Owners have filed 137 complaints
about the 2005 Saturn Relay with NHTSA between 2005 and 2018.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Saturn Relay. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 19
3.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 70
41% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
21.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2319.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1714.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2117.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1210.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2016.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1916.0%
150,000+ miles
54.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2005peak 6Jul 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 2005 Saturn Relay
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA07019Opened 11 Dec 2007Closed 23 Feb 2009LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
POWER SLIDING DOOR
ODI EVALUATED GENERAL MOTORS' (GM) DATA, CONDUCTED CONSUMER INTERVIEWS, INSPECTED AND TESTED MY 2005-2007 GM MINIVANS WITH REGARD TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT OF A POWER SLIDING DOOR (PSD) OPENING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF PARK.ODI IDENTIFIED A HIGH WARRANTY CLAIM RATE.HOWEVER, THESE CLAIMS ARE RELATED TO VARIOUS PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH DOORS NOT PROPERLY OPENING OR CLOSING AND NOT SPECIFICALLY TO DOORS OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE CONDITION OF THE PSD REVERSING DIRECTION DURING THE CLOSING SEQUENCE IS CONSISTENT WITH AN OBSTRUCTION OF THE DOOR, OR WITH IMPROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE DOOR, AND THIS IS ADD...
PE07044Opened 16 Aug 2007Closed 11 Dec 2007LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING
ODI HAS RECEIVED REPORTS THAT THE POWER SLIDING DOORS OPENED WITHOUT COMMAND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON MODEL YEAR 2005 AND 2006 GENERAL MOTORS MINIVANS (CHEVROLET UPLANDER/VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA SV6/MONTANA, BUICK TERRAZA, AND SATURN RELAY).SOME REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE DOOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN CLOSED AND LATCHED BEFORE DRIVING AWAY CAUSING THE DOOR TO REVERSE (OPEN) AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS.HOWEVER, OTHER REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE DOOR WAS INITIALLY SHUT THEN OPENED AFTER DRIVING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND/OR MILES AT VEHICLE SPEEDS BETWEEN 20 AND 70 MPH.ODI HAS UPGRADED THIS PRELIMINARY...
PE05063Opened 29 Nov 2005Closed 6 Mar 2006ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL HARNESS DAMAGE
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON NOVEMBER 29, 2005, BASED ON ONE CONSUMER REPORT TO ODI AND A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY GENERAL MOTORS.THE BULLETIN, NO. 1613174, ISSUED ON FEBRUARY 21, 2005, STATES IN PART, SOME CUSTOMERS MAY REPORT A STALL AND/OR NO CRANK, NO START CONDITION AFTER THE WIPERS ARE USED.ANALYSIS OF THE AVAILABLE DATA INDICATES THAT THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE OCCURS EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.APPROXIMATELY 80% OF ALL FAILURES OCCURRED WITHIN THE FIRST 3,000 MILES.ADDITIONALLY, 88% OF THE COMPLAINT VEHICLES WERE BUILT IN THE FIRST HALF...
Recalls on the 2005 Saturn Relay
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E005000
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 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.
Risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
05V287000
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 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.
Risk: 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.
05V061000
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
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.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 200619949,116 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain Aztek (AWD), Montana (AWD), Relay (AWD), RendezVous (AWD), RendezVous (FWD), Silhouette (AWD), Terraza (AWD), Terraza (FWD), Uplander (AWD) and Venture (AWD) vehicles equipped with independent rear suspension, when operated in extreme cold temperature and on rough roads, water and salt can intrude past the ball joint seal. The combination of theses conditions may then lead to premature wear of the ball joint. If the ball joint wear progresses to the point of separation from the lower control arm, a loss of vehicle control may occur. Correction: Dealers will replace both ball joints with new ball joints which have a revised boot and ball stud to improve the seal to the ball stud shaft.
Recall 20051843,886 units in Canada
Brakes
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 135. 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). A part that was not manufactured to specifications can cause the parking brake to fail this test. A loud popping noise as the parking brake is applied or a sudden decrease in the effort required to apply the parking brake can be indications of this condition. When the parking brake is released, the driver may notice unintended braking when accelerating, decelerating, or coasting, and a groan, humming, and/or vibration coming from the rear of the vehicle. Correction: Dealers will inspect for parking brake lever slippage at each rear brake caliper. The calipers will be replaced if lever slippage is identified.
Recall 20050405,708 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, the outboard release handle on the impact-side second-row bucket seat may be actuated and the rear latches may unlatch early during the crash sequence of a side impact New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) test. If the rear latches of the seat are released early in a severe side impact, the front outboard latch may disengage and increase the potential for injury to the occupant of the seat. Correction: Dealers will replace the seat latch release lever.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 190,000 milesColumbus, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 OPENING, IS WHAT STARTED THE ELECTRICAL FIRE, WHICH BURNED A WHOLE IN MY ROOF, BURNED THE DRIVERS SIDE VISOR, WHICH IN TURN BURNED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT AND CAR SEAT BEHIND THE DRIVER'S DOOR. GM DETERMINED IT WAS NOT THERE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS 10 YEARS OLD AND NO OTHER CASES WERE ON FILE. A VERY VERY VERY SCARY SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10683638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesRichmond, VACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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 TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL HUB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE BRAKE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10522302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesLakeland, FLCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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. I WAS IN A CHURCH PARKING LOT, GETTING READY TO PARK MY VEHICLE AND WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND I WAS HEADED FOR A TREE,WHEN I RAN OVER A PIECE OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT THAT STOPPED MY WILD RIDE. WHEN I TOOK IT TO SATURN OF LAKELAND, THEY SAID NOTHING HAD SHOWN UP ON A COMPUTER BUT THEY DID TEST DRIVE IT AND COULD FIND NOTHING. THEY TOLD ME THAT I MUST HAVE HAD MY FOOT ON THE GAS INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE. I HAD A SIMILAR INCIDENT, MUST LESS DRAMATIC BEFORE THAT WHEN I WAS PULLING IN TO PARK. BOTH TIMES I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. THAT TIME I WAS ALMOST STOPPED BUT DID RUN INTO THE CURB. I HAVE DRIVEN 49 YEARS AND THESE ARE THE ONLY TWO INCIDENTS WHEN I SUPPOSEDLY HAD MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND NOT THE BRAKE. IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKELY AT ALL TO ME. WELL THE FROSTING ON THE CAKE WAS THAT ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER, I WENT OUT AND WAS GOING TO START MY CAR AND WHEN I TRIED TO PUT THE CAR IN GEAR THE SHIFTING LEVEL FELL OUT OF POSITION AND WAS ONLY HELD IN PLACE BY THE COVERING OVER IT. SATURN OF LAKELAND DID SAY THEY DIDN'T THINK I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR ROUGHLY BUT I DID REPAIR IT AT NY OWN COST. HOWEVER, THE LACK OF CONCERN BY SATURN OF LAKELAND, WHERE I HAD PURCHASED THIS CAR WAS LESS THAN PATHETIC. SO, EVEN THOUGH I LIKED THE CAR A LOT, I FELT IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD TO BE DRIVING IT. I GAVE UP THE FIGHT IN HONOR OF MY OWN SAFETY AND BOUGHT ANOTHER CAR AT A MONETARY LOSS TO ME. SAFETY FIRST SATURN.
NHTSA complaint #10273803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesLakeland, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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. I WAS IN A CHURCH PARKING LOT, GETTING READY TO PARK MY VEHICLE AND WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND I WAS HEADED FOR A TREE,WHEN I RAN OVER A PIECE OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT THAT STOPPED MY WILD RIDE. WHEN I TOOK IT TO SATURN OF LAKELAND, THEY SAID NOTHING HAD SHOWN UP ON A COMPUTER BUT THEY DID TEST DRIVE IT AND COULD FIND NOTHING. THEY TOLD ME THAT I MUST HAVE HAD MY FOOT ON THE GAS INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE. I HAD A SIMILAR INCIDENT, MUST LESS DRAMATIC BEFORE THAT WHEN I WAS PULLING IN TO PARK. BOTH TIMES I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. THAT TIME I WAS ALMOST STOPPED BUT DID RUN INTO THE CURB. I HAVE DRIVEN 49 YEARS AND THESE ARE THE ONLY TWO INCIDENTS WHEN I SUPPOSEDLY HAD MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND NOT THE BRAKE. IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKELY AT ALL TO ME. WELL THE FROSTING ON THE CAKE WAS THAT ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER, I WENT OUT AND WAS GOING TO START MY CAR AND WHEN I TRIED TO PUT THE CAR IN GEAR THE SHIFTING LEVEL FELL OUT OF POSITION AND WAS ONLY HELD IN PLACE BY THE COVERING OVER IT. SATURN OF LAKELAND DID SAY THEY DIDN'T THINK I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR ROUGHLY BUT I DID REPAIR IT AT NY OWN COST. HOWEVER, THE LACK OF CONCERN BY SATURN OF LAKELAND, WHERE I HAD PURCHASED THIS CAR WAS LESS THAN PATHETIC. SO, EVEN THOUGH I LIKED THE CAR A LOT, I FELT IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD TO BE DRIVING IT. I GAVE UP THE FIGHT IN HONOR OF MY OWN SAFETY AND BOUGHT ANOTHER CAR AT A MONETARY LOSS TO ME. SAFETY FIRST SATURN.
NHTSA complaint #10273803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesCumming, GA1 injured
POWER TRAIN
MY WIFE PLACED OUR 2005 SATURN RELAY MINIVAN IN PARK, AND STEPPED OUT TO GET THE MAIL. THE VAN IMMEDIATELY STARTED BACKWARDS, WITH THE DOOR PUSHING HER DOWN. LUCKILY, AS IT PUSHED HER DOWN, SHE FELL TO THE INSIDE, AND WAS ABLE TO ACTIVATE THE PARKING BRAKE WITH HER HAND, STOPPING THE CAR. SHE DID RECEIVE A VERY MINOR KNEE INJURY, BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. OUR TWO DAUGHTERS WERE BOTH IN THE CAR, WHICH WOULD HAVE ROLLED DOWN A HILL AND INTO A NEIGHBORS HOUSE, HAD SHE NOT STOPPED IT. MY FIRST THOUGHT WAS THAT SHE'D MADE A MISTAKE, BUT AFTER LOOKING AT THE SHIFTING MECHANISM, I CAN SEE HOW THIS HAPPENED. AS YOU KNOW, ON A STEERING MOUNTED SHIFTER (LIKE THIS) YOU PULL THE LEVER TOWARD YOU, MOVE IT TO THE APPROPRIATE GEAR, AND RELEASE IT, LOCKING THE MECHANISM IN THE NEWLY SELECTED GEAR. ON THIS VEHICLE, THERE IS A LARGE DEAD SPACE (FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD) BETWEEN REVERSE AND PARK. IT'S POSSIBLE TO RELEASE THE LEVER BEFORE THE SELECTOR IS FULLY IN THE PARK DETENT. WHEN YOU DO THIS, THERE IS NO OUTWARD INDICATION OF A PROBLEM, OTHER THAN AN UNUSUAL FEEL TO THE LEVER THAT'S EASY TO MISS IF YOU'RE IN A HURRY. ONCE YOU DO THIS, THE LEVER (AFTER A FEW SECONDS) WILL EITHER POP INTO PARK, OR INTO REVERSE. OBVIOUSLY, IF YOU'RE NO LONGER IN THE DRIVERS SEAT, THIS IS GOING TO BE A PROBLEM. I'VE CHECKED THIS ON OTHER SATURN RELAYS AND ON ONE CHEVROLET (SAME MODEL, DIFFERENT NAME) AND THEY ALL DID THIS. ALL OF THE ONES I CHECKED WERE 2005, SO I DO NOT KNOW ABOUT ANY OTHER YEAR MODELS. WE NOW ALWAYS SET THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN STOPPING, JUST IN CASE. THIS IS MORE A DESIGN DEFECT THAN A COMPONENT FAILURE, FROM WHAT I CAN SEE.
NHTSA complaint #10267433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 180,000 milesSouthgate, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. OTHER SATURNS ARE LISTED IN THE 2014 RECALL BUT MINE IS NOT. IT SHOULD BE LISTED.
NHTSA complaint #11111967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,500 milesShannon, MS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 complaint #11048779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,500 milesShannon, MS
SERVICE BRAKES
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 complaint #11048779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCromwell, CT
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE SPEED SENSOR AND TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKING DISTANCE INCREASED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ALSO, THE SLIDING DOOR CHIME ACTIVATED EVEN THOUGH BOTH SLIDING DOORS WERE CLOSED. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10885096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCromwell, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE SPEED SENSOR AND TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKING DISTANCE INCREASED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ALSO, THE SLIDING DOOR CHIME ACTIVATED EVEN THOUGH BOTH SLIDING DOORS WERE CLOSED. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10885096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCromwell, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE SPEED SENSOR AND TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKING DISTANCE INCREASED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ALSO, THE SLIDING DOOR CHIME ACTIVATED EVEN THOUGH BOTH SLIDING DOORS WERE CLOSED. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10885096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCromwell, CT
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE SPEED SENSOR AND TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKING DISTANCE INCREASED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ALSO, THE SLIDING DOOR CHIME ACTIVATED EVEN THOUGH BOTH SLIDING DOORS WERE CLOSED. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10885096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesEvans, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHEN I DRIVE AT NIGHT I HAVE TO TURN MY HEADLIGHTS OFF TO USE MY TURN SIGNALS. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE 2005 SATURN RELAY WILL NOT WORK UNLESS THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED OFF. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS...YET. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10758510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesEvans, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE FIRST TIME I WAS PARKED AND THE VAN WOULD NOT START. I WAS TOLD IT MIGHT BE THE FUEL PUMP. I HAD THE VAN TOW TO A SERVICE CENTER. THEY SAID IT WAS THE FUEL RELAY. I PAID TO HAVE THE FUEL RELAY REPLACED. A FEW DAYS LATER SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THE VAN WOULD NOT START. THIS TIME WE THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY OR SPARK PLUGS. I PAID TO HAVE A NEW BATTERY, NEW SPARK PLUGS, SPARK PLUG CABLES. A FEW DAYS LATER I WAS LEAVING FROM WORK AND THE VAN WOULD NOT START AGAIN. I HAD IT TOW AND THEY SAID IT MIGHT BE THE FUEL PUMP. THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP BUT THEN NOTICED THE WIRES LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VAN. THE MECHANIC WIGGLED THE WIRES AND THE VAN STARTED. A FEW WEEKS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD DOING ABOUT 50 AND THE VAN JUST LOST POWER. IT WAS AS IF IT RAN OUT OF GAS. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND HAD THE VAN TOWED AGAIN. AFTER THIS SEVERAL TIMES, WHILE DRIVING THE VAN WILL ACT AS IF IT RAN OUT OF GAS. I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY I HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT...YET. I HAVE TO GET OUT OF THE VAN, GO TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND WIGGLE THE WIRES LOCATED UNDER THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT OF THE VAN.
NHTSA complaint #10758509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesEvans, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN I DRIVE AT NIGHT I HAVE TO TURN MY HEADLIGHTS OFF TO USE MY TURN SIGNALS. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE 2005 SATURN RELAY WILL NOT WORK UNLESS THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED OFF. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS...YET. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10758510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesEvans, GA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE FIRST TIME I WAS PARKED AND THE VAN WOULD NOT START. I WAS TOLD IT MIGHT BE THE FUEL PUMP. I HAD THE VAN TOW TO A SERVICE CENTER. THEY SAID IT WAS THE FUEL RELAY. I PAID TO HAVE THE FUEL RELAY REPLACED. A FEW DAYS LATER SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THE VAN WOULD NOT START. THIS TIME WE THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY OR SPARK PLUGS. I PAID TO HAVE A NEW BATTERY, NEW SPARK PLUGS, SPARK PLUG CABLES. A FEW DAYS LATER I WAS LEAVING FROM WORK AND THE VAN WOULD NOT START AGAIN. I HAD IT TOW AND THEY SAID IT MIGHT BE THE FUEL PUMP. THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP BUT THEN NOTICED THE WIRES LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VAN. THE MECHANIC WIGGLED THE WIRES AND THE VAN STARTED. A FEW WEEKS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD DOING ABOUT 50 AND THE VAN JUST LOST POWER. IT WAS AS IF IT RAN OUT OF GAS. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND HAD THE VAN TOWED AGAIN. AFTER THIS SEVERAL TIMES, WHILE DRIVING THE VAN WILL ACT AS IF IT RAN OUT OF GAS. I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY I HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT...YET. I HAVE TO GET OUT OF THE VAN, GO TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND WIGGLE THE WIRES LOCATED UNDER THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT OF THE VAN.
NHTSA complaint #10758509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesEvans, GA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
WHEN I DRIVE AT NIGHT I HAVE TO TURN MY HEADLIGHTS OFF TO USE MY TURN SIGNALS. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE 2005 SATURN RELAY WILL NOT WORK UNLESS THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED OFF. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS...YET. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10758510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesEvans, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE FIRST TIME I WAS PARKED AND THE VAN WOULD NOT START. I WAS TOLD IT MIGHT BE THE FUEL PUMP. I HAD THE VAN TOW TO A SERVICE CENTER. THEY SAID IT WAS THE FUEL RELAY. I PAID TO HAVE THE FUEL RELAY REPLACED. A FEW DAYS LATER SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THE VAN WOULD NOT START. THIS TIME WE THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY OR SPARK PLUGS. I PAID TO HAVE A NEW BATTERY, NEW SPARK PLUGS, SPARK PLUG CABLES. A FEW DAYS LATER I WAS LEAVING FROM WORK AND THE VAN WOULD NOT START AGAIN. I HAD IT TOW AND THEY SAID IT MIGHT BE THE FUEL PUMP. THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP BUT THEN NOTICED THE WIRES LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VAN. THE MECHANIC WIGGLED THE WIRES AND THE VAN STARTED. A FEW WEEKS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD DOING ABOUT 50 AND THE VAN JUST LOST POWER. IT WAS AS IF IT RAN OUT OF GAS. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND HAD THE VAN TOWED AGAIN. AFTER THIS SEVERAL TIMES, WHILE DRIVING THE VAN WILL ACT AS IF IT RAN OUT OF GAS. I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY I HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT...YET. I HAVE TO GET OUT OF THE VAN, GO TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND WIGGLE THE WIRES LOCATED UNDER THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT OF THE VAN.
NHTSA complaint #10758509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,515 milesRocklin, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
DRIVING AROUND 10 MPH, CAR DIED. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. LOOKED ON GM WEBSITE AND THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM, HOWEVER NOT FOR THE RELAY. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR ALL SATURNS! I AM VERY LUCKY I WAS NOT DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10711799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesHenrico, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH ABS & T/C WARNING LIGHTS, BRAKES SEIZED UP WAS UNABLE TO MOVE VAN HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP, T/C ENGAGES WITHOUT ANY ADVERSE WEATHER OR ROAD CONDITIONS. I HAVE SPENT OVER $2000 TRYING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEMS. BRAKE PADS WEAR DOWN QUICKLY, REPLACE BRAKE PADS TWICE A YEAR SINCE HAVING THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10706475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 184,000 milesFlorence, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE ABS HUB SENSOR WAS REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES PULSATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED AND THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM WAS UPDATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,000.
NHTSA complaint #10694113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesColumbus, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 OPENING, IS WHAT STARTED THE ELECTRICAL FIRE, WHICH BURNED A WHOLE IN MY ROOF, BURNED THE DRIVERS SIDE VISOR, WHICH IN TURN BURNED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT AND CAR SEAT BEHIND THE DRIVER'S DOOR. GM DETERMINED IT WAS NOT THERE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS 10 YEARS OLD AND NO OTHER CASES WERE ON FILE. A VERY VERY VERY SCARY SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10683638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,350 milesTyler, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS SYSTEM ACTING UP , OCCURRING OFF AND ON SERVICE BRAKES HYDRAULIC PROBLEM . HAPPENS EVERYDAY SINCE I'VE OWNED IT. ALSO PREVIOUS OWNER HAD SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10676161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesRobbins, IL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE EGR VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #10663346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesWorcester, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE ALSO VEERED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL KNUCKLE AND IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #10621293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesWorcester, MA
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE ALSO VEERED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL KNUCKLE AND IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #10621293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesColumbia, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED BRIEFLY BUT STALLED IMMEDIATELY AFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
NHTSA complaint #10607574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,600 milesAbbotsford, WI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
EVERY TIME WE FILL UP WITH FUEL, THE GAS GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY,AND THE DISPLAY TELLS US WE HAVE LOW FUEL. AFTER AWHILE THE GAUGE WILL GO TO FULL, THEN BECOME ERRATIC AND SHOW US DIFFERENT FUEL LEVELS. IT TAKES QUITE A WHILE FOR THE GAUGE TO GIVE AN ACTUAL READING. I RECOMMEND THAT THIS VEHICLE BE PUT ON THE RECALL LIST FOR THE FUEL SENSOR PROBLEM THAT OTHER GM VEHICLES HAVE HAD.
NHTSA complaint #10595574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesEL Paso, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 05/28/14
NHTSA complaint #10575874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Evans, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
AFTER HAVING MY BRAKES REPLACED, THE ABS LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON. THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF FOR AWHILE, BUT EVERY TIME I APPLY THE BRAKES IT WILL COME BACK ON FOR DAYS. I AM ALSO HAVING ISSUES WITH MY BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS. THEY KEEP GOING IN AND OUT. SOMETIMES THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE CORRECTLY, I CHECK TO MAKE SURE NOTHING IS IN THE WAY BUT STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10567927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.