2005 Saturn Relay Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2005 Saturn Relay has 91 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 100, the highest of the three model years with data, ranking it worst (1 of 3). Brakes account for 49% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 46,500 miles, plus two recalls covering brakes and seat latches.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 3 Relay years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 91
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Brakes
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 17.5
- 15.5 city / 22 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2005 Saturn Relay problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes45 (49%)
- Electrical System25 (27%)
- Structure & Body20 (22%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (9%)
- Fuel System6 (7%)
- Engine4 (4%)
- Other4 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (4%)
- Steering3 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes fail unexpectedly during low-speed maneuvers like reversing, sometimes leading to a crash.
- ABS and traction control warning lights activate then shut off, with the system disabling itself and prompting a service message.
- Headlights, dashboard lights, and interior lights flicker or dim during acceleration or cruise control use.
- An electrical fire originating from the overhead console with door and OnStar buttons occurred while the vehicle was parked and off.
- The engine idle surges roughly while dashboard lights dim simultaneously, described by owners as connected to an electrical fault.
- Fuel system problems include the engine shutting off while driving, causing loss of power brakes and steering.
2005 Saturn Relay recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 05V287000Jun 20, 2005Brakes14,600 vehicles
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.
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 buick at 1-866-608-8080, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or saturn at 1-800-972-8876.
- NHTSA 05V061000Feb 18, 2005Structure & Body18,850 vehicles
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.
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, 2005. Owners may contact saturn at 1-800-972-8876, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, and pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
2005 Saturn Relay fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15.5 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 17.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,700
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Relay years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Saturn Relay reliable?
- Among the three Relay model years with data, 2005 has the most complaints (91) and the highest complaint index (100), making it the least favorable year based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Saturn Relay?
- Brakes are the top problem area, making up 49% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 46,500 miles. Electrical system issues follow at 27% of complaints, with a median mileage of 83,000 miles.
- Does the 2005 Saturn Relay have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists two recalls: one for a brake caliper parking-lever issue and one for a second-row seat latch that could unlatch during a side-impact crash. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2005 Relay compare to the 2006 and 2007 model years?
- The 2005 model has a complaint index of 100 versus 50 for 2006 and 0 for 2007, and it has more recalls than either later year, ranking it worst of the three.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Saturn Relay?
- EPA rates it at 17.5 mpg combined (15.5 city / 22 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700.