MotorDeets

2001 Saturn Sw: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2001 Saturn Sw: 2 recalls, 6 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
6owner complaints
1mention a crash
27best combined mpg
2001 Saturn Sw
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #00V310000 · 2000 · 65,000 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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…

Fuel system Vehicle recall #00V309000 · 2000 · 6,092 vehicles

What's wrong: 301, "fuel system integrity." these vehicles were built with an inadequate vent valve weld on the top portion of the fuel tank.

Why it matters: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Transmission & drivetrain1
Engine & cooling1
Seat belts1
Fuel system1
Fuel & propulsion1
Electrical1

What owners describe

The 2001 Saturn Sw has 6 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 11 Sw model years for complaints (well below the 19 average). Complaints peaked in 2014 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 48,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (15 complaints, 7 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.9 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive233427Regular
1.9 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive233226Regular
1.9 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive223226Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Saturn Sw.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2001 Saturn Sw manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2001 Saturn Sw manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2001 Saturn Sw manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2001 Saturn Sw manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2001 Saturn Sw have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Saturn Sw. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2001 Saturn Sw problems?

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (1), engine & cooling (1), seat belts (1).

What gas mileage does the 2001 Saturn Sw get?

EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2001 Saturn Sw repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Sw years

19911992199319941995199619971998199920002001