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.
The worst 2005 Saturn Relay problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes41
- Electrical24
- Body10
- Driver assistance9
- Locks9
- Lights7
- Fuel system6
- Suspension4
- Transmission4
- Engine3
- Steering3
- Tires3
- Visibility2
- Acceleration1
- Seats1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Saturn Relay
Recalls 2
Parking brake
- What is 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.
- 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.
Recall number 05V287000 · Recall details
Seats: mid/rear assembly
- What is 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 the federal safety agency'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.
Recall number 05V061000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 2005 Saturn Relay
Defect investigations
Power sliding door
Odi evaluated general motors' (gm) data, conducted consumer interviews, inspected and tested my 2005-2007 gm minivans with regard to the alleged defect of a power sliding door (psd) opening while the vehicle is out of park.odi identified a high warranty claim rate.however, these claims are related to various problems associated with doors not properly opening or closing and not specifically to doors opening while driving.the condition of the psd reversing direction during the closing sequence is consistent with an obstruction of the door, or with improper alignment of the door, and this is addressed in gm technical service bulletin # 07-08-64-007 and bulletins # 07-08-64-007a through d.odi's evaluation of the psd system notes numerous safeguards to preclude both unintentional and intentional power opening of the psd while the vehicle is in motion.a safety-defect trend has not been identified at this time.accordingly, this investigation is closed.[see document file for additional information regarding this resume.]
EA07019
Power sliding door opening
Odi has received reports that the power sliding doors opened without command while the vehicle was in motion on model year 2005 and 2006 general motors minivans (chevrolet uplander/venture, pontiac montana sv6/montana, buick terraza, and saturn relay).some reports indicate that the door may not have been closed and latched before driving away causing the door to reverse (open) at low vehicle speeds.however, other reports indicate that the door was initially shut then opened after driving for several minutes and/or miles at vehicle speeds between 20 and 70 MPH.odi has upgraded this preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis (ea07-019) to further assess this issue.
PE07044
Electrical harness damage
The office of defects investigation opened this investigation on november 29, 2005, based on one consumer report to odi and a technical service bulletin issued by general motors.the bulletin, no. 1613174, issued on february 21, 2005, states in part, some customers may report a stall and/or no crank, no start condition after the wipers are used.analysis of the available data indicates that the problem experience occurs early in the life of the vehicle.approximately 80% of all failures occurred within the first 3,000 miles.additionally, 88% of the complaint vehicles were built in the first half of production.changes to the production process, the issuance of the service bulletin, and component modifications, appear to have resolved this issue. A safety related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
PE05063
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Saturn Relay 547
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI directs technician to training regarding sliding door operation.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of...
- This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire...
2005 Saturn Relay fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 16 | 23 | 18 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 15 | 21 | 17 |
What 2005 Saturn Relay owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Compare the 2005 Saturn Relay
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Questions about the 2005 Saturn Relay
Is the 2005 Saturn Relay reliable?
Owners have filed 91 complaints about the 2005 Saturn Relay, 4.8 times a typical Relay model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2005 Saturn Relay year score?
The 2005 Saturn Relay scores 19 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Saturn Relay: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Saturn Relay?
Brakes, with 41 complaints, typically around 42,000 miles. Next is electrical (24).
How many recalls does the 2005 Saturn Relay have?
2 recalls, covering parking brake and seats.
Was there a recall on the 2005 Saturn Relay brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 05V287000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Saturn Relay get?
Official estimates for the 2005 Saturn Relay range from 17 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 16 city and 23 highway.
VIN decoder
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