RoadVitals

2007 Saturn Relay Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
12
Latest Nov 6, 2018
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2007 Saturn Relay, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Body & structure420.0%
  • Electrical315.0%
  • Fuel system315.0%
  • Interior & seats210.0%
  • Brakes210.0%
  • Driver assistance210.0%
  • Other / unspecified15.0%
  • Powertrain (other)15.0%
  • Steering15.0%
  • Suspension15.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ON MAY 1, 2009 THE DRIVERS SIDE SLIDING DOOR FELL OFF MY 2007 SATURN RELAY. IT WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO OUR LOCAL SATURN DEALERSHIP AND TO THIS DAY HAS YET TO BE FIXED. WE WERE VERY FORTUNATE THAT NONE OF OUR 5 CHILDREN WERE HURT BUT THEY WERE TRAUMATIZED BY THIS INCIDENT AND ARE AFRAID TO RIDE BY ANY SLIDING VAN DOOR. NOT ONLY HAS THIS HAPPENED BUT BACK IN FEBRUARY WE HAD A INCIDENT WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE FOR NO REASON. I DO NOT FEEL THAT SATURN/GM IS TAKING THE APPROPRIATE STEPS TO INSURE THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE SAFE TO DRIVE OR SAFE FOR PASSENGERS. THE DEALERSHIP ACTUALLY TOLD MY HUSBAND TODAY THAT WE COULD NO LONGER HAVE RENTAL AND MUST DRIVE OUR VAN EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT FIXED. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY VIOLATION I HAVE A SET OF TWINS AND A SET OF TRIPLETS EVERY SEAT IN MY VAN IS OCCUPIED SO I CAN NOT JUST PUT SOMEONE IN A DIFFERENT SEAT TO AVOID A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR FALLING OFF. I REALIZE THAT GETTING PARTS IS SLOW BECAUSE OF THE CUT BACKS BUT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PUT MY FAMILIES LIFE IN DANGER BECAUSE A AUTO MAKER CAN NOT PRODUCE THE PARTS TO FIX THE VEHICLES THEY MAKE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST ISSUE WE HAVE HAD WITH THIS VAN, BACK IN JANUARY 2009 IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR A PROBLEM WITH HE STEERING COLUMN. APPARENTLY THE STEERING COLUMN HAD A BREAK IN IT AND WE ARE LUCKY THE STEERING DID NOT GO OUT ON THE VAN. THIS VAN IS BEGINNING TO LOOK MORE AND MORE LIKE A LEMON EVERY DAY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10269400 · filed May 19, 2009

I OWN A 2007 SATURN RELAY. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEM WITH THE REAR SLIDING DOORS. I BOUGHT IN APRIL OF 2007. IT WAS USED. THE PASSENGER DOOR STARTED OPENING WHEN I WAS DRIVING. ONE NIGHT WHEN I STOPPED TO GET GAS A PASSENGER GOT OUT AND THE DOOR FELL OFF. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP. WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY THEY ALSO HAD TO PAINT PASSENGER SIDE. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE DRIVERS SIDE STARTED OPENING UP WHILE I WAS DRIVING. IT OPENED UP AND I HAD TO PULL OVER AND THE DOOR FELL OFF WHILE I WAS TRYING TO CLOSE IT ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AT NIGHT. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP. THEY REPAIRED EVEN THOUGH NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE OF MILEAGE. NOW MY PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IS OPENING AGAIN AND THE DEALERSHIP IS REPAIRING AGAIN AT NO CHARGE. THIS CAR SCARES ME. I HAVE 4-6 KIDS IN MY CAR AT ANY GIVEN TIME. IS IT GOING TO TAKE ONE OF THEM FALLING OUT WHEN THIS DOOR OPENS TO GET ANYONE TO SAY HEY WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING. I AM CONSULTING A LAWYER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10265686 · filed Apr 16, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN RELAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAME EQUIPPED WITH A REMOTE UNLOCK FOR THE REAR SLIDING DOORS. THE WIRELESS SYSTEM WOULD CLOSE AND OPEN INDEPENDENTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. MA 10/22/2015 *CN

NHTSA ID 10760358 · filed Aug 31, 2015

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN RELAY. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED INACCURATE READINGS. THE GAUGE SHOWED 1/4 TANK OF GAS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ACTUALLY EMPTY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS, BUT THE FAILURE ALWAYS RECURS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. UPDATED 11-25-08 *BF UPDATED 11/26/08. *JB

NHTSA ID 10247972 · filed Nov 7, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ON DECEMBER 17 2012 I WAS ON MY WAY BACK TO A CUB SCOUTS CHRISTMAS PARTY. I WAS GOING THROUGH A GREEN LIGHT MY 2007 7 SATURN RELAY STARTED LOOSING POWER.I CALLED MY DAD TO PULL ME IN TO HIS HOUSE. I STARTED TO ELIMINATING EVERY THING POSSIBLE TRYING. SO I DROPPED THE FUEL TANK AND PULLED THE FUEL PUMP OUT THE FUEL WAS EMPTY.WHEN THE FUEL GAUGE SAID IT STILL HAD 1/4 TANK OF GAS IN THE TANK. *TR

NHTSA ID 10490903 · filed Jan 3, 2013

THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO A NEWS STORY I SAW ON 2005-2007 GM FUEL GAUGE ISSUES. WE HAVE A GM 2007 SATURN RELAY EXPERIENCING THE SAME ERRATIC FLUCTUATIONS, AND WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE ADDED TO THE INVESTIGATION IF POSSIBLE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10405612 · filed Jun 8, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I OWN A 2007 SATURN RELAY. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEM WITH THE REAR SLIDING DOORS. I BOUGHT IN APRIL OF 2007. IT WAS USED. THE PASSENGER DOOR STARTED OPENING WHEN I WAS DRIVING. ONE NIGHT WHEN I STOPPED TO GET GAS A PASSENGER GOT OUT AND THE DOOR FELL OFF. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP. WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY THEY ALSO HAD TO PAINT PASSENGER SIDE. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE DRIVERS SIDE STARTED OPENING UP WHILE I WAS DRIVING. IT OPENED UP AND I HAD TO PULL OVER AND THE DOOR FELL OFF WHILE I WAS TRYING TO CLOSE IT ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AT NIGHT. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP. THEY REPAIRED EVEN THOUGH NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE OF MILEAGE. NOW MY PASSENGER SIDE DOOR IS OPENING AGAIN AND THE DEALERSHIP IS REPAIRING AGAIN AT NO CHARGE. THIS CAR SCARES ME. I HAVE 4-6 KIDS IN MY CAR AT ANY GIVEN TIME. IS IT GOING TO TAKE ONE OF THEM FALLING OUT WHEN THIS DOOR OPENS TO GET ANYONE TO SAY HEY WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING. I AM CONSULTING A LAWYER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10265686 · filed Apr 16, 2009

I OWN A 2007 SATURN RELAY 3 MINIVAN. THE VAN HAS DUAL POWER ASSISTED REAR SLIDING CARGO DOORS. DURING MY FAMILY'S EVACUATION FOR HURRICANE GUSTAV THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER ASSISTED SLIDING CARGO DOOR DID NOT CLOSE PROPERLY (DID NOT LATCH). I ELECTRICALLY RE-CLOSED THE DOOR AND LOCKED THE VEHICLE. DURING THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1ST THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7TH THE SAME DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY, UNLATCHED WHEN THE FORWARD DRIVER OR PASSENGER DOOR WAS CLOSED AFTER ENTERING, AND UNLATCHED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE I-10 PASSING THROUGH THE MOBILE BAY TUNNEL. AFTER EXITING TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO "RE-CLOSE" THE SLIDING DOOR I STOPPED & TRIED TO PUSH ON THE REAR EDGE TO SHUT THE DOOR. INSTEAD OF CLOSING THE DOOR OPENED COMPLETELY BY ITSELF (POWER ASSISTED). THE SLIDING DOOR HAS NOT OPENED ENTIRELY WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION, BUT REGULARLY UNLATCHED. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF THE DOOR IS LOCKED OR CONSOLE SLIDING DOOR SWITCHES TURNED OFF. THE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR HAS UNLATCHED WITH THE CAR STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, DRIVING AND HITTING A BUMP, AND DRIVING AND TURNING A CORNER. THE PROBLEM ONLY EXIST ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR. THE DRIVER SIDE POWER ASSISTED SLIDING DOOR CONTINUES TO WORK CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SATURN OF NEW ORLEANS WESTBANK WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED FOR INVESTIGATION AND REPAIR ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 UNDER A WARRANTY CLAIM (I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY PLAN WITH THE VEHICLE). THE VEHICLE REMAINS THERE AFTER ONE DAY. I HAVE ALSO OPENED A COMPLAINT FILE WITH SATURN CORP, FILE NUMBER 71-663259600. SATURN HAS CALLED ME TO SAY THEY ARE WORKING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE REPRESENTATIVE'S NAME IS LINDSEY, PHONE 866-290-5700, EXT. 21622. TO MY AMAZEMENT THE SATURN DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD MY WIFE "IT'S ONLY AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM". OUR RATHER IMPOLITE REPLY WAS THAT ANSWER IS UNACCEPTABLE CONSIDERING OUR SON OWNS A 2006 RELAY 2 WITH EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM, AND THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REPAIR THIS LATENT DEFECT AFTER THREE TRIES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10242745 · filed Sep 17, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN RELAY. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECELERATE. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND THE SPEED DECREASED TO 40 MPH. THE CONTACT THEN SHIFTED INTO PARK AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

NHTSA ID 11149773 · filed Nov 6, 2018

THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS GOES OUT EXCESSIVELY IN MY 2007 SATURN RELAY, AFFECTING THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME IT IS DRIVEN. THERE IS A SERVICE MESSAGE THAT APPEARS. THE ONLY CORRECTION SO FAR IS TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON. THIS ONLY WORKS FOR A FEW MINUTES UNTIL IT BEGINS AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10283736 · filed Sep 12, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN RELAY. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECELERATE. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND THE SPEED DECREASED TO 40 MPH. THE CONTACT THEN SHIFTED INTO PARK AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

NHTSA ID 11149773 · filed Nov 6, 2018

THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS GOES OUT EXCESSIVELY IN MY 2007 SATURN RELAY, AFFECTING THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME IT IS DRIVEN. THERE IS A SERVICE MESSAGE THAT APPEARS. THE ONLY CORRECTION SO FAR IS TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON. THIS ONLY WORKS FOR A FEW MINUTES UNTIL IT BEGINS AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10283736 · filed Sep 12, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS GOES OUT EXCESSIVELY IN MY 2007 SATURN RELAY, AFFECTING THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME IT IS DRIVEN. THERE IS A SERVICE MESSAGE THAT APPEARS. THE ONLY CORRECTION SO FAR IS TO SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON. THIS ONLY WORKS FOR A FEW MINUTES UNTIL IT BEGINS AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10283736 · filed Sep 12, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN RELAY. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT DECELERATE. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND THE SPEED DECREASED TO 40 MPH. THE CONTACT THEN SHIFTED INTO PARK AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

NHTSA ID 11149773 · filed Nov 6, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

ON MAY 1, 2009 THE DRIVERS SIDE SLIDING DOOR FELL OFF MY 2007 SATURN RELAY. IT WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO OUR LOCAL SATURN DEALERSHIP AND TO THIS DAY HAS YET TO BE FIXED. WE WERE VERY FORTUNATE THAT NONE OF OUR 5 CHILDREN WERE HURT BUT THEY WERE TRAUMATIZED BY THIS INCIDENT AND ARE AFRAID TO RIDE BY ANY SLIDING VAN DOOR. NOT ONLY HAS THIS HAPPENED BUT BACK IN FEBRUARY WE HAD A INCIDENT WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE FOR NO REASON. I DO NOT FEEL THAT SATURN/GM IS TAKING THE APPROPRIATE STEPS TO INSURE THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE SAFE TO DRIVE OR SAFE FOR PASSENGERS. THE DEALERSHIP ACTUALLY TOLD MY HUSBAND TODAY THAT WE COULD NO LONGER HAVE RENTAL AND MUST DRIVE OUR VAN EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT FIXED. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY VIOLATION I HAVE A SET OF TWINS AND A SET OF TRIPLETS EVERY SEAT IN MY VAN IS OCCUPIED SO I CAN NOT JUST PUT SOMEONE IN A DIFFERENT SEAT TO AVOID A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR FALLING OFF. I REALIZE THAT GETTING PARTS IS SLOW BECAUSE OF THE CUT BACKS BUT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PUT MY FAMILIES LIFE IN DANGER BECAUSE A AUTO MAKER CAN NOT PRODUCE THE PARTS TO FIX THE VEHICLES THEY MAKE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST ISSUE WE HAVE HAD WITH THIS VAN, BACK IN JANUARY 2009 IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR A PROBLEM WITH HE STEERING COLUMN. APPARENTLY THE STEERING COLUMN HAD A BREAK IN IT AND WE ARE LUCKY THE STEERING DID NOT GO OUT ON THE VAN. THIS VAN IS BEGINNING TO LOOK MORE AND MORE LIKE A LEMON EVERY DAY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10269400 · filed May 19, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SATURN RELAY 2.2L. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS CORRODED WITH RUST. THE DEALER HAD THE UNIT REPLACED.THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA ID 10461704 · filed Jun 14, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .