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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 91 |
| 2006 | 19 |
| 2007 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
22% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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
15% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I HAD A 2005 SATURN. I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. I WOULD HAVE RATED IT AS THE MOST LIKED CAR OF MY LIFE. HOWEVER, THE STEERING OR BRAKES FAILED AND ACTUALLY CAUSED MY CAR TO ACCELERATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090615
ABS SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. ABS SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN WHILE LIGHT IS ON. EBCM WAS REPLACED BY GM DEALER, BUT PROBLEM PERSISTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120423
10% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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
7% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
ELECTRICAL HARNESS DAMAGE
POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING
POWER SLIDING DOOR
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 electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 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.
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 electrical system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Saturn Relay have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.