VehicleVerdict

2005 Saturn Relay problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 137 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.3 times the median Relay year — the 2005 model ranks #1 of 3 Relay years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 42 reports (31% of the total).

137

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Relay years?

Relay NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted137 complaints2005: 137 complaints2006: 32 complaints2007: 21 complaints
Relay NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Relay years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Saturn Relay problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes4231%
Electrical System3425%
Body & Structure118%
Lighting97%
Latches & Locks97%
Fuel System64%
Suspension43%
Transmission43%
Tires & Wheels43%
Other32%
Steering32%
Engine32%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Speed Control11%
Seats11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 2005 Saturn Relay have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E005000SteeringFebruary 17, 2009 · 979 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

05V287000BrakesJune 20, 2005 · 14,600 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE IS RELEASED, THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE UNINTENDED BRAKING WHEN ACCELERATING, DECELERATING, OR COASTING, AND A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

05V061000SeatsFebruary 18, 2005 · 18,850 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THE REAR LATCHES OF THE SEAT RELEASE EARLY IN A SEVERE SIDE IMPACT, THE FRONT OUTBOARD LATCH MAY DISENGAGE AND INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM A DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKES FAILED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A MAILBOX FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 15, 2013 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 12, 2015 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. WHENEVER THE CONTACT TURNS ON THE VEHICLE REGARDLESS IF IT IS DRIVEN OR NOT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR OPENED ON ITS OWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE DOOR HAS ALSO OPENED AND WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO CLOSE MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 15, 2008

“ABS WARNING LIGHT APPEARS INTERMITTENTLY EVEN AFTER BRAKES WERE REPLACED. SEEMS TO BE ELECTRICAL ISSUE AS OPENING THE DOOR DOESN'T ALWAYS TURN ON LIGHT OR TURN OFF RADIO. DRAINED BATTERY. NOW I HAVE TO PULL FUSE. STEERING WHEEL RADIO CONTROLS HAVE NEVER WORKED PROPERLY OFTEN PERFORMING OPPOSITE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 8, 2011

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH., THE RIGHT SLIDING DOOR OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. IN A TWO-WEEK PERIOD, THE SLIDING DOOR OPENED TWICE WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE DOOR WAS SERVICED AT THE DEALER, BUT STILL DOES NOT COMPLETELY LATCH. UPDATED 09/15/06. *JB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · June 20, 2006

2005 Saturn Relay — common questions

Is the 2005 Saturn Relay reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 137 complaints put the 2005 model at #1 of 3 Relay years. It is one of the Relay years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Relay problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (42 complaints), electrical system (34 complaints), body & structure (11 complaints).

Does the 2005 Saturn Relay have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Saturn Relay. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Saturn Relay under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Saturn Relay years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Relay years to avoid are 2005. The cleanest record among Relay years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.