2007 Saturn Relay problems
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Common 2007 Saturn Relay problems
The 2007 Saturn Relay, a minivan produced by General Motors, is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is a malfunction in the power sliding door system
Another common problem with the 2007 Saturn Relay is related to the seats occupied by the rear passenger dummies, which can cause problems during crash tests. During the first test, the attachment points for the optional captain's chair with side airbags released, allowing the seat to become completely dislodged. This issue can lead to safety concerns in the event of a real-world crash.
The 2007 Saturn Relay's reliability has also been a concern for owners, with several potential trouble spots, including the engine, transmission, brakes, power equipment, and electrical system. While Consumer Reports does not provide specific details on the reliability of the 2007 Saturn Relay, their reliability charts give a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots.
In summary, the 2007 Saturn Relay has several common problems, including power sliding door malfunctions, issues with the seats occupied by the rear passenger dummies, and concerns about overall reliability. These issues can affect the safety, functionality, and cost of owning a 2007 Saturn Relay.
Is 2007 Saturn Relay a good car?
True, the 2007 Saturn Relay is a decent choice for family transportation, and if price is an issue (as it typically is in this class), one could probably get the minivan for at least a few thousand dollars less than the comparably equipped class leaders.
What is the problem with the Saturn Aura 2007?
Summary: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
What is the life expectancy of a 2007 Saturn Ion?
Saturn Ion drivers regularly report the car surpassing 200,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. With excellent care there's no reason an Ion can't shoot right past a quarter million miles, but you'll have to be on the lookout for excessive wear and tear from previous owners.
How many years do relays last?
Relays generally last around 200,000 cycles on average (roughly 18+ months depending on usage, firing temperature, and firing profile), but can fail long before or long after without any explanation.
2007 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:
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Fuel system problems
- Other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2007 Saturn Relay vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2007 Saturn Relay complaints
The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2007 Saturn Relay.
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-05
- VIN: 5GZDV03127D
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN RELAY. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECELERATE. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND THE SPEED DECREASED TO 40 MPH. THE CONTACT THEN SHIFTED INTO PARK AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-28
- VIN: 5GZDV23167D
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAME EQUIPPED WITH A REMOTE UNLOCK FOR THE REAR SLIDING DOORS. THE WIRELESS SYSTEM WOULD CLOSE AND OPEN INDEPENDENTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. MA 10/22/2015 *CN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-12-17
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: ON DECEMBER 17 2012 I WAS ON MY WAY BACK TO A CUB SCOUTS CHRISTMAS PARTY. I WAS GOING THROUGH A GREEN LIGHT MY 2007 7 SATURN RELAY STARTED LOOSING POWER.I CALLED MY DAD TO PULL ME IN TO HIS HOUSE. I STARTED TO ELIMINATING EVERY THING POSSIBLE TRYING. SO I DROPPED THE FUEL TANK AND PULLED THE FUEL PUMP OUT THE FUEL WAS EMPTY.WHEN THE FUEL GAUGE SAID IT STILL HAD 1/4 TANK OF GAS IN THE TANK. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-01
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN RELAY 2.2L. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS CORRODED WITH RUST. THE DEALER HAD THE UNIT REPLACED.THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-07
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO A NEWS STORY I SAW ON 2005-2007 GM FUEL GAUGE ISSUES. WE HAVE A GM 2007 SATURN RELAY EXPERIENCING THE SAME ERRATIC FLUCTUATIONS, AND WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE ADDED TO THE INVESTIGATION IF POSSIBLE. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-01
- VIN: 5GZDV03137D
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS GOES OUT EXCESSIVELY IN MY 2007 SATURN RELAY, AFFECTING THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME IT IS DRIVEN. THERE IS A SERVICE MESSAGE THAT APPEARS. THE ONLY CORRECTION SO FAR IS TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON. THIS ONLY WORKS FOR A FEW MINUTES UNTIL IT BEGINS AGAIN. *TR
STEERING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-01
- VIN: 5GZDV03197D
- Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: ON MAY 1, 2009 THE DRIVERS SIDE SLIDING DOOR FELL OFF MY 2007 SATURN RELAY. IT WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO OUR LOCAL SATURN DEALERSHIP AND TO THIS DAY HAS YET TO BE FIXED. WE WERE VERY FORTUNATE THAT NONE OF OUR 5 CHILDREN WERE HURT BUT THEY WERE TRAUMATIZED BY THIS INCIDENT AND ARE AFRAID TO RIDE BY ANY SLIDING VAN DOOR. NOT ONLY HAS THIS HAPPENED BUT BACK IN FEBRUARY WE HAD A INCIDENT WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE FOR NO REASON. I DO NOT FEEL THAT SATURN/GM IS TAKING THE APPROPRIATE STEPS TO INSURE THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE SAFE TO DRIVE OR SAFE FOR PASSENGERS. THE DEALERSHIP ACTUALLY TOLD MY HUSBAND TODAY THAT WE COULD NO LONGER HAVE RENTAL AND MUST DRIVE OUR VAN EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT FIXED. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY VIOLATION I HAVE A SET OF TWINS AND A SET OF TRIPLETS EVERY SEAT IN MY VAN IS OCCUPIED SO I CAN NOT JUST PUT SOMEONE IN A DIFFERENT SEAT TO AVOID A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR FALLING OFF. I REALIZE THAT GETTING PARTS IS SLOW BECAUSE OF THE CUT BACKS BUT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PUT MY FAMILIES LIFE IN DANGER BECAUSE A AUTO MAKER CAN NOT PRODUCE THE PARTS TO FIX THE VEHICLES THEY MAKE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST ISSUE WE HAVE HAD WITH THIS VAN, BACK IN JANUARY 2009 IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR A PROBLEM WITH HE STEERING COLUMN. APPARENTLY THE STEERING COLUMN HAD A BREAK IN IT AND WE ARE LUCKY THE STEERING DID NOT GO OUT ON THE VAN. THIS VAN IS BEGINNING TO LOOK MORE AND MORE LIKE A LEMON EVERY DAY. *TR
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-15
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: I OWN A 2007 SATURN RELAY. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEM WITH THE REAR SLIDING DOORS. I BOUGHT IN APRIL OF 2007. IT WAS USED. THE PASSENGER DOOR STARTED OPENING WHEN I WAS DRIVING. ONE NIGHT WHEN I STOPPED TO GET GAS A PASSENGER GOT OUT AND THE DOOR FELL OFF. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP. WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY THEY ALSO HAD TO PAINT PASSENGER SIDE. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE DRIVERS SIDE STARTED OPENING UP WHILE I WAS DRIVING. IT OPENED UP AND I HAD TO PULL OVER AND THE DOOR FELL OFF WHILE I WAS TRYING TO CLOSE IT ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AT NIGHT. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP. THEY REPAIRED EVEN THOUGH NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE OF MILEAGE. NOW MY PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IS OPENING AGAIN AND THE DEALERSHIP IS REPAIRING AGAIN AT NO CHARGE. THIS CAR SCARES ME. I HAVE 4-6 KIDS IN MY CAR AT ANY GIVEN TIME. IS IT GOING TO TAKE ONE OF THEM FALLING OUT WHEN THIS DOOR OPENS TO GET ANYONE TO SAY HEY WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING. I AM CONSULTING A LAWYER. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-02-01
- VIN: 5GZDV53197D
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN RELAY. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED INACCURATE READINGS. THE GAUGE SHOWED 1/4 TANK OF GAS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ACTUALLY EMPTY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS, BUT THE FAILURE ALWAYS RECURS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. UPDATED 11-25-08 *BF UPDATED 11/26/08. *JB
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-09-01
- VIN: 5GZDV23197D
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: I OWN A 2007 SATURN RELAY 3 MINIVAN. THE VAN HAS DUAL POWER ASSISTED REAR SLIDING CARGO DOORS. DURING MY FAMILY'S EVACUATION FOR HURRICANE GUSTAV THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER ASSISTED SLIDING CARGO DOOR DID NOT CLOSE PROPERLY (DID NOT LATCH). I ELECTRICALLY RE-CLOSED THE DOOR AND LOCKED THE VEHICLE. DURING THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1ST THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7TH THE SAME DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY, UNLATCHED WHEN THE FORWARD DRIVER OR PASSENGER DOOR WAS CLOSED AFTER ENTERING, AND UNLATCHED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE I-10 PASSING THROUGH THE MOBILE BAY TUNNEL. AFTER EXITING TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO "RE-CLOSE" THE SLIDING DOOR I STOPPED & TRIED TO PUSH ON THE REAR EDGE TO SHUT THE DOOR. INSTEAD OF CLOSING THE DOOR OPENED COMPLETELY BY ITSELF (POWER ASSISTED). THE SLIDING DOOR HAS NOT OPENED ENTIRELY WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION, BUT REGULARLY UNLATCHED. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF THE DOOR IS LOCKED OR CONSOLE SLIDING DOOR SWITCHES TURNED OFF. THE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR HAS UNLATCHED WITH THE CAR STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, DRIVING AND HITTING A BUMP, AND DRIVING AND TURNING A CORNER. THE PROBLEM ONLY EXIST ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR. THE DRIVER SIDE POWER ASSISTED SLIDING DOOR CONTINUES TO WORK CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SATURN OF NEW ORLEANS WESTBANK WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED FOR INVESTIGATION AND REPAIR ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 UNDER A WARRANTY CLAIM (I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY PLAN WITH THE VEHICLE). THE VEHICLE REMAINS THERE AFTER ONE DAY. I HAVE ALSO OPENED A COMPLAINT FILE WITH SATURN CORP, FILE NUMBER 71-663259600. SATURN HAS CALLED ME TO SAY THEY ARE WORKING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE REPRESENTATIVE'S NAME IS LINDSEY, PHONE 866-290-5700, EXT. 21622. TO MY AMAZEMENT THE SATURN DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD MY WIFE "IT'S ONLY AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM". OUR RATHER IMPOLITE REPLY WAS THAT ANSWER IS UNACCEPTABLE CONSIDERING OUR SON OWNS A 2006 RELAY 2 WITH EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM, AND THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REPAIR THIS LATENT DEFECT AFTER THREE TRIES. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-26
- VIN: 5GZDV03117D
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I WENT TO GET MY 2 YEAR OLD OUT OF THE VAN AND THE WHOLE DOOR FELL OFF JUST MISSING MY FEET. *TR UPDATED 09/09/08. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-20
- VIN: 5GZDX23L25D
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STARTER SOMETIMES ENGAGES, SOMETIMES DOESN'T ENGAGE, SOMETIMES STAYS ENGAGED. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP FEW TIMES AND WAS FINALLY TOLD THAT'S THE WAY IT IS. *TR
2007 Saturn Relay recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2007 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.
Negative 2007 Saturn Relay car reviews
Positive 2007 Saturn Relay car reviews
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I tested most minivans before purchasing the Relay. It has great braking and handling, and is comfortable for long trips. I bought it with heavy incentives from GM, and I like it more than the Honda and Hyundai. I paid 7k less than most of the competition and it is a better minivan. You really can't beat that!
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I bought my Relay in November 2004 and I absolutely love going for drives with my family in it. However, I do wish that GM would provide better support for the issues it has had. Additionally, the recall that made the second row seats difficult to flip forward has made it inconvenient to access the third row.
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If you're looking for an SUV with the spaciousness of a minivan, this is the perfect car for you! It has great gas mileage, plenty of room, and drives like a dream. Our family absolutely loves it!
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We chose a Saturn van based on the design and performance of the 3 Saturns we owned previously. We really like the interior design and economy (avg 26 hwy). However, we have experienced some issues with the vehicle. There is a howl that eminates from the windshield at highway speed that can't be resolved, moulding and interior trim have simply fallen off, the automatic door won't close for no apparent reason (not good in a Michigan winter), and there seem to be random rough idle issues. Although we have not experienced any breakdowns, the level of quality we had experienced previously and come to expect has not been met. As a result, we have decided not to buy GM again.
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So far, we are really enjoying our Relay! Although we did have to get the sliding door recalibrated and the pinstriping is peeling, these are minor issues that can be easily fixed. As far as mini vans go, it is easy to handle and fun to drive. Our son has plenty of room in the second row and loves the DVD player! We only hope that it gives us the same satisfaction that our first Saturn did, which is still going strong after over 120,000 miles.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2007 Saturn Relay problems:
2007 Saturn Relay Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
Problem with your 2007 Saturn Relay? Our list of 10 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2007 Saturn Relay.
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.
Q&A: 2007 Saturn Vue Hybrid - Common Problems & Solutions
Feb 19, 2015 ... It is very likely related to the starter/generator or the related wiring.On certain 2007 Saturn VUE Green Line vehicles, when high resistance in ...
Saturn VUE No Start — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Jul 28, 2007 ... They charged the battery & put a new OnStar antenia on the back to fix the issues. It's now November 2007. We are having the same issue again & ...
Common Speed Sensor Problems in 2007 Saturn Vue - Q&A
May 12, 2021 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
Other years of Saturn Relay
Are you having problems with your 2007 Saturn Relay?
Trevor Walker 2025-01-04
After reading all these great reviews, I'm wondering if we are talking about the same vehicle. Unfortunately, my experience has been less than ideal. The mpg has never been over 16.8, even with all freeway driving. In the summer, during the hottest days of August, the A/C refused to work twice. When using the A/C, mpg tops out at 15.1. Additionally, I've had some minor molding, door sticking, and cup holder derailing issues. I met another Saturn owner at the dealership with identical issues, and they suffered from oil leaks that were not satisfactorily handled. However, I do miss my '91 4-Runner!
Talon Purdy 2024-11-10
I had an excellent experience with my first Saturn. The vehicle handles exceptionally well and comes with convenient features such as cargo trays, sliding doors, and a DVD player. The mileage is impressive, with 16 city and 24 highway. I did not encounter any fit or finish problems, and the minor issues I experienced, such as flickering lights, were promptly resolved by the dealer. The only remaining issue is with the radio, which does not receive any AM stations, although all FM stations come in perfectly.
Bradford Heaney 2024-05-07
I have owned my Relay for two years now, and although it has required some maintenance, I am confident in its reliability. The steering pump has been replaced once, and two steering columns and a new set of tie rods have been installed to ensure its safety. While the gas mileage is not as high as I had hoped, I am still satisfied with its performance. Additionally, the DVD player has been a hit with my kids, and the minivan has a sleek and stylish appearance.
Ceasar Hermiston 2024-03-21
This vehicle has an electrical issue that causes the lights to flicker, even to the point where oncoming cars flash their lights. Despite attempts to fix the issue by replacing the alternator, the Saturn dealership determined that this is a known quirk of this model. Additionally, the automatic side doors malfunctioned and had to be disabled after repeated opening and closing with the alarm beeping continuously. However, it is important to note that these issues do not detract from the overall quality of the vehicle.
Buster Hammes 2024-03-08
I am confident that the rough ride issue with my Saturn can be resolved. Despite having replaced the tires and conducted an extensive investigation, the dealership has yet to identify the root cause of the problem. However, I am determined to find a solution and will continue to work with the dealership until the issue is resolved. While this issue has been frustrating, I remain committed to finding a resolution and will not let it deter me from purchasing a Saturn in the future.