Page 2 of 2 · complaints 51–91 of 91

2005 Saturn Relay complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2005 record →

Structure
Filed Dec 26, 200854,000 milesTN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DOOR ALARM SOUNDS AND INDICATES THAT BOTH REAR PASSENGER DOORS ARE OPEN. THE CONTACT MUST PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND CLOSE THE DOORS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ANY RECALLS; THEREFORE, SHE WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE CONTACT WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,442. UPDATED 02/02/09.*LJ UPDATED 02/03/09. *JB

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Dec 10, 200811,584 milesWI

WE PURCHASE THE VAN MARCH 2006 AS THE FIRST OWNERS. THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM STARTED IN JUNE OF 2007 WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR WOULD OPEN BACK UP WHEN CLOSING. WE TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE DOOR JAM SWITCH. THE MILEAGE AT THE TIME WAS 11,584. FROM THAT TIME TO NOW DEC 2008, WITH 31,000 MILES, THE PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED AND ADDING IN THE DRIVER SIDE POWER SLIDING DOOR. THE PROBLEMS RANGED FROM DOORS CLOSING AND GETTING AN ALARM INDICATING THAT THE DOOR(S) WERE OPEN TO HAVING TO PLACE THE DOORS IN MANUAL IN ORDER TO CLOSE THEM AND STILL GETTING THE ALARM AS IF THE DOORS WERE OPEN. AFTER 15 VISITS TO THE DEALER AND ALL INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PARTS REPLACED, THE PROBLEMS STILL COME BACK. THERE WERE TWO INSTANCES THAT WE FOUND, AFTER THE DOORS WERE REPAIRED, THEY WOULD NOT LOCK. THIS WAS FOUND BY ONE OF OUR CHILDREN OPENING THE DOOR BEFORE IT WAS UNLOCKED AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM SOUNDED. AFTER THE SECOND TIME, THE DEALER INFORMED US THAT IT WOULD NOT LOCK BECAUSE OF THE DOOR COMING OUT OF ALIGNMENT NOT ALLOWING IT TO ENGAGE. THIS MAKES ME WONDER IF THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AND WE WERE NOT AWARE. ALSO THE FACT THAT IF IT DOES NOT LOCK, THEN IT COULD OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMEROUS TIMES WITH OUR CONCERNS TO NO RESOLVE OF THE PROBLEMS. ALL THEY COULD DO IS OFFER MINIMAL COVERAGE THAT DOES NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEMS WITH THE DOORS AND I HAVE NO PEACE OF MIND WHILE TRAVELING IN THE VAN WIT

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 11, 200842,000 milesME

ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2008 I WAS BACKING UP IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGED BRIEFLY, STOPPED AND THE SERVICE LIGHT FOR BOTH THE TC AND THE ABS REMAINED ON. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET RID OF THE SERVICE LIGHTS. ON MONDAY I BROUGHT THE VAN INTO THE LOCAL GARAGE. IN JUNE 2008, I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM BUT THE SERVICE LIGHTS TURNED OFF. THE SAME GARAGE PUT IN NEW BALL BEARINGS INCLUDING THE ONE THAT HAS THE SENSOR IN IT FOR THE TC AND ABS. I HAVE READ THE EBCM MODULE OR THE SENSOR ON THE BALL BEARING COULD BE THE PROBLEM. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Oct 6, 200863,000 milesIN

POWER DOOR ON 2005 SATURN RELAY IS NOT SHUTTING COMPLETELY AND IT HAS ALSO STARTED TO OPEN WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS NOT OPENED COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING, BUT IT SEPARATES ENOUGH THAT THE LOCKING SYSTEM ON THE CAR STARTS TO LOCK AND UNLOCK ALL THE DOORS REPEATEDLY. THE INTERIOR MANUAL HANDLE TO CONTROL THE DOOR NO LONGER WORKS, BUT IT DOES WORK BY USING THE INTERIOR BUTTON. THE EXTERIOR HANDLE DOES NOT WORK 100% OF THE TIME AND SOMETIMES THE DOOR DOES NOT FULLY OPEN AND HAS TO BE MANUALLY PUSHED OPEN THE REST OF THE WAY, OR SHUT AND THEN REOPENED SO THAT THE MOTOR WILL REENGAGE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Wheel Speed Sensor/Tone Ring
Filed Oct 2, 200841,256 milesIA

2005 SATURN RELAY. WHEEL SPEED SENSOR JUMPER WIRING REQUIRED REPLACEMENT (INDICATED BY WARNING LIGHT). ISSUE IS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WILL NOT FUNCTION BASED ON MALFUNCTIONING SENSOR. GM WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE, AND HAD A PROCEDURE IN PLACE FOR DEALER TO IMPLEMENT. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE, AS THE REMEDY REQUIRES A DIFFERENT WIRING PROCESS THAN ORIGINALLY ENGINEERED. DRIVERS ARE AT RISK WITHOUT ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. *TR UPDATED 12/10/08

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Aug 7, 200823,000 milesNV

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE ELECTRIC DOOR DOES NOT LATCH PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, THE DOOR OPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY RE-ADJUSTED THE DOOR STRIKER. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. SECONDLY, HE NOTICED EXCESSIVE VIBRATION WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY MACHINED HIS BRAKING SYSTEM. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY REFERRED HIM BACK TO THE DEALER. AS OF AUGUST 7, 2008, THE DEALER HAS NOT SUCCESSFULLY REMEDIED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,900.

Tires
Filed Mar 11, 2008IL

I HAVE A REPORT FROM NHTSA ID 05V552000 ABOUT WRONG TIRE PRESSURE ON DOOR TAG (35 LBS) AND TIRE PRESSURE SHOULD BE 44 LBS. I HAVE A 2005 SATURN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE FOR TWO YEARS BEFORE IT WAS POINTED OUT BY A FRIEND. I HAVE TALKED TO A SATURN DEALER AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT . ALL I WANT IS THE RIGHT STICKER FOR THE DOOR. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 31, 200817,700 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. WHILE DRIVING 5-20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE PEDAL SHUTTERED. AS A RESULT, THERE WAS A LOSS OF STEERING. THE DEALER STATED THAT DEBRIS IN THE PLUGS CAUSED THE FAILURE. THEY CLEANED THE PLUGS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. AS OF JANUARY 30, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,700 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,880.

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Jan 7, 200832,000 milesAZ

RIGHT SIDE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR WILL NOT STAY SHUT. THE DOOR HAS NEVER OPENED DURING DRIVING, BUT WE HAD TO SHUT THE DOOR PROBABLY 6 TIMES BEFORE IT WOULD FINALLY STAY CLOSE. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 3 OR 4 TIMES. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 20, 2007MA

PURCHASED S 2005 SATURN RELAY IN APRIL 06. SINCE DAY ONE THINGS HAVE BEEN WRONG, BRAKE ROTORS WARPED, AXEL BROKEN, INTERIOR PARTS NEEDING REPLACEMENT AND NOW IT IS IN THE SHOP FOR WEEKS FOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I HAVE A FILE OPEN WITH SATURN AND THEY ARE NOT HELPFUL. I HAVE 6 KIDS 5 OF WHICH DRIVE IN THE CAR QUITE A BIT AND I FEEL THE CAR IS UNSAFE. THE DEALER ADMITTED TO NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO WITH THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT'S BEING DONE TO MY VEHICLE THEY SAID THEY WILL NOTIFY ME WHEN THEY MAKE PROGRESS. *TR

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Dec 12, 2007UT

FAILURE OF SLIDING SIDE DOOR TO LOCK FAILURE OF WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILURE OF REAR BRAKES. *TR

Tires › Valve
Filed Oct 19, 200731,087 milesPA

THE VALVE STEMS ON THE TIRES ARE BEING CUT BY THE WHEEL COVERS. THEY ARE FLEXIBLE AND AT SPEED RUB AGAINST THE WHEEL COVERS. 3 OF THE 4 VALVE STEMS ARE BEING CUT INTO. SHOWED THE DEALER AND HE DID NOTHING. CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER (SATURN) AND HAVE NOT HEARD BACK. IF NOR FIXED VALVE STEM COULD RUB THROUGH AND RESULT IN A FLAT TIRE AT SPEED RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 20, 200739,500 milesTN

THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ENGAGED WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEED ON STATE HIGHWAY 153 IN CHATTANOOGA, TN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER RIGHT OUT OF THE LANE. THE SYSTEM IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF AND A "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM/ABS SYSTEM/STABILITY SYSTEM" WARNING APPEARED IN THE DASH READOUT. AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, THE WARNING WENT AWAY. THEN A WEEK LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET AT LOW SPEED, AND AGAIN THE WARNING APPEARED, AND AGAIN, IT DISAPPEARED. I'VE CONTACTED SATURN WHO STATED THE FAULT WAS IN THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE (EBCM) AND IT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $1,000. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH OTHER RELAY OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME OCCURRENCE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY RELATED ISSUE THAT CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. GIVEN THAT THE FAULT IS SEEN IN OTHER CARS OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL, I FEEL A MANDATORY RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED TO FIX THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR KILLED IN A CRASH. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light
Filed Sep 7, 200740,000 milesVA

I HAVE A 2005 SATURN RELAY. THREE WEEKS AGO, THE "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM" WARNING MESSAGE AND LIGHT AND THE "SERVICE ABS SYSTEM" WARNING MESSAGE AND LIGHT STARTED COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY (BUT BOTH ALWAYS AT THE SAME TIME). IF I CUT OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED THE CAR, THE MESSAGES AND LIGHTS WOULD GO AWAY UNTIL I STARTED THE CAR THE NEXT DAY. IN A ONE-WEEK PERIOD, THESE WARNINGS AND LIGHTS CAME ON THREE TO FOUR TIMES. THE DEALERSHIP WARNED ME THAT WHEN THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON, MY CAR DID NOT HAVE ABS OR TRACTION CONTROL. SO I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND, BASED ON A COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC, PAID $460 TO REPLACE THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL HUB AND SENSOR. THREE DAYS LATER, THE WARNINGS AND LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN. THIS TIME, THEY STAYED ON EVEN AFTER TURNING OFF THE IGNITION, REMOVING THE KEY AND LETTING IT SIT FOR A MINUTE. THE LIGHTS HAVE COME ON EVERY TIME I HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE. I HAVE YET ANOTHER SERVICE APPT. ON SEPT. 11. EVEN THOUGH TRACTION CONTROL AND THE ABS SYSTEM DO NOT AFFECT BRAKING AND VEHICLE CONTROL DURING NORMAL DRIVING SITUATIONS, THEY ARE PART OF A SAFETY SYSTEM--A SYSTEM FOR WHICH I AM RECEIVING A DISCOUNT ON MY INSURANCE. I HAVE ALSO LOCATED AT LEAST TEN OTHER 2005 RELAY OWNERS THROUGH ONLINE DISCUSSION BOARDS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. MANY HAVE SAID THE PROBLEM IS A FAULTY EBCM MODULE. I WILL FIND OUT NEXT TUESDAY WHEN I TAKE MY CAR BACK INTO THE DEALER FOR THE THIRD TIME IF THIS IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD REPLACE. HOWEVER, I FEEL THE PROB

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Aug 13, 20073,854 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WHEN SHE PULLS THE HANDLE. THE LOCKING MECHANISM IS NOT RELEASING. SHE STATED THAT THE DOOR HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED TWO TIMES FOR MOTOR FAILURE. THE FAILURE BEGAN INTERMITTENTLY TWO WEEKS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, BUT IS NOW OCCURRING MORE FREQUENTLY. SHE HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS AND THEY FOUND NO FAILURE WITH THE DOOR. THE CONTACT MADE THREE RECORDINGS OF THE DOOR NOT OPENING. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,854.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Jul 22, 200723,400 milesOR

BRAKE ROTORS HAVE WARPED 2 TWICE IN THE LAST 2 YEARS. SATURN OF BEAVERTON HAS RESURFACED THE ROTORS THE FIRST TIME AND HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES (FALL 2006). THE 2ND TIME THEY ARE GOING TO RESURFACE AGAIN AS FAR AS PARTS I DO NOT KNOW AT THIS TIME. WAITING FOR SATURN TO SCHEDULE SERVICE. (JULY 2007)*JB

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Jul 18, 20072,142 milesFL

RIGHT DOOR POPPED OPEN WHEN IT WANTED TOO. AIR CONDITIONER (A/C )DID NOT PROPERLY COOL, SEVERE VIBRATION IN FRONT DRIVETRAIN. 09/01/05 CLEANED CONTACTS, 10/8/05 MOTOR AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY FOR DOOR, 02/27/06 DOOR CONTACTS AND CABLE, 04/19/06 RETURNED TO DEALER, 07/18/06 REPLACED CONTACTS, 0 AND ON 8/16/06 RETURNED TO DEALER. DOORS WERE INOPERATIVE. THIS WAS WHAT THEY GAVE US FOR COPIES OF OUR RECORDS THEY NOW HAVE OUR RECORDS FROZEN SO WE COULD NOT VIEW THE HISTORY, DOORS WERE INOPERATIV AT THIS TIME. *AK

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Jul 9, 20075,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 5-45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A BEEPING NOISE. THE NOISE INDICATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS OPEN, HOWEVER, THE DOOR WAS CLOSED. SHE HAD TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOOR FOR THE BEEPING NOISE TO STOP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY CLEANED THE DOOR PINS. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AND A HALF LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY CHANGED THE HARD SIDE TRIM. APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 12,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jul 2, 200720,318 milesWV

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SATURN RELAY. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE SWAY BAR HAD FAILED AND THE ROTORS WERE PUNCTURING THE TIRES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BAR AND ROTORS, HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 39,170 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,318.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Apr 13, 200710,217 milesNY

ROTORS ARE WARPING EVERY 10,000 MILES OR LESS, TRUCK VIBRATES WHEN BRAKING, ROTORS WERE REPAIRED OR REPLACED 4 TIMES .I AM WORRIED ABOUT AN UNDERLYING PROBLEM THAT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.*AK

Steering › Column
Filed Feb 13, 2007CA

SATURN 2005 RELAY MAKES A LOUD GROANING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. THE NOISE CAN GET LOUD ENOUGH TO VIBRATE THE CAR AND MY INFANTS CAR SEAT. IT SCARES ME TO DRIVE A VEHICLE THAT VIBRATES MY BABY'S CAR SEAT. SATURN HAS TRIED TO FIX THE PROBLEM 6 TIMES. AFTER EACH ATTEMPT THEY TELL ME IT SHOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN, GEAR, WHEEL BEARINGS, AXLE. PROBLEM IS STILL THERE THEY ARE NOW RE-REPLACING THE GEAR. *NM

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 8, 200631,239 milesTX

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FACING DOWN HILL MOVING OR PARKED, WITH 1/4 OF A TANK OF GAS OR LESS, THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR NEEDLE WOULD MOVE TOWARD EMPTY AND FUEL WOULD NOT FLOW TO THE ENGINE CAUSING A PROBLEM STARTING THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE MOVED DOWN HILL. THE SALES/SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY BOTH THE SERVICE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER, THAT THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE REQUIRED AT LEAST A HALF FULL TANK OF FUEL TO PREVENT ENGINE FAILURE. UPDATED 1/19/2007 - *NM

Electrical System
Filed Dec 6, 20061,000 milesCO

2005 SATURN RELAY HAS NUMEROUS DESIGN FLAWS, AND SATURN IS UNABLE TO FIX. ONSTAR DISABLES SPEEDOMETER WHEN USED, RADIO MUTES AND CAR MUST BE TURNED OFF AND BACK ON TO RESET, ABS SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS REPEATEDLY EVEN AFTER REPLACING EBCM, ABS PUMP, BCM, LIGHTS FLICKER BOTH INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR, ALTERNATOR FOUND TO HAVE ERRATIC OUTPUT, NEW ALTERNATOR DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM. BRAKE ROTORS WARPED WITHIN 25K MILES. SATURN WILL ONLY KEEPING TRYING TO REPAIR, BUT IS UNABLE TO SOLVE PROBLEMS. *NM

Electrical System
Filed Oct 26, 20063,000 milesTX

SATURN RELAY 2005: AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON, NO SOUND COMES FROM THE RADIO, OR CD. THE NO SOUND DISABLES THE ON-STAR FUNCTION AND REAR PARKING SENSOR. THUS I CAN NOT CALL ON STAR OR HEAR THE CHIMES FROM THE REAR PARKING SENSOR. THIS ISSUE IS NOT A REPEATABLE EVENT. I HAVE NOT FOUND A WAY TO DUPLICATE THE EVENT. I HAVE DETERMINED THAT IF I SHUT OFF THE CAR AND OPEN THE DOOR AND WAIT AT LEAST ONE MINUTE, THE SOUND WILL RESET AND WORK FINE. EVERY 3 MONTHS WHEN I TAKE THE CAR BACK FOR OIL CHANGE I IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM, BUT SINCE IT CAN NOT BE DUPLICATED THE DEALER WILL NOT INVESTIGATE OR ATTEMPT TO REPAIR. THE CONCERN IS THE NON-FUNCTIONING OF ON-STAR AND REAR PARKING SENSORS. THIS ARE SAFETY FEATURES THAT CAN NOT BE USED IF REQUIRED IN AN EMERGENCY AND THE SOUND IS NOT WORKING. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Sep 27, 20061,100 milesCA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, A NOISE WAS HEARD FROM ONE OF THE TIRES. THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE TIRE FAILURE WAS ON THE OUTER WALL. THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED SEVERAL DAYS AFTER WITH THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES. ALSO, THE BRAKES MADE A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, AND THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALERSHIP CORRECTED THE PROBLEM BUT THE BRAKE NOISE CONTINUED AND ON ONE OCCASION THE WHEELS LOCKED UP. RECENTLY, ONE OF THE REAR TIRES BLEW OUT, BUT THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT FIND ANY ABNORMALITY FOR THIS REPETITIVE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWELVE TIMES IN A ONE AND A HALF YEAR PERIOD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT WAS VERY CONCERNED BECAUSE ON TOP OF THE MECHANICAL DEFECTS, OTHER BODY DEFECTS LIKE DOORS OPENING BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING CONSTITUTED A SEVERE RISK TO SAFETY.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 30, 200620,800 milesNY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS BECAME DIM AND BRIGHTENED WHILE DRIVING. THE PROBLEM WORSENED WHILE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON. THE DEALERSHIP WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT THERE WERE NO REPAIRS PERFORMED.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Aug 9, 200615,000 milesID

BRAKES GET SO HOT WHEN TRAVELING DOWN A MOUNTAIN THAT IT CAUSES THE ROTORS TO WARP. THE VAN SHAKES AND SHIMMIES AND MAKES A LOUD SOUND AS IF YOU WERE TRAVELING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS ON THE ROAD. THE VAN EXHIBITED THESE FAILURES AROUND 15,000 MILES. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS DESPITE THE DEALER RESURFACING THE ROTORS. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN HILL THE BRAKES GET HOT AGAIN AND CAUSE THE ROTORS TO BE WARPED AGAIN. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Aug 3, 20067,266 milesMI

CAR PURCHASED 8/24/05 1/9/06 = ABS/TRACTION CONTROL SERVICE LIGHTS ILLUMINATING; PART REPAIRED 3/31/06 = HIGH SPEED BRAKING VIBRATION/PULSATION; PART REPAIRED 7/24/06 = HIGH SPEED BRAKING VIBRATION/PULSATION; PART REPAIRED 8/2/06 = HIGH SPEED BRAKING VIBRATION/PULSATION; PART REPLACED 8/2/06 = ABS/TRACTION CONTROL SERVICE LIGHTS ILLUMINATING; PART REPAIRED/REPLACED. *JB

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Jul 24, 200613,412 milesKY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH., THE RIGHT SLIDING DOOR OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. IN A TWO-WEEK PERIOD, THE SLIDING DOOR OPENED TWICE WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE DOOR WAS SERVICED AT THE DEALER, BUT STILL DOES NOT COMPLETELY LATCH. UPDATED 09/15/06. *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 7, 200612,746 milesIN

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ROLLED SLIGHTLY BACKWARD ON AN INCLINE WHILE MOVING FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. ONE DEALER DETERMINED THIS WAS NORMAL AND ANOTHER DETERMINED A RECENT DESIGN CHANGE WAS THE CAUSE. UPDATED 5/2/2006 - *NM

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 30, 20061,578 milesMA

SATURN RELAY STARTED LEAKING WATER A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE. TOOK IN FOR REPAIR SEVERAL TIMES, FILED FOR LEMON LAW, SATURN HAD THEIR FINAL ATTEMPT TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND FAILED. I WAS TOLD BY THE CORP OFFICE TO TAKE CAR BACK IN SO THEY COULD VERIFY THAT IT WAS STILL LEAKING, DID THAT AND THEY DID IN FACT VERIFY IN WRITING THAT IT WAS LEAKING, SATURN REFUSES TO ABIDE BY THE LAW AND GIVE ME A REFUND OR NEW VEHICLE, IN FACT THEY WOULDN'T GIVE ME ANY OPTION OTHER THAN TAKE IT TO BE FIXED. AGAIN??? GOT MYSELF AN ATTORNEY!!! *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 28, 2006TX

I PURCHASED A 2005 SATURN RELAY IN MAY 2005. THE CRUISE CONTROL IS LOCATED ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND NOT ON THE STEERING COLUMN. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN I WAS CONDUCTING A TURN MY BLOUSE OR SKIRT HAS GOT CAUGHT ON THE CRUISE CONTROL AND I COULD NOT COMPLETE THE TURN AND AT TIMES I WAS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. AN ARTICLE OF CLOTHING SNAGS ON THE CRUISE CONTROL STRETCHING THE CLOTHING AS FAR AS IT WILL GO AND THEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED DOWN. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND I HAVE NEARLY HAD A WRECK FROM IT SEVERAL TIMES. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed Feb 2, 2006SC

WITH A 1/4 OF A TANK OF GAS MY SATURN RELAY 2005 SHUT OFF ON A DECLINE CAUSING THE LOSS OF POWER BRAKES AND STEERING. THE MANUFACTURE SAID THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED! *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 30, 200615,000 milesPA

THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE ABS BRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROL NEEDED TO BE ACTIVATED. WHENEVER THEY ACTIVATED THEY FAILED. THEY WILL ACTIVATE FOR ABOUT 1 SECOND AND THEN SHUT DOWN WITH WARNING COMING ON THE DISPLAY AND SAYING TO SERVICE THE ABS BRAKES AND THE TRACTION CONTROL. ALSO, THE ICONS ON THE DASHBOARD COME ON, INDICATING THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL ARE SHUT DOWN. UNTIL RECENTLY THERE WASN'T A MAJOR PROBLEM , BUT ON 1/23/2006 WHEN BRAKES SHUT DOWN VAN ALMOST ENDED UP IN A RIVER WITH 2 YEAR OLD CHILD IN THE VAN WITH ME. ACCORDING TO MY REPAIR RECEIPT THE FOLLOWING WAS DONE. CUSTOMER STATES WHEN HITTING BUMP, TRACTION CONTROL SHUTS OFF AND ABS ACTIVATES, TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 0108450050 STATED CHECKED FEMALE TERMINALS AND NONE WERE LOOSE. PACKED CONNECTOR WITH GREASE AND DROVE VEHICLE 10 MILES. COULD NOT DUPLICATE. THEIR DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM ISN'T 100% ACCURATE. I FOUND ANOTHER DRIVER ONLINE WHO HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL VAN. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 27, 200612,000 milesIL

THERE IS A DEFINITE PROBLEM WITH EITHER THE ENGINE OR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THE 2005 SATURN RELAY. WE HAVE BEEN TO DEALERSHIPS AND COMPLAINED ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS, BUT THEY HAVE BRUSHED US OFF BY SAYING THAT IT COULD BE THE WEATHER, AND THEY DID NOT SEE ANY PROBLEM. THE CAR ACTUALLY GOES DOWN IN RPMS AND THE WHOLE DASHBOARD AND LIGHTS DIM WHEN IN IDLE. ALSO, THE IDLE IS VERY ROUGH. THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED AT SINCE AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON SOME WEB SITES THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THEY ARE ALSO BEEN GIVEN MANY DIFFERENT ANSWERS. P PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS SINCE WE HAVE A ONE YEAR OLD AND I DO NOT WANT ANYTHING TO HAPPEN TO HER WHILE WE ARE USING THIS MINIVAN. THANK YOU. *AK

Electrical System
Filed Jan 21, 20061,000 milesNY

LIGHTS ON DASH AND EXTERIOR DIM AND FADE ERRATICALLY. RADIO DECIDES TO MUTE ITSELF IF CAR IS UNLOCKED AND TAIL GATE IS OPENED FIRST. THEY DON'T KNOW THE MILEAGE FOR OIL CHANGES. HAS A HESITATION FROM ROLLING START THAT MAKES THE WHEELS BREAK FREE AS IF A TURBO. SATURN DEALER CAN NOT "SEE" ANY OF THIS EVEN WHEN SHOWN. ALSO THEY SAY I MUST CONTACT SATURN TO FIND OUT HOW TO FIX. SATURN IS NOT RETURNING MY CALLS. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Dec 30, 20052,427 milesCA

HEADLIGHTS FLICKER EVEN AFTER 5 REPAIR ATTEMPTS. HEATER INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE AFTER 5 REPAIR ATTEMPTS. POWER SLIDING DOORS DO NOT CLOSE PROPERLY AFTER 4 REPAIR ATTEMPTS. DIFFICULT STARTING AFTER 3 REPAIR ATTEMPTS. FUEL GAUGE ERRATIC BELOW QUARTER TANK. *JB

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 30, 20052,878 milesMD

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE WAS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTING. WHILE DRIVING, THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE DASHBOARD PANEL LIGHTS FLICKERED FROM BRIGHT TO DIM. ALSO, THE IDLE WAS VERY LOUD AND ROUGH. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO ACCURATELY DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, AND NO FURTHER REPAIRS WERE MADE. *AK UPDATED 12/27/2005. THE HORN SPRINGS WERE DEFORM WHICH RESULTED IN THE HORN BEING INOPERATIVE. THE SLIDING DOOR WOULD CHIME AS IF THE DOOR WAS NOT CLOSED. THE TECH ADJUSTED THE TOP MIDDLE AND BOTTOM LATCHES. THE BRAKES PULSATED WHEN BRAKING. THE TECHNICIAN HAD TO RESURFACE BOTH FRONT ROTORS. *NM

Electrical System
Filed Oct 21, 20052,500 milesWV

WE PURCHASED A SATURN RELAY FROM SATURN OF CHARLESTON HUNTINGTON ,SEPT 05 , WE WERE TOLD IT HAD A PREVIOUS OWNER BUT THEY HAD BROUGHT IT BACK BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T LIKE THE COLOR , AT SATURN YOU HAVE 30 DAYS OR 1500 MILES TO DO THIS . IT HAD 665 MILES ON IT . ALMOST LIKE BRAND NEW RIGHT? WELL THE FIRST WEEK I HAD IT HAD TO GO BACK IN TO HAVE A PART SERVICED IN THE DVD PLAYER .NOW I HAVE HAD IT 4 WEEKS AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT ELECTRONIC TROUBLE AND SATURN SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT AND I KNOW THERE IS , THE SPEEDOMETER GOES UP AND DOWN WHEN I AM DOING ABOUT 20 MPH , AND NOW THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE DASHBOARD ARE BLINKING FROM LIGHT TO BRIGHTER AS I DRIVE AT NIGHT TIME , THEY SAY THEY CAN ONLY FIX THIS PROBLEM IF THEY CAN DUPLICATE IT . B UT SINCE THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLOSES BEFORE DARK HOW CAN THEY DO THIS , THEY HAD IT ONE TIME FOR 3 DAYS AND SAID THEY COULDN'T FIX IT . WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO DO I HAVE 3 KIDS AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VAN FOR FEAR OF IT CATCHING FIRE, THANKS. *NM

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 27, 2005LA

PURCHASED 2005 SATURN RELAY TO GET BETTER GAS MILEAGE THAN PREVIOUSLY OWNED YUKON @ 11 MPG, AFTER IN DEPTH DISCUSSION WITH LAFAYETTE LA. SATURN DEALERSHIP SALESMAN ABOUT THE REASON FOR NEW CAR PURCHASE. ASKED IF THE STICKER INFO OF 18 MPG (WITH A STATED RANGE OF 15-21) CITY WAS RELIABLE. I WAS ADAMANTLY ASSURED THAT IT WAS. AFTER FIRST 22 GALLONS USED, YIELDED APP. 12.6 MPG- THIS VEHICLE HAD APP. 2600 MILES AT TIME OF PURCHASE. I ASKED FOR ANOTHER RELAY AFTER APP. 2 WKS AND FIRST TANK OF GAS, (20 GALLONS) YIELDED 11.9 MPG. SATURN TESTED THE VEHICLE BY DRIVING 20 MILES IN TRAFFIC AND FILLED TANK AGAIN X 2 AND GOT APP 16-17 MPG. I STATED THAT THIS TESTING DID NOT REPLICATE USING ALMOST AN ENTIRE TANK OF GAS. THEY RECORDED MY GAS MILEAGE AFTER THE NEXT FILL UP, I DROVE A FEW DAYS IN THE CITY GOING APP 163 MILES AND USED 13.798 GALLONS, YIELDING 11.8 MPG. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED I TAKE THE PROBLEM TO THE SATURN CORPORATION CUSTOMER SERVICE. SATURN CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSURED ME THAT THE DOCUMENTATION OF MY COMPLAINT WOULD BE PASSED ON THE APPROPRIATE PARTIES BUT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE FOR ME.

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Mar 29, 2005750 milesTN

HEADLIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS GO DIM/BRIGHT/DIM/BRIGHT ETC. AT NIGHT WHEN ACCELERATION WITH FOOT OR WITH USE OF CRUSE CONTROL. NOTIFIED SATURN AND ALSO DEALER. THEY BOTH SAID THIS IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE RELAY. DEALER ALSO SAID THEY HAD THE SAME PROIBLEM WITH THE L SERIES. SATURN NOR DEALER HAVE ATTEMPTED TO TALK DIRECTLY TO ME OR FIX IT DESPITE E-MAILS, LETTERS, PHONE CALLS. I WORRY THAT AN 18 WHEELER MIGHT THINK I AM FLASHING HIM THAT IT IS OK TO PULL OVER TO THE RIGHT. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND THE NEW 05 SATURN RELAY SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN RELEASED FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC IF THEY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM LAST YEAR WITH THE L SERIES. CHECK "MYCARSTATS.COM" FOR SAME COMPLAINTS ON THE L SERIES.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2005 Saturn Relay → · Every Relay year → · How the figures are calculated →