The Saturn Relay spans 1995–2026 with 6 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2005, 2006, 2007 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1995, 1996, 1997. It delivers up to 19 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
Is the Saturn Relay a good car?
Short answer: yes, with the usual caveat about model years. Our score for the Saturn Relay is 4.0 out of 5, built from NHTSA crash-test results, how often it gets recalled and what owners actually complain about — not from reviews.
The complaint that comes up most is the service brakes — 46 of the 122 reports owners filed with NHTSA. If you're choosing a year, 1995, 1996, 1997 score best in our data, and 2005, 2006 worst.
This page describes the model. It can't tell you whether that car has an open recall, a rolled-back odometer or a branded title — for that, run its number through our free VIN check.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Saturn Relay is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1995 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Saturn Relay VIN — every digit explained
Every Saturn Relay carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Saturn and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Relay.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. Run it through our free VIN lookup to turn those digits into a model year, an assembly plant and a country of origin.
How many recalls does the Saturn Relay have?
The Saturn Relay has 6 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1995–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2007 Saturn Relay recalls 1
Steering
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix. DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.
2006 Saturn Relay recalls 2
Equipment:other:labels
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
Steering
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix. DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.
2005 Saturn Relay recalls 3
Parking Brake
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE IS RELEASED, THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE UNINTENDED BRAKING WHEN ACCELERATING, DECELERATING, OR COASTING, AND A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PARKING BRAKE LEVER SLIPPAGE AT EACH REAR BRAKE CALIPER AND REPLACE THE CALIPER IF LEVER SLIPPAGE IS IDENTIFIED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.
Steering
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix. DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.
Seats:mid/rear Assembly
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. IF THE REAR LATCHES OF THE SEAT RELEASE EARLY IN A SEVERE SIDE IMPACT, THE FRONT OUTBOARD LATCH MAY DISENGAGE AND INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE SEAT LATCH RELEASE HANDLE AND INSTALL A BLACK PLASTIC CAP OVER THE EXPOSED METAL STUD TO ELIMINATE THE SIDE IMPACT SAFETY CONCERN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Best and worst years for the Saturn Relay
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 32 tracked years, the worst years are 2005, 2006, 2007 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1995, 1996, 1997.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 Relay | — | Best | |
| 1996 Relay | — | Best | |
| 1997 Relay | — | Best | |
| 1998 Relay | — | Average | |
| 1999 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2000 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2001 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2002 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2003 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2004 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2005 Relay | Service Brakes | Avoid | |
| 2006 Relay | Service Brakes | Avoid | |
| 2007 Relay | Structure | Avoid | |
| 2008 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2009 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2010 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2011 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2012 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2013 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2014 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2015 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2016 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2017 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2018 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2019 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2020 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2021 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2022 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2023 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2024 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2025 Relay | — | Average | |
| 2026 Relay | — | Average |
What are the most common Saturn Relay problems?
The most-reported Saturn Relay problems are Other (3 reports), Seats (2 reports) and Tires (3 reports) — out of 122 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Saturn Relay specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Saturn Relay. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Saturn Relay window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Saturn Relay cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Relay holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Saturn Relay tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Saturn Relay get?
The Saturn Relay returns up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,150/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2007 Saturn Relay (3.9L 6-cyl) gets 19 mpg combined and costs about $3,300/yr to fuel, emitting 468 g/mi CO₂ — about $5,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Relay | 16 | 23 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 3.9L 6-cyl | |
| 2006 Relay | 16 | 23 | $3,300 | 468 | 5/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2005 Relay | 16 | 23 | $3,450 | 494 | 5/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Relay stacks up against the most fuel-efficient minivans, or calculate this Relay's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Saturn Relay have? Power & range
The Saturn Relay is offered with 1 powertrain — 3.9L 6-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.9L · 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Can a Saturn Relay tow? Towing & payload
As a van, the Saturn Relay is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package.
What sets your Relay's tow & payload rating:
- Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
- Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
- Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
- Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.
Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.
How much does a Saturn Relay cost to own?
A Saturn Relay depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used Relay is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Relay loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $15,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Relay ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Saturn Relay safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Relay yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
Tired of ads? Go Pro.
- Zero ads — clean, fast pages
- Exact mileage-adjusted car values
- Full research reports + PDF
- Market charts & price-drop alerts
- …and much more
How many miles does a Saturn Relay last?
A well-maintained Saturn Relay typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Saturn Relay’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Relay’s VIN free →All Saturn Relay model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Saturn Relay — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2025 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2024 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2023 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2022 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2021 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2020 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2019 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2018 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2017 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2016 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2015 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2014 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2013 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2012 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2011 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2010 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2009 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2008 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2007 Relay | 1 recall | — | |
| 2006 Relay | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2005 Relay | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2004 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2003 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2002 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2001 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 2000 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 1999 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 1998 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 1997 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 1996 Relay | 0 | — | |
| 1995 Relay | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Relay?
By owner-complaint volume, 2005, 2006, 2007 drew the most reports. 1995, 1996, 1997 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Relay have?
6 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1995–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Saturn recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Relay get?
Up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Relay last?
A well-maintained Relay typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Relay reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Relay is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Saturn Relay warranty?
New Saturn models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Saturn dealer.
Where is the Saturn Relay made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Relay's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Saturn may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Relay have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.