2005 Saturn Relay problems
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Common 2005 Saturn Relay problems
The Saturn Relay, a minivan produced by General Motors, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners of the 2005 model. One of the most frequently reported issues is the Check Engine Light due to the gas cap issue, with 19 people reporting this problem. This issue occurs when the gas cap is not tightened properly, causing the vehicle to register a leak in the evaporative emission control system. This can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency and an increase in emissions.
Another common problem with the Saturn Relay is the power sliding door malfunction, which is a widespread issue in the 2005-2007 models. The passenger side power sliding door has been reported to keep opening and closing on its own, with no manual operation available. This problem has been reported to occur even when the on/off switch is disabled. The dealership and other car experts have been unable to find a solution to this issue, leaving owners to remove fuses in the instrument panel fuse box to stop the door from opening and closing.
The 2005 Saturn Relay has also been reported to have issues with the transmission, with some owners experiencing a faulty transmission. This can lead to difficulties in shifting gears and a decrease in overall vehicle performance. Additionally, the sliding door on the driver's side has been reported to be faulty, causing inconvenience and difficulty in entering and exiting the vehicle.
Another issue reported by owners of the 2005 Saturn Relay is a mysterious shimmy on the right side of the vehicle. This can be caused by several factors, including misaligned wheels, worn-out suspension components, or unbalanced tires. It is essential to have this issue checked and fixed promptly to prevent further damage to the vehicle and to ensure safe driving.
In conclusion, the Saturn Relay, specifically the 2005 model, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues include the Check Engine Light due to the gas cap issue, power sliding door malfunction, faulty transmission, faulty sliding door on the driver's side, and a mysterious shimmy on the right side of the vehicle. It is crucial for owners of the Saturn Relay to be aware of these issues and to have them checked and fixed promptly to ensure safe and reliable driving.
Is the Saturn Relay a good van?
It was never a very good choice. As with the Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander, and Pontiac Montana SV6, the Relay was powered by a coarse 3.5-liter, 201-hp V6 engine. A 240-hp 3.9-liter V6 became optional in 2006. In our testing we found the ride stiff and noisy, handling reluctant, and fit and finish insubstantial.
What does a Saturn Relay look like?
The Saturn Relay is styled to look like an SUV, with a long, square nose, exposed C-pillars, and heavy-duty roof rails. It is a minivan, however, with the valuable virtues of sliding side doors and comfortable seating for seven.
Are Saturn engines reliable?
Some of the most common weaknesses in Saturn reliability are the internal components and comfort features. While Saturn engines, transmissions, suspension, and brakes have tended to hold up well over long use, the seals on their doors, seats and internal finish haven't always held up as well.
What is the most reliable relay?
Reed relays are considered to be the most reliable mechanical relay solution for low power switching. They have few moving parts and an inherently long mechanical life.
2005 Saturn Relay car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Saturn Relay problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2005 Saturn Relay vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2005 Saturn Relay
The NHTSA has received 91 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Saturn Relay. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2005 Saturn Relay vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-05
- VIN: 5G20V23L55D
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-01
- VIN: 5GZDV23L85D
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-02
- VIN: 5GZDV23L65D
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ *CN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-23
- VIN: 5GZDV03L95D
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VAN. THE MECHANIC WIGGLED THE WIRES AND THE VAN STARTED. A FEW WEEKS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD DOING ABOUT 50 AND THE VAN JUST LOST POWER. IT WAS AS IF IT RAN OUT OF GAS. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND HAD THE VAN TOWED AGAIN. AFTER THIS SEVERAL TIMES, WHILE DRIVING THE VAN WILL ACT AS IF IT RAN OUT OF GAS. I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY I HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT...YET. I HAVE TO GET OUT OF THE VAN, GO TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND WIGGLE THE WIRES LOCATED UNDER THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT OF THE VAN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-15
- VIN: 5GZDV03L95D
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-16
- VIN: 5D170268
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 THE FREEWAY WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-06
- VIN: 5GZDV23LX5D
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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 TWICE A YEAR SINCE HAVING THE VEHICLE. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-18
- VIN: 5GZDV23L05D
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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 DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED AND THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM WAS UPDATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-12
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 5GZDV23LX5D
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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, ONSTAR AND GARAGE OPENING, IS WHAT STARTED THE ELECTRICAL FIRE, WHICH BURNED A WHOLE IN MY ROOF, BURNED THE DRIVERS SIDE VISOR, WHICH IN TURN BURNED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT AND CAR SEAT BEHIND THE DRIVER'S DOOR. GM DETERMINED IT WAS NOT THERE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS 10 YEARS OLD AND NO OTHER CASES WERE ON FILE. A VERY VERY VERY SCARY SITUATION. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-22
- VIN: 5GZDV23L35D
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-03
- VIN: 5GZDV23L55D
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-15
- VIN: 5GZDV03L65D
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL KNUCKLE AND IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-29
- VIN: 5GZDV03L15D
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-24
- VIN: 5GZDV03L45D
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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 THIS VEHICLE BE PUT ON THE RECALL LIST FOR THE FUEL SENSOR PROBLEM THAT OTHER GM VEHICLES HAVE HAD. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-31
- VIN: 5GZDV03L45D
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 05/28/14*LJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-21
- VIN: 5GZDV03L95D
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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. SOMETIMES THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN OR CLOSE CORRECTLY, I CHECK TO MAKE SURE NOTHING IS IN THE WAY BUT STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-02
- VIN: 5GZDV23L25D
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONNECTOR HARNESS TO THE FUEL PUMP WAS REWIRED AND REPLACED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE SECOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,652.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-15
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL HUB NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE BRAKE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-09
- VIN: 5GZDV23L65D
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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 FOUR YEARS AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-03
- VIN: 5GZDV03L35D
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHEN I DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. I COULD NOT MOVE OVER TO THE BERM DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC SO I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT AT AN UPCOMING EXIT RAMP. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES NOTHING HAPPENED THE FIRST FEW TIMES. THEN THE BRAKES WORKED SO I WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN EVENTUALLY. THE BRAKES WERE PULSATING WHEN I WOULD DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND INTERMITTENTLY, NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN. *TR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-12
- VIN: 5GZDV03L75D
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL READ A LITTLE LESS THAN 1/4 OF A TANK. DRIVING 40 MPH DOWN THE STREET, ENGINE STOPPED. WOULD NOT START. TOWED HOME. PUT GAS IN IT AND IT STARTED. HAPPENED AGAIN ON DEC 20. DRIVING 70MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. FUEL GAUGE AT 1/4 TANK. ENGINE STOPPED. PUT 2 GALLONS OF GAS IN AND IT STARTED. FUEL SENSOR WAS REPLACED IN SPRING OF 2010 BY AN AUTHORIZED GM DEALER[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-12-08
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABS WARNING LIGHT APPEARS INTERMITTENTLY EVEN AFTER BRAKES WERE REPLACED. SEEMS TO BE ELECTRICAL ISSUE AS OPENING THE DOOR DOESN'T ALWAYS TURN ON LIGHT OR TURN OFF RADIO. DRAINED BATTERY. NOW I HAVE TO PULL FUSE. STEERING WHEEL RADIO CONTROLS HAVE NEVER WORKED PROPERLY OFTEN PERFORMING OPPOSITE FUNCTIONS. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-22
- VIN: 5GZDV23L45D
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. ABS SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN WHILE LIGHT IS ON. EBCM WAS REPLACED BY GM DEALER, BUT PROBLEM PERSISTS. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-12-19
- VIN: 5GZDV23L85D
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: 12/19/2011 WIFE WAS DRIVING CAR ON 4 LANE HIGHWAY WHEN BRAKES ENGAGED FOR NO REASON. FOOT WAS NOT EVEN ON THE PEDAL. VAN LURCHED, TIRES SQUEALED, DRASTICALLY REDUCED SPEED DOWN TO 20 MPH, AND CAR PULLED TO THE RIGHT. SHE PULLED OFF ONTO SHOULDER OF ROAD. T/C LIGHT CAME ON. VAN DROVE NORMALLY AFTER THAT UNTIL 1/5/12 WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME IT HAPPENED AT A LOWER SPEED, WHILE SLOWING TO TURN LEFT THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. MADE CAR SKID AND SHE ALMOST MISSED THE TURN. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON 1/6/11 WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT. SAME SYMPTOMS, THIS TIME CAR PULLED TO LEFT. I INSPECTED VEHICLE TO FIND THAT RIGHT REAR BRAKE CALIPER WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THOUGHT THAT WOULD SOLVE PROBLEM, HOWEVER, IT WAS AN UNRELATED ISSUE. HAPPENED 5 TIMES ON 1/10/11, ONCE AGAIN ON 1/11/11 AT 60 MPH, AND ON 1/12/11 AT A LOWER SPEED. DIAGNOSIS BY A GM CERTIFIED MECHANIC DETERMINED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE EBCM. CURRENTLY THE FUSE HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE ABS AND ABS PUMP TO PREVENT THIS VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. SWITCH IN CAR TO DEACTIVATE TRACTION CONTROL WAS NOT STOPPING IT FROM MALFUNCTIONING. MY WIFE AND KIDS USE THIS CAR, AND I WAS VERY WORRIED ABOUT THEIR SAFETY, AND I HAD TO CONSULT 3-4 DIFFERENT MECHANICS TO BRAINSTORM AND FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-22
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR LIGHTS CAME ON , IT FELT LIKE THE CAR WASN'T SLOWING DOWN MUCH, AT 35 MPH. IT WAS SCARY. I KNOW OF OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS. I WAS TOLD IS THE EBCM MODULE. *TT
2005 Saturn Relay recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2005 Saturn Relay.
- Manufacturer: DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC.
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 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.
- Consequence: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2005 Saturn Relay car reviews
Positive 2005 Saturn Relay car reviews
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The Relay caught our attention because it doesn't look like a typical minivan. We were in need of a vehicle that could accommodate our children's active lifestyle and replace our '02 Ford Taurus. Saturn's low key sales approach and excellent service reputation made the decision even easier. So far, the family loves it, and we haven't had any mechanical problems. Although I find the seats a bit small for my 6ft 220lbs frame, the engine is very responsive. Overall, it was a good purchase.
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After spending 3 months analyzing different minivans, we found that comfort in the front and back were the most important factors. The Saturn Relay and the Honda Odyssey were the two most comfortable options. Although the Quest was uncomfortable, it offered the best deal. We ultimately decided on the Saturn Relay, which we love for its leather-like interior and stylish exterior that resembles an SUV. The captains chairs and spacious interior make it perfect for our needs. We paid $27,500 for a fully loaded Relay 3, which handles great. The kids are entertained with the DVD player, and I appreciate the rear ultrasonic sensors that have improved my parallel parking skills. OnStar is also a pretty cool feature.
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We had a Ford Windstar (now the Freestar) and had nothing but problems. Then we got into the Relay. It has a smoother drive, quieter ride, more room, and of course all of its fancy standard options. We are excited for many long road trips with our Relay. It's a great deal for the price.
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We were shopping for a car and considering Toyota and Honda as our options. However, after visiting Saturn of Danbury in CT, we were blown away by the amazing staff and the impressive features and safety of the Relay minivan. The way we were treated made the decision a no-brainer. I am now a believer in American cars again. Go Saturn!
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My Saturn Relay is a great van, but I have been experiencing some issues with it. Despite taking it to the dealership and having the fuel pump replaced, the van still cuts off if I don't push the gas pedal when starting it. However, I am confident that this issue will not leave me stranded as it always cranks, even if it takes a few tries to start. I am determined to find a solution to this problem and ensure that my van runs smoothly.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2005 Saturn Relay problems:
2005 Saturn Relay Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues
Problem with your 2005 Saturn Relay? Our list of 11 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2005 Saturn Relay.
Q&A: 2005 Saturn Relay Problems - Rough Idle & Starting Issues
Mar 16, 2010 ... This is caused by the throttle plate not seating properly. The First thing i would do is clean out the throttle body with some throttle plate ...
2005 Saturn Relay Reliability - Consumer Reports
No Detailed Data Available. Consumer Reports obtains its reliability data from a questionnaire that is sent to subscribers. In the questionnaire, we ask ...
Common 2005 Saturn Vue Problems: Engine Troubles | JustAnswer
May 28, 2012 ... Hello JACUSTOMER, this vehicle has two common issues that causes this. It is either a bad ignition switch or a bad body control module. The ...
SOLVED: power sliding door malfunction - 2005-2007 Saturn Relay ...
Feb 25, 2012 ... Skip, just did a quick look around and it seems that this is a common problem. First check on the fuses in the instrument panel fuse box.
Other years of Saturn Relay
Are you having problems with your 2005 Saturn Relay?
Forrest Olson 2024-10-23
I had a Vue before I got the Relay and loved it, but unfortunately, the Relay has been a different story. It has required 7 visits to the dealer in less than 4 years, all for the same issues. I have been to 2 different dealers with the same results, so it's not just a problem with one particular dealer. I would advise against purchasing this car to save yourself from potential headaches.
Modesto Kuhn 2024-07-06
I purchased my Saturn Relay in May of 2005 and have experienced several issues with it. The roof rack leaked, door trim fell off, a seat belt buckle is missing, the inside trim has started to fall off, and the fuse panel will not stay closed. These issues are unacceptable for a vehicle that was purchased brand new. It is clear that the Saturn Relay has significant quality control issues that need to be addressed.
Lazaro Wunsch 2024-06-04
We are disappointed to report that the vehicle has not met our expectations. Despite initial optimism, it has proven to be a lemon with numerous issues including bad brakes, doors, tires, trim, and ABS brakes. Unfortunately, the dealer's service has also been subpar and now that the vehicle is out of warranty, we are left with the burden of these problems.
Lonnie Von 2024-04-23
I have experienced numerous issues with my Saturn Relay, including multiple replacements of drive belts, tensioners, rotors, and the power steering unit, as well as the need for a new heater system, OnStar unit, side panels, and wood trim. Despite visiting the shop 18 times in just 2.5 years, I have not received satisfactory assistance from Saturn. While they offered free oil changes, this does not make up for the lack of care for their customers. As a result, I have lost faith in Saturn and may reconsider purchasing from GM in the future.
Carlos Weissnat 2024-03-27
I purchased my 2005 Relay II brand new in November 2004 and have taken it on many trips up and down the East Coast. On the first long distance trip from DE to CT and back, I was impressed to find that I only used 3/4 of a tank of gas. However, over the years and miles, I have noticed a few issues. The power sliding door would automatically open when I tried to close it, and there was a suspension problem with the left bushing, which was fortunately covered under warranty. Lastly, there was an unresolved issue with the dashboard dimming, which was initially thought to be a problem with the alternator. Although the alternator was replaced under warranty, the problem got progressively worse again.