Model year
2005 Saturn Relay
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 91 complaints for the 2005 Saturn Relay (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (20), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (14), SERVICE BRAKES (9). NHTSA lists 3 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 17–18 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,700–$3,950, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
Recalls
05V287000 · Jun 20, 2005
PARKING BRAKE
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…
05V061000 · Feb 18, 2005
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
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…
Complaints
91 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 2, fire flag on 1, injury field 1, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE05063 | ELECTRICAL HARNESS DAMAGE · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | Nov 29, 2005 | Mar 6, 2006 |
| PE07044 | POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH; STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR; STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS | Aug 16, 2007 | Dec 11, 2007 |
| EA07019 | POWER SLIDING DOOR · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH; STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR; STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS | Dec 11, 2007 | Feb 23, 2009 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relay FWD · 3.5L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 16 | 23 | 18 | — | — | $3,700 |
| Relay AWD · 3.5L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 15 | 21 | 17 | — | — | $3,950 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2005 Saturn Relay at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.