2007 Saturn Relay

The 2007 Saturn Relay is a minivan known for its spacious interior and relatively affordable price point. Engine options for this model year included a 3.5L V6 engine producing 200 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque and a 3.9L V6 engine producing 240 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the Relay’s comfortable ride and ample cargo space, but common complaints revolve around reliability issues and build quality.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine may misfire, run rough, or have a vacuum leak. Check engine light may illuminate with codes related to lean conditions or misfires.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the engine, often from hoses or the water pump area. This can lead to overheating and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking hoses, water pump, or other cooling system components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the component)
  • Recalls: None Found

3.9L V6

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve cover onto the exhaust manifold, causing a burning smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Both Engines)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or jerky shifts, especially between first and second gear. May be more pronounced when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change may help. In some cases, valve body repair or replacement is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) - $800+ (valve body)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission hesitates or fails to engage properly when shifting gears. Engine revs up without corresponding vehicle acceleration.
  • Solution: Could be due to low fluid, damaged clutch packs, or a faulty torque converter. A full transmission rebuild or replacement may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts and Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll in turns, and poor handling. Uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn struts and shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ (for all four)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken or Worn Sway Bar Links
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front or rear suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the broken or worn sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per link
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Door Lock Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power door locks may intermittently fail to lock or unlock.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window rolls up or down slowly, erratically, or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Sliding doors may become difficult to open or close, either manually or with the power function. The sliding door cable may also break.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sliding door motor, rollers, cables, or other associated hardware.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seats become inoperable or only move in one direction.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty power seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

The 2007 Saturn Relay has a range of potential issues, from engine and transmission problems to suspension and electrical faults. The severity of these issues varies, but some, like transmission slipping, can be quite costly to repair. The electrical problems are annoying but may not hinder the vehicle’s usability. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and have the vehicle thoroughly inspected before purchase.