2005 Saturn Relay
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 91
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 2005
Opened by NHTSA
45% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 91 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 91 |
| 2006 | 19 |
| 2007 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
45% · 41 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-28
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-27
Electrical system
27% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and switch.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-02-16
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-17
Structure
12% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing door and body.
Latches/locks/linkages
10% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing latch.
Exterior lighting
8% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2005-04-05Seats05V061000 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…
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…
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2005-11-14Parking brake05V287000 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…
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…
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2005-11-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-03-06 Electrical harness damage
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2007-08-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-12-11 Power sliding door opening
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2007-12-11Engineering analysisClosed 2009-02-23 Power sliding door
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2009-02-23Steering09E005000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Saturn Relay — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 41 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 25 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V061000 · Seats
- Recall 05V287000 · Parking brake
- Recall 09E005000 · Steering
FAQ
- Is the 2005 Saturn Relay reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Saturn Relay?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Saturn Relay have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.