Check by VIN to confirm the exact model and see every recall for it.
Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.
No US recalls found for the 2001 Saturn LW.
On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.2L engine, the timing chain may fail. If a timing chain link separates while the engine is running, the engine will stall and not restart. Engine stalling would result in lost propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the timing chain.
On certain vehicles, the plastic housing in the rear tail lamp assembly can become distorted if the brake lamps remain on for an extended time. This can cause (1) an intermittently inoperative brake/tail lamp bulb or (2) a short circuit that opens a fuse causing inoperative brake lamps (including the center high-mounted stop lamp) or tail lamps. The loss of one of both of the tail lamps/stop lamps could reduce the vehicle's visibility to following drivers and fail to warn others that the vehicle is braking and/or stopped, which could lead to a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the lamp socket and, if necessary, the lamp housing assembly.
On certain vehicles, a failure of the ignition control module may cause deterioration in idle quality, reduction in overall engine power and the vehicle may be hard to start.. Continued operation of the vehicle after such an ignition module failure will result in the "Service Engine Soon" light flashing, and may lead to secondary failures of the catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, and exhaust resonator. Failure of the resonator will cause increased exhaust noise and prolonged operation of the vehicle following a resonator failure may lead to an undercar fire. Correction: Dealers will (1) replace the ignition control module, or (2) replace the ignition control module and spark plugs, or (3) replace the ignition control module and spark plugs and update the powertrain control module calibration.
On certain vehicles, the transaxle shift cable retainer clip may be missing or improperly seated. Without the retainer clip, the cable can slip out of its bracket and the transaxle lever may not move along with the shift lever. The driver may put the shift lever in Park, but the transaxle may be in Reverse or Neutral. Unexpected movement of the vehicle could cause a crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will inspect the shift cable retainer clip to verify proper installation, and, if necessary, replace the cable.
Owners filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Saturn LW (2 injuries reported). Among 4 model years of this model, it ranks #1 for the most complaints (median 8).
| Most-reported problem | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 7 | |
| Electrical system | 1 | |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | |
| Suspension | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 |
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Saturn LW.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Saturn LS 4-DR. | – | – | – | – |
EPA ratings for each 2001 Saturn LW version.
| Version | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined | Yearly fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LW200 2.2 L Automatic 4-spd | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| LW200 2.2 L Manual 5-spd | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| LW300 3.0 L Automatic 4-spd | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada). Recalls updated 2026-10-30.