NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Saturn Relay AWD; the most frequently affected component is steering. Owners filed 91 complaints, most often about service brakes.
Problem: Dorman is recalling 979 steering knuckles, dorman p/nos. 697-902 and 697-903, sold under dorman's "oe solutions<sup>tm</sup>" 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.
Risk: 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.
Parking brakeCampaign 05V287000 · 20 Jun 2005
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.
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.
Seats — Mid/rear assemblyCampaign 05V061000 · 18 Feb 2005
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.
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.
What owners complain about
Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Service brakes20 · 50%
Electrical system15 · 38%
Hydraulic7 · 18%
Structure4 · 10%
Electric4 · 10%
Traction control system4 · 10%
Exterior lighting3 · 8%
Electronic stability control (esc)3 · 8%
When complaints were filed
20092
20108
20116
20124
20133
20147
20157
20161
20171
20181
From owner complaints
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 saturn relay. While driving the rear sliding door opened without warning. He pulled over and it took 10 minutes to close the door. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the censors and motor were replaced. After the repair he experienced an identical failure. The vehicle was taken back…
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…
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
Electric sliding door will open by itself on my 2005 saturn relay. Have to disable door to be sure it does not open while driving, but will enable itself and start opening by itself again. As saturn is out of business, do not know where to turn. *tr
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.