MYRModel Year Report

2005 Saturn Relay

○ Not enough data
2005 Saturn Relay
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:48:34.777Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Saturn Relay Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2005 highlighted. 2005: 91 complaints 2005 2006: 19 complaints 2006 2007: 12 complaints 2007
2005: 91 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200591
200619
200712

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SERVICE BRAKES 45%

45% of complaints: service brakes — 41 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASH
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, 20130628

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, 20171127

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 27%

27% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and switch.

FIRE
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, 20150216

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, 20180717

STRUCTURE 12%

12% of complaints: structure — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and body.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 10%

10% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 8%

8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20050405 — seats

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 SID

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, 2

Campaign 05V061000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20051114 — parking brake

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

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 BU

Campaign 05V287000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20051129 — PE (closed 20060306)

ELECTRICAL HARNESS DAMAGE

I 20070816 — PE (closed 20071211)

POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING

I 20071211 — EA (closed 20090223)

POWER SLIDING DOOR

R 20090223 — steering

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 REPLACEM

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 D

Campaign 09E005000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2005 Saturn Relay — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (41 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (25 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 05V061000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 05V287000 (parking brake) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 09E005000 (steering) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.