLODE. IF THE AIR BAG MODULE EXPLODES, METAL AND PLASTIC DEBRIS COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANT. A MODULE WITH NO GENERANT WOULD NOT INFLATE THE AIR BAG, AND THE OCCUPANTS COULD RECEIVE MORE SEVERE INJURIES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE. TELEPHONE CALLS WERE MADE TO OWNERS ON JANUARY 29, 2001. FOLLOW UP OWNER MAILING BEGAN ON APRIL 17, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR SATURN AT 1-800-553-6000.

2000-10-30

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE TRANSAXLE SHIFT CABLE CLIP MISSING OR IMPROPERLY SEATED. WITHOUT THE CLIP, THE CABLE CAN SLIP OUT OF ITS BRACKET AND THE TRANSAXLE LEVER WOULD NOT MOVE ALONG WITH THE SHIFT LEVER. THE DRIVER MAY PUT THE SHIFT LEVER IN PARK, BUT THE TRANSAXLE MAY BE IN REVERSE OR NEUTRAL.
Consequence: UNEXPECTED MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSAXLE SHIFT CABLE RETAINER CLIP TO VERIFY PROPER INSTALLATION AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE CLIP AND ADJUST THE CABLE TO SPECIFICATIONS.

2000-08-23

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE AIR BAG SYSTEM HAS A LOWER SIDE IMPACT SAFING SENSOR THRESHOLD THAN SPECIFIED. BECAUSE OF THIS REDUCED THRESHOLD, THERE COULD BE AN INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE HEAD CURTAIN AIR BAG WITH SEVERE SLAMMING OF THE DOOR.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE ASSEMBLY.