One problem related to gas recirculation valve (egr valve) has been reported for the 2001 Saturn LS. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Sudden catastrophic failure of the timing belt on start-up one very cold morning(15 degree. ) service mgr. At dealership later explained that water pump was leaking onto belt and frozen coolant may have forced the break. Dealer replaced belt and pump at my expense ($1100). Only "warning" I had was low coolant warning light that came on briefly daily at startup beginning 1 week before failure. No visible signs of water leaking on engine nor any puddling under the car before complete failure.