2005 Saturn Relay Problems
The 2005 Saturn Relay has 91 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls, with brake system issues dominating owner reports. Based on 91 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Brake System the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2005 Saturn Relay has 91 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Brake System.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2005 Saturn Relay Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2005 Saturn Relay trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2005 Saturn Relay Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2005 Saturn Relay (Later Release)Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
SATURN RELAY 2005 has 91 NHTSA complaints, with brake system issues accounting for 40 reports. Electrical faults total 24 complaints. Three recalls exist. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Saturn
- Model
- Relay
- Model year
- 2005
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 91
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 23
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2005 Saturn Relay problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Hydraulic
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Hydraulic, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2005 Saturn Relay?
The 2005 Saturn Relay is a high-risk choice due to widespread brake complaints. Only consider if a thorough brake inspection is performed and all recalls are verified as completed.
Brake system failures can lead to dangerous driving conditions and costly repairs. Electrical faults and door lock issues also affect daily usability and safety.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to invest in pre-purchase inspections and potential repairs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable family minivan with minimal maintenance should avoid this model year.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2005 Saturn Relay
Inspection Focus
- Inspect brake system for leaks, wear, and proper function.
- Check all electrical components, including lights and door locks.
- Verify recall completion for all 3 recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and electrical repairs.
- Test all door locks and lights during test drive.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2005 Saturn Relay, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2005 Saturn Relay shows a high volume of brake-related complaints, totaling 40 reports. Electrical faults and structural problems are also notable. With only 2 crash-related complaints, the data suggests brake system reliability is a primary concern for buyers. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Only one model year (2005) is analyzed, so no comparison to other years is available.
Recall context: Three recalls indicate known safety defects that must be verified as repaired before purchase.
- Brake System accounts for 40 of 91 total complaints.
- Hydraulic issues within the brake system total 26 complaints.
- Electrical faults are reported in 24 complaints.
- Brake System (40 complaints)
- Hydraulic issues (26 complaints)
- Electrical faults (24 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2005 Saturn Relay complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Saturn Relay. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 40 | 2 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 26 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 24 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2005 Saturn Relay. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 LIST…
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.
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 ELECTR…
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…
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.
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 …
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 T…
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 DEPRES…
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,…
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. *TR
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 MILEAG…
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 T…
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 NEEDE…
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 …
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…
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. SOMETIME…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND ONCE RESTARTED, RESUMED NORMALLY FOR A HALF A MILE BEFORE THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE …
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.…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, A LOUD RATTLING NOISE EMITTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE DEALER. ALL FOUR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED…
WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY, SATURN RELAY 2005 SLOWED DOWN AND LOST POWER INTERMITTENTLY. DASH WARNING LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF (ABS/STABILITY/TRACTION) - WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE HAD NO POWER ON AND OFF. WHEN I APPLIED THE GAS, THE VEHICLE BOGGED DOWN AND CONTINUED TO SLOW. THE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2005 Saturn Relay.
Safety recalls
2005 Saturn Relay recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2005 Saturn Relay. Three recalls indicate known safety defects that must be verified as repaired before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
STEERING
PARKING BRAKE
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
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Questions
2005 Saturn Relay buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2005 Saturn Relay reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 91 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2005 Saturn Relay is a high-risk choice due to widespread brake complaints. Only consider if a thorough brake inspection is performed and all recalls are verified as completed. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Saturn Relay?▾
#1: Brake System (40 complaints). #2: Hydraulic (26 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (24 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2005 Saturn Relay?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2005 Saturn Relay?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2005 Saturn Relay, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 91 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2005 Saturn Relay have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2005 Saturn Relay. A major recall area is SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY. Three recalls indicate known safety defects that must be verified as repaired before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2005 Saturn Relay?▾
The 2005 Saturn Relay is a high-risk choice due to widespread brake complaints. Only consider if a thorough brake inspection is performed and all recalls are verified as completed. Brake system failures can lead to dangerous driving conditions and costly repairs. Electrical faults and door lock issues also affect daily usability and safety. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Saturn Relay reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2005 Saturn Relay based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.