Relay (1st)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Saturn Relay Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LX9
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
LB7
6.6L 8-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LZ9
3.9L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
L61
2.2L 4-cyl / 170 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Saturn Relay regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (4)
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.
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.
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.
CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
Alternatives in Van
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2005-2007 Saturn Relay problems?
The 2005-2007 Saturn Relay has accumulated 120 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Electrical System, Body/Trim. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Saturn Relay engine is most reliable?
The 2005-2007 Saturn Relay was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.2L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2005-2007 Saturn Relay a good used car?
The 2005-2007 Saturn Relay can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 120 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2007 Saturn Relay have?
The 2005-2007 Saturn Relay has 120 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2005-2007 Saturn Relay?
There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2005-2007 Saturn Relay vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Saturn Relay?
Before buying a used Saturn Relay, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Electrical System, Body/Trim, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Relay have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2005-2007 Saturn Relay. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 120 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-20.