2001 Saturn Sw problems
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Common 2001 Saturn Sw problems
The Saturn SW2, produced from 1997 to 1999, was part of the second generation of the Saturn S-series. This compact station wagon shared its platform with the SL and SC models, featuring a transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive layout. While the Saturn S-series was praised for its no-haggle sales technique and innovative spaceframe design with dent-resistant plastic side panels, it also had some common problems that affected the SW2 model.
- Front Brake Rotor Wear: One of the most common issues reported by Saturn SW2 owners is front brake rotor wear, which can cause pulsations and vibrations while braking. This problem is often attributed to the design of the brake system and the use of low-quality brake pads. Replacing the brake pads with higher-quality ones and regularly inspecting and maintaining the brake rotors can help mitigate this issue.
- Cylinder Head Cracks: Single-cam engines from 1992 to 1998 were known to occasionally develop cylinder head cracks, although this issue seemed to only affect a small percentage of Saturns. Regular engine maintenance and inspections can help identify and address this problem before it leads to more severe engine damage.
- Faulty Trip Odometer: Multiple complaints were made about the noise coming from the vehicle's trip odometer. In response, Saturn replaced the original trip odometer with a new type in an effort to correct the problem. If you encounter this issue in a Saturn SW2, it may be necessary to replace the faulty trip odometer with an updated version.
- Lighting Issues: Saturn SW2 owners have reported issues with lighting, such as brake lights that constantly burn out due to faulty wiring or bulbs. Regularly inspecting and replacing faulty bulbs and addressing any wiring issues can help prevent this problem.
- Fuel Economy: While the Saturn SW2 is known for being good on gas, some owners have reported poor fuel economy. This can be due to various factors, such as driving habits, maintenance issues, or incorrect tire pressure. Regularly maintaining the vehicle and addressing any issues can help improve fuel economy.
In summary, the Saturn SW2, like other models in the Saturn S-series, had some common problems that affected its performance and reliability. These issues include front brake rotor wear, cylinder head cracks, faulty trip odometers, lighting problems, and fuel economy concerns. Regular maintenance, inspections, and addressing any issues as they arise can help mitigate these problems and ensure the longevity and reliability of the Saturn SW2.
Are Saturns good reliable cars?
Plus, for the most part, the cars were fairly reliable. Twin-cam models were consistently solid and although single-cam engines from 1992 to 1998 occasionally developed cylinder head cracks, that issue seemed to only affect a small percentage of Saturns.
Why are Saturns so cheap?
One factor undoubtedly influencing this difference is that, as we mentioned, the last Saturn was built over a decade ago. There's no such thing as a late-model Saturn, so all of its cars are lugging around 10-plus years of depreciation.
How long do Saturn engines last?
Saturn engines were generally reliable and long-lasting. A 2002 Saturn SL2 came with an I4 engine that made 124 horsepower and 122 lb-ft of torque. With regular oil changes and smooth driving, you can expect the SL2's engine to last at least 200,000 miles.
What is the 0 60 on a 2001 Saturn S Series?
How fast is the 2001 Saturn S-Series? The 2001 S-Series ranges in power from the SL Sedan 4D with 100 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 10.5 seconds to the SL2 Sedan 4D with 124 horsepower.
2001 Saturn Sw car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saturn Sw problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Saturn Sw vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2001 Saturn Sw complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Saturn Sw.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-10
- VIN: 1G8ZN84761Z
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-27
- VIN: 1G8JU84FX1Y
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-07
- VIN: 1G8ZN82781Z
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SATURN SW2. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 20-25 MPH OVER A SPEED BUMP, THE FUEL TANK DETACHED AND WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT BOTH BRACKETS WERE ROTTED OFF OF THE FUEL TANK. ONE BRACKET FELL OFF COMPLETELY. HE CALLED THE DEALER TO INQUIRE ABOUT RECALLS. THERE WAS NO RUST ON THE VEHICLE EXCEPT ON THE FUEL TANK BRACKETS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 68,000.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-31
- VIN: 1G8ZN84761Z
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-23
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, ANTI FREEZE LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM PERTAINED TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. *AK *SC
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G82D827V12
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. WHILE WALKING AWAY GEAR SOME HOW JUMPED INTO REVERSE AND BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS TOWARDS ANOTHER VEHICLE. SATURN HAS BEEN OCNTACTED. *AK THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT FIND ANY MECHANICAL CAUSE FOR THE INCIDENT. *YH
2001 Saturn Sw recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2001 Saturn Sw.
- 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.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2001 Saturn Sw problems:
Q&A: Saturn Automatic Transmission Shifting Problems - 2001 ...
Apr 12, 2012 ... OKay. 15yearsaturnguy : these issues affected every single S-series car regardless of year or engine type.
Saturn S-Series Questions - What are some problems that occur with ...
Feb 1, 2007 ... The main problem is oil consumption, they all do it and sometimes it's severe. The single cam engine have issues with head cracking but it's ...
Saturn SW2 Problems and Complaints - 13 Issues
Top Saturn SW2 Problems · Front Brake Rotor Wear Can Cause Pulsations · Stalling/Charge Light Illumination Due to Failed Alternator · Power steering hoses leak ...
Saturn L300 Questions - Common problems - CarGurus
Jul 29, 2013 ... My 2001 Saturn LW300 has 161,000 miles and always starts and goes. Bought new in '01 in Minnesota. Recently has some transmission issues so ...
Saturn S-Series common problems/failures | EricTheCarGuy
Mar 13, 2014 ... -Failed Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor and/or connector: This one is universal, and the single biggest cause of problems with these cars.
Other years of Saturn Sw
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