VehicleVerdict

2006 Saturn Relay problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2006 Saturn Relay sits mid-pack among Relay years: 32 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 32, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (5), transmission (5), and fuel system (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

32

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Relay years?

Relay NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted137 complaints2005: 137 complaints2006: 32 complaints2007: 21 complaints
Relay NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Relay years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Saturn Relay problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes516%
Transmission516%
Fuel System413%
Electrical System413%
Latches & Locks39%
Body & Structure39%
Steering26%
Engine26%
Airbags26%
Lighting13%
Seats13%

Does the 2006 Saturn Relay have recalls?

2 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.

05V552000OtherDecember 7, 2005 · 32,068 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.

Consequence

A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I STARTED GETTING "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM" WARNING MESSAGE AND LIGHT WITH "SERVICE ABS SYSTEM" WARNING MESSAGE AND LIGHT AND "SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM". ALL ARE ALWAYS AT THE SAME TIME. SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING (PER OWNERS MANUAL) TEMPORARILY CAUSES THE LIGHTS AND MESSAGES TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 1, 2011

“AWD DISABLED WHEN NEEDED IN SNOW. IT SEEMS TO BE CAUSED BY ICY SLUSH. I CONFIRMED WITH THE DEALER THAT THE HUB ASSEMBLY'S AWD SENSOR CAN GET COVERED UP WITH MUD OR SLUSH AND THE AWD SYSTEM WILL DISABLE. ANY AWD SYSTEM THAT GETS DISABLED BY SLUSH IS LUDICROUSLY DESIGNED, AND BORDERLINE NEGLIGENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 9, 2009

“I STARTED GETTING "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM" WARNING MESSAGE AND LIGHT WITH "SERVICE ABS SYSTEM" WARNING MESSAGE AND LIGHT AND "SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM". ALL ARE ALWAYS AT THE SAME TIME. SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING (PER OWNERS MANUAL) TEMPORARILY CAUSES THE LIGHTS AND MESSAGES TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 1, 2011

“2006 SATURN VAN IS DESIGNED WITH THE CHARACTERISTIC OF RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WHEN OPERATING ON AN INCLINE (NOSE UP OR NOSE DOWN), WITH A 1/4 TANK OF FUEL REMAINING. AFTER THIS OCCURRED THE 2ND TIME I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED THEM TO REPAIR. THEY STATED THEY WERE AWARE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 13, 2006

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR FAILED TO CLOSE PROPERLY. THE DOOR HAS TO BE SLAMMED SHUT IN ORDER FOR IT TO CLOSE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 17, 2007

2006 Saturn Relay — common questions

Is the 2006 Saturn Relay reliable?

It is close to typical for the Relay: 32 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2006 Relay problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (5 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints).

Does the 2006 Saturn Relay have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Saturn Relay. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Saturn Relay under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 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.