RoadVitals

2001 Saturn Sw

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
6
Latest Dec 19, 2014
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Oct 12, 2000
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2001 Saturn Sw, most frequently naming the fuel system, electrical and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 50 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system233.3%
  • Electrical116.7%
  • Engine116.7%
  • Seat belts116.7%
  • Transmission116.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
00V309000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Oct 12, 2000
6,092 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 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.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 00081View on NHTSA.gov
00V310000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

Oct 12, 2000
65,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 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.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 00082View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Dec 19, 2014

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.

NHTSA ID
10667296
Incident
Jun 10, 2009
Mileage
64,734 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jan 27, 2014

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.

NHTSA ID
10561658
Incident
Jan 27, 2014
Mileage
41,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jun 8, 2009

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.

NHTSA ID
10273132
Incident
Jun 7, 2009
Mileage
68,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Nov 10, 2005

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

NHTSA ID
10142358
Incident
Oct 31, 2005
Mileage
25,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 1, 2004

WHILE DRIVING, ANTI FREEZE LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM PERTAINED TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. *AK *SC

NHTSA ID
10059714
Incident
Jan 23, 2004
Mileage
48,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Feb 15, 2001
Crash reported1 injury reported

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

NHTSA ID
880655
Incident
Feb 14, 2001

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

General Communication

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.

18-NA-099

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

24-NA-098

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

16-NA-383

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.

22-NA-074

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Saturn Sw by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2001Viewing620—
2000157054.4
1999161046.5
1998270040.1
1997310038.2
1996200035.6
1995362357.7
1994301462.2
1993272251.9
1992111—
1991010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.