Owners have filed 32 complaints
about the 2006 Saturn Relay with NHTSA between 2006 and 2017.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 25
Against the median year of the Saturn Relay. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 65
12.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 68
40% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2006 Saturn Relay
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
515.6%
Median failure at 34,500 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
515.6%
Median failure at 129,100 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
412.5%
Median failure at 5,002 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
39.4%
Median failure at 36,000 miles
Body & Structure
39.4%
Median failure at 34,600 miles
Stability & Traction Control
26.3%
Median failure at 120,500 miles
Steering
26.3%
Median failure at 42,252 miles
Airbags
26.3%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 63,300 mi
Electrical System
26.3%
Median failure at 129,250 miles
Engine & Cooling
26.3%
Median failure at 44,252 miles
Seats
13.1%
Median failure at 2,505 miles
Lights
13.1%
Median failure at 128,500 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
826.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
26.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
413.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
13.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
26.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1343.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2006 Saturn Relay
—
—
—
—
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.
Jul 2006peak 7Oct 2017
NHTSA investigations into the 2006 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...
Recalls on the 2006 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.
05V552000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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.
Risk: 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.
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 200727432,056 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles equipped with remote start capability fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 208 - Occupant Restraint Systems. The safety belt reminder light for the driver's seating position does not illuminate after the ignition key is inserted and turned to the 'run' position following a remote start. As well, the audible chime for the driver's seating position will not sound if the driver and a front seat passenger enter the vehicle following a remote start, the passenger buckles his/her seatbelt within 25 to 33 seconds after the remote start, and the ignition key is then turned to the 'run' position. Note: This non-compliance condition has no affect on vehicle safety. Correction: Dealers will recalibrate the Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) to activate an enhanced seatbelt reminder feature, which repeats the chime and telltale cycles up to two times if the seatbelt is not buckled and if the vehicles speed is over 8 km/h. This enhanced feature is already activated on 2007 vehicles.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 125,000 milesFredericksburg, VACrash
AIR BAGS
MY 18 YEAR OLD SON HAD AN ACCIDENT. HE ROLLED THE VAN MULTIPLE TIMES, HIT TREES ,DAMAGED ALL SIDES, AND ROOF OF THE VAN. THE ONLY DOOR THAT WOULD EASILY OPEN WAS THE DRIVERS DOOR. THE FRONT AXLE BROKE, WINDSHIELD BROKEN. THE INSURANCE APPRAISER SAID ALL PANELS WERE DAMAGED AND COULD NOT BELIEVE NONE OF THE AIR BAGS OPENED. THE SATURN RELAY 2006 WAS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10558511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesBaker City, OR1 injured
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITHIN THREE MONTHS, THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE DARKENED BY THREE SHADES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG METALLIC SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE THAT HAD EVEN AFFECTED HER BREATHING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A FOREIGN HOSE ATTACHED TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER THAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE TOXIC LEAK. THE CONTACT BECAME VERY ILL AND STRONG TRACES OF CADMIUM, LEAD AND MERCURY WERE FOUND IN HER BLOOD SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #10498019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,600 milesJacksonville, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED IN THE CENTER LANE, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO GET INTO THE SAME LANE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FENDER CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FLIP COMPLETELY OVER AND LANDED RIGHT SIDE UP. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND ARM INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. ALL OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING THEIR SEATBELTS. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THERE WERE PICTURES AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #10166114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 130,000 milesBatavia, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SERVICE ABS AND SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON AND HAVE REMAINED ON FOR SEVERAL DAYS. FURTHER MESSAGES CONTINUE FLASHING ON THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER. THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRING PROBLEM OVER THE PAST YEAR AFTER ABS WHEEL SENSORS AND THE ASSOCIATED WIRING WERE REPLACED. WITH THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET - I WAS THINKING THAT SURELY A TSB OR RECALL ON THESE ISSUES HAS BEEN OVERLOOKED OR SIMPLY IGNORED BY THE MECHANICS AND SERVICE WRITERS AT THE GM DEALERSHIPS NATIONWIDE. I KNOW THAT A TECH LL SCANNER IS REQUIRED TO CHECK FOR ANY TROUBLE CODES FOR THESE VERY COMPLEX SYSTEMS, BUT WHAT IS THE KNOWN DEFINITIVE FIX FOR THESE POTENTIALLY SERIOUS PROBLEMS ? THE LIGHTS AND MESSAGES BEGAN APPEARING AFTER MODERATE BRAKING AND WHILE VEHICLE IS/WAS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY WHILE TURNING OR ON A STRAIGHT AHEAD STRETCH OF ROADWAY. VARIED ROAD CONDITIONS AND WET OR DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE SEEMINGLY NOT CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.
NHTSA complaint #11030754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesBatavia, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
SERVICE ABS AND SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON AND HAVE REMAINED ON FOR SEVERAL DAYS. FURTHER MESSAGES CONTINUE FLASHING ON THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER. THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRING PROBLEM OVER THE PAST YEAR AFTER ABS WHEEL SENSORS AND THE ASSOCIATED WIRING WERE REPLACED. WITH THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET - I WAS THINKING THAT SURELY A TSB OR RECALL ON THESE ISSUES HAS BEEN OVERLOOKED OR SIMPLY IGNORED BY THE MECHANICS AND SERVICE WRITERS AT THE GM DEALERSHIPS NATIONWIDE. I KNOW THAT A TECH LL SCANNER IS REQUIRED TO CHECK FOR ANY TROUBLE CODES FOR THESE VERY COMPLEX SYSTEMS, BUT WHAT IS THE KNOWN DEFINITIVE FIX FOR THESE POTENTIALLY SERIOUS PROBLEMS ? THE LIGHTS AND MESSAGES BEGAN APPEARING AFTER MODERATE BRAKING AND WHILE VEHICLE IS/WAS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY WHILE TURNING OR ON A STRAIGHT AHEAD STRETCH OF ROADWAY. VARIED ROAD CONDITIONS AND WET OR DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE SEEMINGLY NOT CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.
NHTSA complaint #11030754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesBatavia, OH
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
SERVICE ABS AND SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON AND HAVE REMAINED ON FOR SEVERAL DAYS. FURTHER MESSAGES CONTINUE FLASHING ON THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER. THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRING PROBLEM OVER THE PAST YEAR AFTER ABS WHEEL SENSORS AND THE ASSOCIATED WIRING WERE REPLACED. WITH THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET - I WAS THINKING THAT SURELY A TSB OR RECALL ON THESE ISSUES HAS BEEN OVERLOOKED OR SIMPLY IGNORED BY THE MECHANICS AND SERVICE WRITERS AT THE GM DEALERSHIPS NATIONWIDE. I KNOW THAT A TECH LL SCANNER IS REQUIRED TO CHECK FOR ANY TROUBLE CODES FOR THESE VERY COMPLEX SYSTEMS, BUT WHAT IS THE KNOWN DEFINITIVE FIX FOR THESE POTENTIALLY SERIOUS PROBLEMS ? THE LIGHTS AND MESSAGES BEGAN APPEARING AFTER MODERATE BRAKING AND WHILE VEHICLE IS/WAS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY WHILE TURNING OR ON A STRAIGHT AHEAD STRETCH OF ROADWAY. VARIED ROAD CONDITIONS AND WET OR DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE SEEMINGLY NOT CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.
NHTSA complaint #11030754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,100 milesAmherst, NY
POWER TRAIN
ATTEMPTED LOW/MODERATE ACCELERATION FROM STOP; TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO SLIP WITH ENGINE RPM INCREASING BUT NO TRANSFER OF POWER BEYOND ABOUT INITIAL HALF-FOOT OF FORWARD MOTION, THEN HARD SHIFTED INTO GEAR (LURCHED THE VEHICLE) AND ACCELERATED RAPIDLY. THIS EVENT WAS INITIALLY INTERMITTENT AND NOT ABLE TO BE REPRODUCED BY MECHANIC. IT HAS NOW BECOME FREQUENT AND AFFECTS SHIFTING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AS WELL AS FROM STOP, MAKING CONTROL OF ACCELERATION UNPREDICTABLE IS HARD SHIFTING THROUGH MOST GEARS WHEN THIS IS OCCURRING, ALTHOUGH AT OTHER TIMES IT SHIFTS VERY SMOOTHLY THROUGHOUT, MAKING IT MORE DIFFICULT TO REPRODUCE FOR MECHANIC.
NHTSA complaint #10568789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,800 milesAmherst, NY
POWER TRAIN
AFTER STARTING VEHICLE, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE, GEAR SELECTION LEVER WOULD NOT MOVE FROM PARK AND PARKING BRAKE WOULD NOT DISENGAGE AS RESULT. SHUT DOWN ENGINE, RESTARTED WITH SAME RESULT. AFTER SEVERAL MORE ATTEMPTS TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER, IT FINALLY RELEASED FROM PARK BUT HAD DIFFICULTY MOVING DIRECTLY INTO REVERSE GEAR - IT HAD TO BE "ROWED" THRU ALL GEARS TO SETTLE TO REVERSE, AND THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SEEM TO ENGAGE IN REVERSE INITIALLY. WHEN IT DID ENGAGE REVERSE GEAR, THE TRANSMISSION "JUMPED," LURCHING THE CAR (THE PARKING BRAKE HAD DISENGAGED WHEN GEAR SELECTION LEVER FINALLY MOVED FROM PARK). THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, AND SEEMS TO SOMETIMES COINCIDE WITH OTHER DRIVETRAIN ISSUE PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED.
NHTSA complaint #10568801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,500 milesAmherst, NY
POWER TRAIN
NOTED THAT DRIVING LIGHTS FLASHED WITH WIPERS ON DELAY SETTING. AT NEXT USE, LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT & WARNING SOUNDED BUT LIGHTS DID NOT FLASH WITH DELAY WIPERS. TURNING OFF ENGINE AND PULLING HOOD LATCH & CLOSING HOOD ENDED LOW PRESSURE WARNING (OIL PRESSURE/ LEVEL WERE CORRECT-FALSE ALARM). 2 DAYS LATER, LIGHTS AGAIN FLASHED WITH WIPERS ON DELAY BUT NO OIL PRESSURE WARNING. CONTINUED THIS BACK-AND-FORTH (EITHER OIL WARNING OR LIGHT FLASH WITH WIPER USE, BUT NOT CONCOMITANT) FOR 2 MONTHS, THEN LOW PRESSURE WARNINGS BECAME CONSTANT, AND THE LIGHTS NO LONGER FLASHED WITH THE WIPERS AT ALL.THE LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING CAN OFTEN BE STOPPED BY EITHER TURNING OFF ENGINE AND CAREFULLY RESTARTING OR PULLING HOOD LATCH AND SLAMMING HOOD. SHIFTING GEARS MAY ALSO TRIGGER THE LOW PRESSURE WARNING IF IT ISN'T ALREADY ON.
NHTSA complaint #10568780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,500 milesAmherst, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
NOTED THAT DRIVING LIGHTS FLASHED WITH WIPERS ON DELAY SETTING. AT NEXT USE, LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT & WARNING SOUNDED BUT LIGHTS DID NOT FLASH WITH DELAY WIPERS. TURNING OFF ENGINE AND PULLING HOOD LATCH & CLOSING HOOD ENDED LOW PRESSURE WARNING (OIL PRESSURE/ LEVEL WERE CORRECT-FALSE ALARM). 2 DAYS LATER, LIGHTS AGAIN FLASHED WITH WIPERS ON DELAY BUT NO OIL PRESSURE WARNING. CONTINUED THIS BACK-AND-FORTH (EITHER OIL WARNING OR LIGHT FLASH WITH WIPER USE, BUT NOT CONCOMITANT) FOR 2 MONTHS, THEN LOW PRESSURE WARNINGS BECAME CONSTANT, AND THE LIGHTS NO LONGER FLASHED WITH THE WIPERS AT ALL.THE LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING CAN OFTEN BE STOPPED BY EITHER TURNING OFF ENGINE AND CAREFULLY RESTARTING OR PULLING HOOD LATCH AND SLAMMING HOOD. SHIFTING GEARS MAY ALSO TRIGGER THE LOW PRESSURE WARNING IF IT ISN'T ALREADY ON.
NHTSA complaint #10568780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,500 milesAmherst, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NOTED THAT DRIVING LIGHTS FLASHED WITH WIPERS ON DELAY SETTING. AT NEXT USE, LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT & WARNING SOUNDED BUT LIGHTS DID NOT FLASH WITH DELAY WIPERS. TURNING OFF ENGINE AND PULLING HOOD LATCH & CLOSING HOOD ENDED LOW PRESSURE WARNING (OIL PRESSURE/ LEVEL WERE CORRECT-FALSE ALARM). 2 DAYS LATER, LIGHTS AGAIN FLASHED WITH WIPERS ON DELAY BUT NO OIL PRESSURE WARNING. CONTINUED THIS BACK-AND-FORTH (EITHER OIL WARNING OR LIGHT FLASH WITH WIPER USE, BUT NOT CONCOMITANT) FOR 2 MONTHS, THEN LOW PRESSURE WARNINGS BECAME CONSTANT, AND THE LIGHTS NO LONGER FLASHED WITH THE WIPERS AT ALL.THE LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING CAN OFTEN BE STOPPED BY EITHER TURNING OFF ENGINE AND CAREFULLY RESTARTING OR PULLING HOOD LATCH AND SLAMMING HOOD. SHIFTING GEARS MAY ALSO TRIGGER THE LOW PRESSURE WARNING IF IT ISN'T ALREADY ON.
NHTSA complaint #10568780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesFredericksburg, VACrash
AIR BAGS
MY 18 YEAR OLD SON HAD AN ACCIDENT. HE ROLLED THE VAN MULTIPLE TIMES, HIT TREES ,DAMAGED ALL SIDES, AND ROOF OF THE VAN. THE ONLY DOOR THAT WOULD EASILY OPEN WAS THE DRIVERS DOOR. THE FRONT AXLE BROKE, WINDSHIELD BROKEN. THE INSURANCE APPRAISER SAID ALL PANELS WERE DAMAGED AND COULD NOT BELIEVE NONE OF THE AIR BAGS OPENED. THE SATURN RELAY 2006 WAS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10558511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesBaker City, OR1 injured
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITHIN THREE MONTHS, THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE DARKENED BY THREE SHADES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG METALLIC SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE THAT HAD EVEN AFFECTED HER BREATHING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A FOREIGN HOSE ATTACHED TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER THAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE TOXIC LEAK. THE CONTACT BECAME VERY ILL AND STRONG TRACES OF CADMIUM, LEAD AND MERCURY WERE FOUND IN HER BLOOD SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #10498019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesNorth Vernon, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 TURN OFF, BUT THEY ALWAYS RETURN LATER. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED IN SATURN FORUMS AND IS HAPPENING WITH MANY, MANY OWNERS.
NHTSA complaint #10432537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesNorth Vernon, IN
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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 TURN OFF, BUT THEY ALWAYS RETURN LATER. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED IN SATURN FORUMS AND IS HAPPENING WITH MANY, MANY OWNERS.
NHTSA complaint #10432537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesWilmer, MN
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOORS WOULD NOT SHUT. WHEN ACTIVATED, THE DOOR WOULD START TO CLOSE BUT WOULD NOT LATCH AND THEN WOULD REOPEN. THE CONTACT STATED IT TAKES A COUPLE OF HOURS AND ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE DOOR WOULD CLOSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIANS PERFORMED ADJUSTMENTS TO THE DOOR BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
NHTSA complaint #10399904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesIndependence, KY
STEERING
MY 2006 SATURN ION ALL OF A SUDDEN LOST ITS POWER STEERING WHILE I WAS DRIVING! I ALMOST CRASHED! AND NOW IT GOING TO COST OVER 500 OR MORE TO FIX. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED, I WAS GOING UP A HILL ON A CURVE. JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BELL RANG AND IT POPPED UP PWR STR. I GOT THE CAR STOPPED AND TURNED IT OFF WHEN I TURNED IT BACK ON IT WAS FINE FOR ABOUT 5 FEET AND AGAIN IT DID IT. I GOT HOME AND CHECKED THE FUSE AND MADE SURE IT WAS OK. TODAY I DROVE ALL OVER AND IT WAS OK AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN AGAIN IT CAME ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP!
NHTSA complaint #10335274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesFrostburg, MD
POWER TRAIN
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 WITH REGARDS TO SAFETY.
NHTSA complaint #10295177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesFrostburg, MD
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
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 WITH REGARDS TO SAFETY.
NHTSA complaint #10295177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,600 milesMount Pleasant, SC
STRUCTURE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SATURN RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR REPEATEDLY OPENS AND CLOSES. SHE HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER MORE THAN FOUR TIMES WITHIN TWO MONTHS TO HAVE THE DOOR REPAIRED. THE DEALER HAS SEEN MANY OF THE SAME VEHICLES WITH IDENTICAL FAILURES. THEY ARE EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY REPAIRING THE DOOR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 34,600.
NHTSA complaint #10244633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesFrostburg, MD
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
POWER SLIDING DOOR ON 2006 SATURN RELAY IS NOT CLOSING PROPERLY AND OPENS UNEXPECTEDLY. DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY, DOES NOT LATCH AND OCCASSIONALLY DOOR REOPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS MOVING. TROUBLE STARTED ABOT TWO MONTHS AGO BUT THE REGULARITY OF THIS OCCURRANCE HAS INCREASED SIGNIFICANLTY OVER THE LAST FOUR DAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10242466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesFrostburg, MD
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
POWER SLIDING DOOR ON 2006 SATURN RELAY IS NOT CLOSING PROPERLY AND OPENS UNEXPECTEDLY. DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY, DOES NOT LATCH AND OCCASSIONALLY DOOR REOPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS MOVING. TROUBLE STARTED ABOT TWO MONTHS AGO BUT THE REGULARITY OF THIS OCCURRANCE HAS INCREASED SIGNIFICANLTY OVER THE LAST FOUR DAYS.
NHTSA complaint #10242466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,500 milesMilwaukee, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I HAVE A 2006 SATURN RELAY. IT WAS AN EXECUTIVE DRIVEN CAR AND WAS PURCHASED WITH 400 MILES ON IT AND THE WARRANTY TRANSFERRED OVER TO ME. THE TRACTION CONTROL ON THIS VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE. WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGED IT WOULD KNOCK OUT THE STABILITY CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL, AND ABS SYSTEM. ALTHOUGH I HAVE BREAKS, THEY ARE MANUAL BREAKS. AT FIRST SATURN SAID THE SYSTEM IS WORKING TO FACTORY SPECS UNTIL IT HAPPENED TO THEIR VEHICLE. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MINE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THE CAR BECAUSE, I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT WHAT KIND OF BREAKING SYSTEM I HAVE WHEN TRYING TO ENGAGE MY BREAKS. I DO NOT WANT TO CAUSE HARM TO ANYONE OR HAVE ANY ACCIDENT CAUSED BY THIS RESULT IN DEATH. I DO NOT WANT HARM TO ME OR MY LOVED ONES EITHER. NO ONE AT SATURN OR SATURN OF GREENFIELD SENSES THE URGENCY OF THIS SITUATION. IT ISN'T UNTIL I COMPLAINT THAT I AT LEAST GET SOME TYPE OF ACTION, ALTHOUGH IT RESULTS IN THE SYSTEM FAILING AGAIN. I HAVE MY CAR IN TO HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED EARLIER THIS SUMMER. THIS PAST WEEKEND, THE SYSTEM FAILED THREE TIMES IN TWO DAYS. NOT A GOOD RESULT. I NEED THIS DOCUMENTED SO THAT IN THE EVENT I AM INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, I WILL NOT BE ACCUSED OF NOT DISCLOSING THIS SITUATION. I CAN SAY THAT I DID AND NO ONE TOOK IT SERIOUSLY WHICH WILL PROBABLY RESULT IN A LONG MESSY LEGAL BATTLE. I HAVE DONE MY PART, BUT SATURN OF GREENFIELD AND GM (SATURN) HAS FAILED TO DO THEIRS.
NHTSA complaint #10240568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,500 milesFairfax, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
WE OWN A 2006 SATURN RELAY 3 THAT WE PURCHASED IN JUNE 2007. WE HAVE BECOME AWARE OF A DESIGN FLAW THAT EXISTS IN CHEVROLET UPLANDERS AND SATURN RELAYS THAT CAN LEAD TO DANGEROUS CONSEQUENCES. WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY OUR DEALERSHIP THAT GM IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO RECTIFY IT. BECAUSE OF THE SHAPE OF THE GAS TANK, IF THE CAR IS IDLING WHILE ON AN INCLINE, GAS DISSIPATES FROM THE ENGINE AND THE CAR MAY STALL. THIS CAN OCCUR DESPITE THERE BEING MORE THAN A QUARTER TANK OF GAS IN THE CAR. FURTHER, THE CAR CANNOT BE RESTARTED UNLESS SET ON A LEVEL SURFACE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO US ON TWO OCCASIONS. MY WORRY IS THAT IT COULD HAPPEN IN A DANGEROUS PLACE (I.E. IN A TRAFFIC JAM IN A TUNNEL SUCH AS THE LINCOLN TUNNEL) WHERE THE CAR CANNOT BE RESTARTED AND THERE IS NOT EASY ACCESS TO EVACUATE. GM IS KNOWINGLY SELLING THESE MODELS WITHOUT DISCLOSING THE DEFECT. FURTHER, THERE IS NO DISCLOSURE AFTER PURCHASE UNTIL AN EVENT OCCURS AND THEN THERE IS NO EFFORT TO REMEDY THE DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10203316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesNalabar, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
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 CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 7,000.
NHTSA complaint #10196756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, KY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 CHARACTERISTIC AND THAT IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THEY CAUTIONED ME TO NOT ALLOW THE GAS LEVEL TO DROP BELOW 1/2 TANK. THEY STATED THIS WAS LISTED AS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR IN THE OWNERS MANUAL AND THAT RELEASED THEM FROM RESPONSIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10169950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, KY
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
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 CHARACTERISTIC AND THAT IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THEY CAUTIONED ME TO NOT ALLOW THE GAS LEVEL TO DROP BELOW 1/2 TANK. THEY STATED THIS WAS LISTED AS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR IN THE OWNERS MANUAL AND THAT RELEASED THEM FROM RESPONSIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10169950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,600 milesJacksonville, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED IN THE CENTER LANE, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO GET INTO THE SAME LANE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FENDER CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FLIP COMPLETELY OVER AND LANDED RIGHT SIDE UP. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND ARM INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. ALL OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING THEIR SEATBELTS. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THERE WERE PICTURES AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #10166114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
