2005 Saturn Relay recalls and problems

The 2005 Saturn Relay has 2 safety recalls and 91 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Saturn dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
91
Crashes / fires
2 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Saturn Relay vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Saturn Relay recalls

Recall 05V-287: Parking Brake

Reported Jun 20, 2005 · 14,600 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 05V-061: Seats

Reported Feb 18, 2005 · 18,850 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic27
Electrical System25
Structure11
Latches/Locks/Linkages9
Service Brakes9
Exterior Lighting7
Traction Control System5
Service Brakes, Electric5
Fuel System, Gasoline4
Power Train4
Suspension4
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)4

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 6
  • Structure › Body › Door — 6
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 5
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 4
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Wheel Speed Sensor/Tone Ring — 2
  • Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 42,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Saturn Relay complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 180,000 miles · reported Jul 17, 2018
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.
Service Brakes · at 137,500 miles · reported Nov 27, 2017
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.
Steering · at 90,000 miles · reported Jul 15, 2016
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…
Electrical System · at 110,000 miles · reported Aug 22, 2015
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…
Electrical System · at 100,000 miles · reported Aug 22, 2015
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.

Other Saturn Relay years

Compare all Saturn Relay years · All Saturn models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Saturn Relay have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Saturn Relay: 05V-287 (parking brake), 05V-061 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Saturn Relay?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (27 reports), followed by electrical system (25). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 42,000 miles.

Are Saturn recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Saturn dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.