2007 Saturn Relay

2007 Saturn Relay

Overview

The 2007 Saturn Relay, a versatile minivan, offered a blend of practicality and comfort. While generally considered a decent option for families, like any vehicle, it has specific areas where owners have reported issues. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns, excluding routine maintenance and normal wear and tear. Understanding these potential problems can help current and prospective owners anticipate and address them effectively, ensuring a smoother ownership experience. The Relay was built on a platform shared with other GM minivans, which can sometimes mean shared component vulnerabilities.

---

Engine

3.5L V6

Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks

• Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating, rough idle, sweet smell from engine bay.
• Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold gaskets.
• Cost: $300 - $600

Timing Chain Issues

• Symptoms: Rattling noise from the front of the engine, check engine light, potential engine damage if ignored.
• Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
• Cost: $800 - $1500

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (4T65-E)

Transmission Slipping

• Symptoms: Delayed engagement, difficulty shifting gears, slipping out of gear, shuddering.
• Solution: Transmission fluid and filter change, solenoid replacement, or full transmission rebuild.
• Cost: $400 - $2500+

Torque Converter Problems

• Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, slipping, rough idle when in gear.
• Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
• Cost: $700 - $1200

Suspension

Standard Chassis

Worn Struts/Shocks

• Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll, uneven tire wear, clunking noises over bumps.
• Solution: Replacement of struts and/or shocks.
• Cost: $400 - $800

Ball Joint Failure

• Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises when turning, uneven tire wear, steering instability.
• Solution: Replacement of worn ball joints.
• Cost: $300 - $600

Electrical

Body Control Module (BCM)

BCM Malfunctions

• Symptoms: Intermittent power windows, door locks, interior lights, or dashboard warning lights.
• Solution: Reprogramming or replacement of the Body Control Module.
• Cost: $500 - $1000

Alternator

Alternator Failure

• Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery warning light, dead battery, electrical system issues.
• Solution: Replacement of the alternator.
• Cost: $400 - $700

Exterior

Body Panels & Trim

Rusting

• Symptoms: Corrosion on wheel wells, rocker panels, and door bottoms, especially in rust-prone climates.
• Solution: Rust repair and repainting, or replacement of affected panels.
• Cost: $200 - $1000+

Sliding Door Mechanisms

Sticking or Difficult Sliding Doors

• Symptoms: Doors are hard to open or close, may get stuck.
• Solution: Lubrication of tracks, adjustment of rollers, or replacement of worn components.
• Cost: $100 - $400

Interior

HVAC System

Blend Door Actuator Failure

• Symptoms: Inability to control temperature (stuck on hot or cold), air only coming from certain vents.
• Solution: Replacement of the blend door actuator.
• Cost: $200 - $500

Infotainment System

Radio/Display Issues

• Symptoms: Intermittent operation, screen flickering, failure to power on.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of the radio unit.
• Cost: $300 - $800

---

Summary Verdict

The 2007 Saturn Relay presents a mixed reliability profile. Key areas of concern include the powertrain, particularly the 3.5L V6 engine’s intake manifold gaskets and timing chain, and the 4-speed automatic transmission’s tendency for slipping and torque converter issues. Suspension components like struts and ball joints can also wear prematurely. Electrical gremlins, often related to the BCM or alternator, are not uncommon. Exterior rust and issues with sliding door mechanisms can also arise. Inside, HVAC blend door actuators and infotainment system glitches are reported. While not a universally problematic vehicle, potential buyers should be aware of these common repair areas and factor them into ownership costs.