2005 Saturn Relay

Introduction:

The 2005 Saturn Relay is a mid-size minivan available with two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 and a 3.9-liter V6. The 3.5-liter V6 produces 200 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.9-liter V6 produces 250 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 4-speed automatic transmission and a 5-speed manual transmission for the 3.5-liter V6, and a 5-speed automatic transmission for the 3.9-liter V6. The Relay is praised for its spacious cabin, versatile seating, and comfortable ride, but criticized for its uninspiring handling and lack of features.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, rough idling, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine noise, especially during startup, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.9L V6

• Oil Consumption:
  • Description/Symptoms: High oil consumption, blue smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Piston ring replacement, engine rebuild
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Crack:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loud exhaust noise, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace exhaust manifold
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping Transmission:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips or hesitates when changing gears
  • Solution: Replace transmission solenoid pack, overhaul transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

5-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, slipping, or loss of power
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking or broken struts, bumpy ride, difficulty turning
  • Solution: Replace front struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking or broken shocks, rough ride
  • Solution: Replace rear shocks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, electrical problems, battery drain
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows not rolling up or down
  • Solution: Replace window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Underbody:
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on metal components underneath the vehicle
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fog Light Burnout:
  • Description/Symptoms: Fog lights not working
  • Solution: Replace fog light bulbs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the plastic dashboard
  • Solution: Replace dashboard or apply a cover
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Heating or cooling system not working
  • Solution: Repair or replace climate control module
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2005 Saturn Relay has several common issues that can be costly to repair, including intake manifold gasket failure, timing chain tensioner failure, oil consumption, exhaust manifold cracks, slipping transmission, torque converter failure, front strut failure, rear shock failure, alternator failure, power window failure, rust on underbody, cracked dashboard, and climate control failure. The severity and cost of these issues can vary widely, and some vehicles may have no problems at all. It is important to research potential issues before purchasing a used Relay and to have a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly.