2005 Saturn Relay: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2005 Saturn Relay: 2 recalls, 91 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats Vehicle recall #05V061000 · 2005 · 18,850 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Parking brake Vehicle recall #05V287000 · 2005 · 14,600 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Steering Equipment recall #09E005000 · 2009 · 979 vehicles
What's wrong: 697-902 and 697-903, sold under dorman's "oe solutionstm" 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.
Why it matters: A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
The fix: Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. The recall began on February 23, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (26): the most common themes are warning light on (8), noise or vibration (8).
- Electrical (24): the most common themes are door / lock issues (10), electrical failure (6), stalls / loses power (6).
- Body & structure (10): the most common themes are door / lock issues (9).
- Latches & locks (9): the most common themes are door / lock issues (9).
The 2005 Saturn Relay has 91 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 3 Relay model years for complaints (2.2× the average Relay year). Complaints peaked in 2006 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 42,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2006 (19 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 Saturn Relay.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2005 Saturn Relay have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2005 Saturn Relay, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2005 Saturn Relay problems?
Owners have filed 91 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (26), electrical (24), body & structure (10).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Saturn Relay get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2005 Saturn Relay repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.