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SteeringPart report

2005 Saturn Relay Steering Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
3%of 91 total for the year
Median mileage
101,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Saturn Relay, 3% of the 91 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

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

“Saturn 2005 Relay makes a loud groaning noise when turning left or right. The noise can get loud enough to vibrate the car and my infants car seat. It scares me to drive a vehicle that vibrates my baby's car seat. Saturn has tried to fix the problem 6 times. After each attempt they tell me it should be safe to drive. They have replaced the steering column, gear, wheel bearings, axle. Problem is still there they are now re-replacing the gear.”

NHTSA complaint #10182499, filed 2007-02

“The contact owns a 2005 Saturn Relay. While driving 30 MPH, the steering failed and an unknown warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle also veered to the left and right. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who stated that the steering wheel knuckle and ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10621293, filed 2014-08, 112,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10885096, filed 2016-07, 90,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200718%
2006211%
200533%

Other parts of the 2005 Saturn Relay

Brakes
41 complaints
Electrical system
24 complaints
Body and structure
10 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
9 complaints
Other or unknown
8 complaints
Exterior lighting
7 complaints
Fuel system
6 complaints
Electronic stability control
4 complaints
Suspension
4 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
4 complaints
Tires
3 complaints
Engine 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