2005 Saturn Relay: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 91 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (24% of complaints); the 2006 and 2007 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 91 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Exact same issue as described in april 2014 gm recall 14063. Sudden loss of electrical power while driving causing the engine to shut off. Unpredictable very dangerous. Seems to be the ignition switch. Other saturns are listed in the 2014 recall but mine is not. It should be listed.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2018
“The anti-lock brake system warning light and traction control system (tcs) warning light continue to light up and stays on I have seen similar complaints on various chat sessions.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2017
“Driving around 10 mph, car died. Took it to the shop and they said it was the ignition switch. Looked on gm website and there is a recall for this same problem, however not for the relay. I believe there should be a recall for all saturns! I am very lucky I was not driving on the freeway when this incident occurred. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Repeated problems with ABS & t/c warning lights, brakes seized up was unable to move van had it towed to a shop, t/c engages without any adverse weather or road conditions. I have spent over $2000 trying to repair the problems. Brake pads wear down quickly, replace brake pads twice a year since having the vehicle. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2015
“On 1/12/15, while my 2005 saturn relay was parked in my garage, started on fire. Vehicle was not started or going at the time. Last drove the vehicle approximately one hour prior. It was determined that the ceiling component that has the buttons to open the back sliding doors, onstar and garage opening, is what started the electrical fire, which burned a whole in my roof, burned the drivers side visor, which in turn burned the driver side seat and car seat behind the driver's door. Gm determined it was not there problem because the vehicle was 10 years old and no other cases were on file. A very very very scary situation. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2015
“ABS system acting up , occurring off and on service brakes hydraulic problem . Happens everyday since I've owned it. Also previous owner had same problem. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2014
“When I drive at night I have to turn my headlights off to use my turn signals. I have noticed that the turn signal on the driver's side of the 2005 saturn relay will not work unless the headlights are turned off. I have not had any accidents...yet. This is a real safety issue.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saturn relay. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the egr valve needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saturn relay. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle restarted briefly but stalled immediately after. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 250,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saturn relay. While driving 30 mph, the steering failed and an unknown warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle also veered to the left and right. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who stated that the steering wheel knuckle and ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, 'PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.' TO MEET THE STANDARD, THE VEHICLE MUST NOT MOVE FOR FIVE MINUTES WHEN STOPPED ON A STEEP HILL WITH THE PARKING BRAKE APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL (N). SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAILED THIS TEST.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PARKING BRAKE LEVER SLIPPAGE AT EACH REAR BRAKE CALIPER AND REPLACE THE CALIPER IF LEVER SLIPPAGE IS IDENTIFIED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE OUTBOARD RELEASE HANDLE ON THE IMPACT-SIDE SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEAT MAY BE ACTUATED AND THE REAR LATCHES MAY UNLATCH EARLY IN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH. THIS WAS DISCOVERED IN A SIDE IMPACT TEST RUN BY GM, UNDER CONDITIONS SIMILAR TO NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) SIDE IMPACT TEST.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE SEAT LATCH RELEASE HANDLE AND INSTALL A BLACK PLASTIC CAP OVER THE EXPOSED METAL STUD TO ELIMINATE THE SIDE IMPACT SAFETY CONCERN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
How other years compare
Check your exact Relay by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Saturn Relay reliable?
NHTSA has 91 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Saturn Relay. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Saturn Relay problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 42,055 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Saturn Relay have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning parking brake. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.