- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This condition increases the risk of a crash resulting from the unintended movement of parked vehicles.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2001 Saturn SW Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2001 Saturn SW with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (2) and the transmission & drivetrain (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 1 injury. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in October 2000 for the park / neutral start interlock switch. For comparison, the 2000 has 15.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical SW year, for its age
#232 most complained-about 2001 vehicle
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2001 Saturn SW problems
Share of all 6 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2001 Saturn SW recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the vehicle to ensure the fuel tank vent valve is properly welded. If necessary, dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly.
What owners say
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6 complaints about the 2001 Saturn SW
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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.
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.
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.
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
While driving, anti freeze leaked from the vehicle. The mechanic determined that the problem pertained to the intake manifold. *Ak *sc
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
Saturn SW: every year compared
All SW years2001 Saturn SW vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Saturn SW | 6 | 2 | A | |
| 2001 Saturn L | 591 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2001 Saturn SL | 128 | 3 | B | Compare |
| 2001 Saturn SC1 | 25 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2001 Saturn SC | 21 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2001 Saturn LW200 | 8 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2001 Saturn S-Series Coupe | 2 | 0 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2001 Saturn SW
Does the 2001 Saturn SW have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Saturn SW: park / neutral start interlock switch (October 2000); tank assembly (October 2000). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Saturn SW?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (2), transmission & drivetrain (1), seats & seat belts (1).
How many complaints has the 2001 Saturn SW had?
6 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 15, 2001 and the latest on December 19, 2014. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 2001 Saturn SW a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 82 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Saturn SW year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Saturn SW years have the most complaints?
1995 (36), 1997 (31), 1994 (30). See every Saturn SW year compared.
What should I do if my 2001 Saturn SW has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data