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Electrical systemPart report

2005 Saturn Relay Electrical system Problems

Complaints
24about this part
Share
26%of 91 total for the year
Median mileage
86,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Saturn Relay, 26% of the 91 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10711799, filed 2015-04, 102,515 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10758510, filed 2015-08, 100,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10758509, filed 2015-08, 110,000 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10148283, filed 2006-01, 1,000 miles

“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? …”

NHTSA complaint #10140423, filed 2005-10, 2,500 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2007325%
2006211%
20052426%

Other parts of the 2005 Saturn Relay

Brakes
41 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
9 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2005 Saturn Relay

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology