2001 Saturn Sc problems
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Common 2001 Saturn Sc problems
The 2001 Saturn SC is known for several common problems that have been reported by owners of this car. These issues include:
- Oil Consumption: One of the most common problems with the 2001 Saturn SC is oil consumption. Many owners have reported that their cars consume oil, sometimes severely. This issue is particularly common in the single cam engine, which has issues with head cracking.
- Water Temp Sensor: Another common problem with the 2001 Saturn SC is that the car may not idle while at a stop or in neutral. This problem can sometimes be fixed by replacing the water temp sensor, which is fragile and can crack easily. The sensor is located near the engine and is relatively easy to replace, taking only a few minutes to install.
- Motor Mounts and Transmission Mounts: The motor mounts and transmission mounts in the 2001 Saturn SC can wear out around 150,000 miles. Replacing these parts can help keep problems minimal and prevent further damage to the car.
- Fuel Filter: The fuel filter in the 2001 Saturn SC is located along the driver side front fender inside the car. Replacing the fuel filter can help keep the car running smoothly and prevent fuel-related problems.
- Idle Pulley Bearings: The idle pulley bearings in the 2001 Saturn SC can go out around 200,000 miles. Replacing the pulley and belt can help keep the car running smoothly and prevent further damage to the car.
- Valve Body: The valve body in the 2001 Saturn SC is located on the top of the transmission. This part can cause hard shift problems, and it is best to have someone experienced replace it due to the small parts involved.
- Valve Cover Gasket: The valve cover gasket in the 2001 Saturn SC can blow, causing problems with the engine. Replacing the gasket can help keep the car running smoothly and prevent further damage to the car.
- Front Sway Bar: The front sway bar in the 2001 Saturn SC can wear out and need replacement, particularly if the car is driven on roads that are regularly salted in the winter.
- Front Lower Control Arms: The front lower control arms in the 2001 Saturn SC can wear out and need replacement, particularly if the car is driven on roads that are regularly salted in the winter.
Overall, the 2001 Saturn SC is a reliable car that can last for many years with proper maintenance. However, it is important to be aware of these common problems and address them promptly to prevent further damage to the car. With regular maintenance and repairs, the 2001 Saturn SC can be a reliable and cost-effective car for many years.
2001 Saturn Sc car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saturn Sc problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Saturn Sc vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2001 Saturn Sc complaints
The NHTSA has received 21 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Saturn Sc.
2022-09-08
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-16
- VIN: 1G8ZR12761Z
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Vehicle leaks fuel when filled with gasoline at pump. If operator fills vehicle till the pump stops vehicle will leak fuel after roughly 15 seconds of pump stopping. The vehicle will only drip a small puddle of fuel. Vehicle could leak more if vehicle is at an incline or rolled. This has occurred at multiple pump at stations of differing brands. Over the span of weeks.
2017-03-29
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-09
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAGS, NAME UNKNOWN, OPENED AFTER HITTING A CURB IN A PARKING LOT, APPROX. LESS THAN10MPH. NO DENTS, NO DAMAGE, I WAS BRUISED BUT I'M OK, IS MY AIR BAGS A RECALL, SHOULD AIR BAGS POP OUT AFTER BUMPING A CURB, THANK GOODNESS I DIDN'T HAVE MY GRANDCHILD WITH ME, OR ANY BODY!! CAN YOU LET ME KNOW WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN, THANK YOU. UPDATED 08/28/2017*JS
2014-11-17
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-01
- VIN: 1G8ZY12721Z
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: 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. ADVISOR WAS NOT HELPFUL AND TRIED TO DISMISS ME AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. GM IS NOT STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE TO STAND BY THEIR VEHICLES OR THEIR CUSTOMERS. POOR DESIGN, POOR QUALITY, POOR SUPPORT = BODILY HARM, MORE LAWSUITS AND NO MORE CUSTOMERS! *TR
2014-08-07
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-06
- VIN: 1G8ZN12881Z
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN SC. WHEN THE CONTACT INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN TO THE ON POSITION PROPERLY. IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START, THE CONTACT HAD TO TAMPER WITH THE KEY AND IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD EJECT FROM THE IGNITION WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
2014-08-06
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZR147X1Z
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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. *TR
2010-01-21
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-13
- VIN: 1G8ZN12811Z
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 2001 SATURN SC1 HAS MOISTURE IN THE HEADLAMPS. CURRENTLY DOES NOT POSE A PROBLEM BUT MAY LIMIT THE OUTPUT OF LIGHT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY SATURN MECHANICS THAT IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION AND IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, YET DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL. *TR
2009-11-12
STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-17
- Components: STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: KEY SWITCH NO LONGER WORKS ON MY 2001 SATURN SC2. DEALER WANTS $400 TO FIX BECAUSE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. . MY KEY STILL WORKS ON THE DOORS AND TRUNK. I HAVE A '53 CHEVROLET WITH THE ORIGINAL KEY AND IT STILL WORKS. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL SATURNS. *TR
2008-05-13
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-30
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZP14891Z
- Components: STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MY DAUGHTER KATIE WAS DRIVING HER CAR AROUND A CURVED EXIT RAMP WHEN THE STEERING SEEMED TO FAIL. THE CAR VEERED WILDLY BACK AND FORTH, AND THE BRAKES WERE UNRESPONSIVE AS WELL. SHE MADE MINOR CORRECTIONS TO THE STEERING UNTIL IT FINALLY BEGAN TO STRAIGHTEN OUT. THEN A FOX RAN ACROSS THE ROAD, SHE JERKED REFLEXIVELY, AND THE CAR VEERED INTO A DITCH AND ROLLED. LUCKILY SHE WAS UNINJURED EXCEPT FOR SCRAPES, HOWEVER THE CAR WAS TOTALED - WINDSHIELD SMASHED, ROOF SMASHED, PASSENGER SIDE SMASHED, AND SO ON. HAD THERE BEEN A PASSENGER THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS INJURY. *TR
2007-08-16
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-01
- VIN: 1G8ZP12841Z
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN SC1. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE INCREASED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE BECAUSE THE CONTACT TRADED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR
2006-05-01
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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. *NM
2005-12-14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-13
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I BOUGHT A NEW 2000 SC1. THE WARRANTY PERIOD ENDED IN MAY OF THIS YEAR. TODAY I HAD TO HAVE THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR ON A CAR WITH LESS THAN 75000 MILES. THE REPAIRMAN AT SATURN SAID HE HAD NEVER REPLACED A HEAD GASKET ON A SATURN IN 14 YEARS WITH THE COMPANY. THEY ALSO FOUND CARBON DEPOSITS IN THE MOTOR THAT THE REPAIRMAN WAS SUPRISED TO SEE. THE REPAIR DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THEIR FINDINGS WERE INCONCLUSIVE IN DETERMINING IF THE GASKET WAS DEFECTIVE. THIS CAR WAS ADVERTISED USING TWO EMPLOYEES DRIVING AROUND THE COUNTRY TO SEE HOW MANY DEPENDABLE MILES THEY COULD GET ON THE CAR WITHOUT AN UNSCHEDULED REPAIR. I THINK AT ONE TIME THEY WERE AT TWO MILLION MILES. IF THEY REALLY FEEL THEIR CAR IS THAT DEPENDABLE I THINK THEY SHOULD PAY FOR THIS UNSCHEDULED REPAIR AT 73000 MILES. THE ADVERTISING, WHICH LEAD ME TO PURCHASE THE CAR WAS VERY MISLEADING. I HAD EXPECTED TO DRIVE A LOT MORE THAN THIS BEFORE HAVING TO CONSIDER A REPAIR THIS COSTLY. MY EXPERIENCE HAS TAUGHT ME TO LOOK PAST THE ADVERTISING LIES AND HIPE THEY USE TO INSTILL FALSE CONFIDENCE IN THEIR PRODUCT. I WOULD LIKE SATURN TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF THIS REPAIR BECAUSE THE REPAIRMEN LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THIS CONDITION WAS VERY UNUSUAL. *NM
2005-10-11
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-22
- VIN: 1G8ZP12861Z
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,TIRES
- Summary: 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. DEALER SAID THE FUEL SMELL WAS NORMAL FOR THIS VEHICLE AND THEY COULD NOT SMELL IT. THEY REPLACED A PART IN THE STEERING. ALSO, REPLACED THE ROTORS. THEY TOLD HER TO GET TIRES BALANCED. DEALER SAID THAT MOST OF THESE THINGS WERE NORMAL FOR VEHICLE . MANUFACTURER TOLD THE CONTACT TO GO TO THE DEALER AND GIVE THEM ANOTHER CHANCE. THE CONTACT SAID EVERY TIME SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE OR OLD PROBLEMS CAME BACK. THE DEALER SWITCHED THE FIRESTONE TIRES FOR GOODYEAR TIRES BECAUSE OF A RECALL ON THE TIRES. *AK UPDATED 11/29/05. *JB
2005-04-12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-10
- VIN: 1G8ZP12881Z
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHILE DRIVNG. THE CONSUMER WAS ALSO ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE WITH A KEY OTHER THAN THE ONE WHICH WAS DESIGNED FOR THE VEHICLE. *JB *NM
2003-07-22
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-22
- VIN: 1G8JW52R51Y
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
2003-07-22
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-22
- VIN: 1G8JW52R51Y
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
2003-07-07
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-01
- VIN: 1G8ZP12801Z
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 2001 SATURN SC1-IDELING PROBLEMS AND OVER 70 MISFIRES NOTED BY COMPUTER. I PAID FOR A COMPLETE TUNE UP WITH DID NO GOOD AND ALSO HAD TO REPLACE ALL THE BRAKES FOR $362. THE DEALER STATES SINCE THE COMPUTER DOESN'T SHOW ANY PROBLEMS THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS. WARRANTY JUST WENT OUT 6-30-03. THE CAR IDELS ROUGHLY AND MISFIRES INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
2003-04-02
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-28
- VIN: 1G8ZN12811Z
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE TO THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR FITTING CRACKED. THE CRACK OCCURRED ON THE END OF THE TUBING. *NLM
2002-05-28
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G8ZP12831Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.*AK
2001-12-05
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-05
- VIN: 1G8ZN14831Z
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF APPROX. 30 MILES PER HOUR ON SURFACE STREET ( WEATHER CLEAR, PAVEMENT DRY AND CLEAN) TREAD SEPARATED FROM RIGHT FRONT TIRE. TIRE BLEW OUT.*AK (DOT NUMBER: W2FPAFA TIRESIZE: P185/65R15)
2001-09-18
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
- VIN: 1G82H528112
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PASSENGER'S AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE. WHEN TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AIRBAG DEPLOYS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.*AK
2001-06-16
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-12
- VIN: 1G8ZP12841Z
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR VIBRATES, 3 SMALL PAINT CHIPS ON HOOD. COMPANY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND WARRANTY. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THE MIRROR HAS VIBRATED FOR A LONG TIME, I DO NOT KNOW IF IT WAS FROM THE BEGINNING OR NOT. THE PAINT CHIPS I NOTICED WHEN I WAS WASHING THE CAR. NORMALLY, I USE THE CAR WASH SO WOULD NOT HAVE NOTICED THEM PRIOR TO THIS. *AK
2001 Saturn Sc recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2001 Saturn Sc.
2000-10-12
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
- Summary: 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 ASSEMBLY. IF IMPROPERLY ADJUSTED, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHIFT FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.
- Remedy: SATURN IS ASKING OWNERS AND RETAILERS TO PERFORM A FUNCTIONAL CHECK OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PARK LOCK CABLE ASSEMBLY OPERATION, AND IF NECESSARY, TO HAVE THE CABLE ADJUSTED. IF OWNERS ARE NOT COMFORTABLE PERFORMING THE FUNCTIONAL CHECK THEMSELVES, THEY CAN HAVE THEIR DEALER PERFORM THIS INSPECTION FOR THEM.
2000-10-12
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: FUEL SPILLAGE COULD OCCUR DURING REFUELING OR IF THE VEHICLE WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLLOVER. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO ENSURE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE IS PROPERLY WELDED. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY.
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