2006 Saturn Relay
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Saturn › Relay › 2006
These records cover every 2006 Saturn Relay. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2006 Saturn Relay. Newest first.
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 and remedy
Risk
A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
19 complaints2 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
Service ABS and service traction control lights came on and have remained on for several days. Further messages continue flashing on the driver information center. This has been a recurring problem over the past year after ABS wheel sensors and the associated wiring were replaced. With the numerous…
Service ABS and service traction control lights came on and have remained on for several days. Further messages continue flashing on the driver information center. This has been a recurring problem over the past year after ABS wheel sensors and the associated wiring were replaced. With the numerous complaints on the internet - I was thinking that surely a tsb or recall on these issues has been overlooked or simply ignored by the mechanics and service writers at the gm dealerships nationwide. I know that a tech ll scanner IS required to check for any trouble codes for these very complex systems, but what IS the known definitive fix for these potentially serious problems ? The lights and messages began appearing after moderate braking and while vehicle is/was in motion or stationary while turning or on a straight ahead stretch of roadway. Varied road conditions and wet or dry weather conditions were seemingly not contributing factors.
- Power train
After starting vehicle, with foot on brake, gear selection lever would not move from park and parking brake would not disengage as result. Shut down engine, restarted with same result. After several more attempts to move the shift lever, it finally released from park but had difficulty moving…
After starting vehicle, with foot on brake, gear selection lever would not move from park and parking brake would not disengage as result. Shut down engine, restarted with same result. After several more attempts to move the shift lever, it finally released from park but had difficulty moving directly into reverse gear - it had to be "rowed" thru all gears to settle to reverse, and the transmission did not seem to engage in reverse initially. When it did engage reverse gear, the transmission "jumped," lurching the car (the parking brake had disengaged when gear selection lever finally moved from park). This IS an intermittent problem, and seems to sometimes coincide with other drivetrain issue previously described. *tr
- Power train
Attempted low/moderate acceleration from stop; transmission seemed to slip with engine rpm increasing but no transfer of power beyond about initial half-foot of forward motion, then hard shifted into gear (lurched the vehicle) and accelerated rapidly. This event was initially intermittent and not…
Attempted low/moderate acceleration from stop; transmission seemed to slip with engine rpm increasing but no transfer of power beyond about initial half-foot of forward motion, then hard shifted into gear (lurched the vehicle) and accelerated rapidly. This event was initially intermittent and not able to be reproduced by mechanic. It has now become frequent and affects shifting at highway speeds as well as from stop, making control of acceleration unpredictable IS hard shifting through most gears when this IS occurring, although at other times it shifts very smoothly throughout, making it more difficult to reproduce for mechanic. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Power train
Noted that driving lights flashed with wipers on delay setting. At next use, low oil pressure light & warning sounded but lights did not flash with delay wipers. Turning off engine and pulling hood latch & closing hood ended low pressure warning (oil pressure/ level were correct-false alarm). 2…
Noted that driving lights flashed with wipers on delay setting. At next use, low oil pressure light & warning sounded but lights did not flash with delay wipers. Turning off engine and pulling hood latch & closing hood ended low pressure warning (oil pressure/ level were correct-false alarm). 2 days later, lights again flashed with wipers on delay but no oil pressure warning. Continued this back-and-forth (either oil warning or light flash with wiper use, but not concomitant) for 2 months, then low pressure warnings became constant, and the lights no longer flashed with the wipers at all.the low oil pressure warning can often be stopped by either turning off engine and carefully restarting or pulling hood latch and slamming hood. Shifting gears may also trigger the low pressure warning if it isn't already on. *tr
- Air bags
My 18 year old son had an accident. He rolled the van multiple times, hit trees ,damaged all sides, and roof of the van. The only door that would easily open was the drivers door. The front axle broke, windshield broken. the insurance appraiser said all panels were damaged and could not believe none of the air bags opened. the saturn relay 2006 was a total loss. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2006 saturn relay. The contact stated that within three months, the interior of the vehicle darkened by three shades. The contact stated that there was a strong metallic smell inside the vehicle that had even affected her breathing. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 saturn relay. The contact stated that within three months, the interior of the vehicle darkened by three shades. The contact stated that there was a strong metallic smell inside the vehicle that had even affected her breathing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that there was a foreign hose attached to the catalytic converter that could have been the cause of the toxic leak. The contact became very ill and strong traces of cadmium, lead and mercury were found in her blood system. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 86,000.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes, hydraulic
I started getting "service traction control system" warning message and light with "service ABS system" warning message and light and "service stability system". all are always at the same time. Shutting off the engine and restarting (per owners manual) temporarily causes the lights and messages…
I started getting "service traction control system" warning message and light with "service ABS system" warning message and light and "service stability system". all are always at the same time. Shutting off the engine and restarting (per owners manual) temporarily causes the lights and messages to turn off, but they always return later. this problem IS well documented in saturn forums and IS happening with many, many owners. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
TL* the contact owns a 2006 saturn relay. The contact stated that both the driver and passenger side automatic sliding doors would not shut. When activated, the door would start to close but would not latch and then would reopen. The contact stated it takes a couple of hours and attempts before the…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 saturn relay. The contact stated that both the driver and passenger side automatic sliding doors would not shut. When activated, the door would start to close but would not latch and then would reopen. The contact stated it takes a couple of hours and attempts before the door would close. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians were unable to duplicate the failure. The technicians performed adjustments to the door but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
- Steering
My 2006 saturn ion all of a sudden lost its power steering while I was driving! I almost crashed! and now it going to cost over 500 or more to fix. I could have been killed, I was going up a hill on a curve. just all of a sudden the bell rang and it popped up pwr str. I got the car stopped and…
My 2006 saturn ion all of a sudden lost its power steering while I was driving! I almost crashed! and now it going to cost over 500 or more to fix. I could have been killed, I was going up a hill on a curve. just all of a sudden the bell rang and it popped up pwr str. I got the car stopped and turned it off when I turned it back on it was fine for about 5 feet and again it did it. I got home and checked the fuse and made sure it was ok. today I drove all over and it was ok and then all of a sudden again it came on and the steering wheel locked up! *Tr
- Power train · Power train › Driveline
AWD disabled when needed in snow. it seems to be caused by icy slush. I confirmed with the dealer that the hub assembly's AWD sensor can get covered up with mud or slush and the AWD system will disable. any AWD system that gets disabled by slush IS ludicrously designed, and borderline negligent with regards to safety. *Tr
- Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 saturn relay. the contact stated that the driver's side door repeatedly opens and closes. she has taken the vehicle to the dealer more than four times within two months to have the door repaired. the dealer has seen many of the same vehicles with identical failures. they are experiencing difficulty repairing the door. the current and failure mileages were 34,600.
- Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body › Door
Power sliding door on 2006 saturn relay IS not closing properly and opens unexpectedly. door does not close completely, does not latch and occassionally door reopens while vehicle IS moving. trouble started abot two months ago but the regularity of this occurrance has increased significanlty over the last four days. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
I have a 2006 saturn relay. it was an executive driven car and was purchased with 400 miles on it and the warranty transferred over to me. the traction control on this vehicle IS defective. when the traction control engaged it would knock out the stability control, traction control, and ABS…
I have a 2006 saturn relay. it was an executive driven car and was purchased with 400 miles on it and the warranty transferred over to me. the traction control on this vehicle IS defective. when the traction control engaged it would knock out the stability control, traction control, and ABS system. although I have breaks, they are manual breaks. at first saturn said the system IS working to factory specs until it happened to their vehicle. then all of a sudden there was a problem with mine. I do not feel safe in the car because, I should not have to worry about what kind of breaking system I have when trying to engage my breaks. I do not want to cause harm to anyone or have any accident caused by this result in death. I do not want harm to me or my loved ones either. no one at saturn or saturn of greenfield senses the urgency of this situation. it isn't until I complaint that I at least get some type of action, although it results in the system failing again. I have my car in to have this issue fixed earlier this summer. this past weekend, the system failed three times in two days. not a good result. I need this documented so that in the event I am involved in a serious accident, I will not be accused of not disclosing this situation. I can say that I did and no one took it seriously which will probably result in a long messy legal battle. I have done my part, but saturn of greenfield and gm (saturn) has failed to do theirs. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
We own a 2006 saturn relay 3 that we purchased in june 2007. We have become aware of a design flaw that exists in chevrolet uplanders and saturn relays that can lead to dangerous consequences. We have been advised by our dealership that gm IS aware of the problem and has done nothing to rectify it.…
We own a 2006 saturn relay 3 that we purchased in june 2007. We have become aware of a design flaw that exists in chevrolet uplanders and saturn relays that can lead to dangerous consequences. We have been advised by our dealership that gm IS aware of the problem and has done nothing to rectify it. because of the shape of the gas tank, if the car IS idling while on an incline, gas dissipates from the engine and the car may stall. This can occur despite there being more than a quarter tank of gas in the car. Further, the car cannot be restarted unless set on a level surface. This has happened to us on two occasions. My worry IS that it could happen in a dangerous place (i.e. In a traffic jam in a tunnel such as the lincoln tunnel) where the car cannot be restarted and there IS not easy access to evacuate. gm IS knowingly selling these models without disclosing the defect. Further, there IS no disclosure after purchase until an event occurs and then there IS no effort to remedy the defect. *jb
- Structure › Body › Door
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 saturn relay. the contact stated that the rear passenger side sliding door failed to close properly. the door has to be slammed shut in order for it to close. there were no warning indicators prior to the failure. the vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer. the current and failure mileages were 7,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system
2006 saturn van IS designed with the characteristic of running out of fuel when operating on an incline (nose up or nose down), with a 1/4 tank of fuel remaining. after this occurred the 2ND time I complained to the dealership and asked them to repair. they stated they were aware of the…
2006 saturn van IS designed with the characteristic of running out of fuel when operating on an incline (nose up or nose down), with a 1/4 tank of fuel remaining. after this occurred the 2ND time I complained to the dealership and asked them to repair. they stated they were aware of the characteristic and that it could not be repaired. they cautioned me to not allow the gas level to drop below 1/2 tank. they stated this was listed as a characteristic of the car in the owners manual and that released them from responsibility.*jb
- Air bags
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was involved in a collision and the airbags did not deploy. the contact was stopped in the center lane, when another vehicle attempted to get into the same lane. the contact's vehicle was hit on the front passenger side fender causing the vehicle to flip…
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle was involved in a collision and the airbags did not deploy. the contact was stopped in the center lane, when another vehicle attempted to get into the same lane. the contact's vehicle was hit on the front passenger side fender causing the vehicle to flip completely over and landed right side up. the contact sustained head and arm injuries and a police report was taken. all occupants were wearing their seatbelts. the airbag warning light was not illuminated prior to the crash. there were pictures available and the vehicle was deemed totaled.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
I was traveling on az state route 87 on a 6 percent downgrade. I had applied the brakes a total of 3 times for no more than 3 to 5 seconds at a time, this occurred over a 5 minute time frame. on the third application the brakes began to cavitate very badly. this caused the vehicle to sway and…
I was traveling on az state route 87 on a 6 percent downgrade. I had applied the brakes a total of 3 times for no more than 3 to 5 seconds at a time, this occurred over a 5 minute time frame. on the third application the brakes began to cavitate very badly. this caused the vehicle to sway and brakes faded out. the brakes made a rubbing sound for the next several days. when brakes are applied while turning they make a grinding sound/feel. the vehicle was taken into saturn of arrowhead peoria, az on 07/06/06. they stated nothing was found wrong with brakes. they said it IS common for brakes to fade on this vehicle going down hill. they stated we should downshift to compensate. they can not explain why brakes make sound while turning, they say brakes are fine. I personally believe problem IS that brake rotors are to small for size of vehicle. that they heat up to quickly and fade out and rotors begin to warp. this IS a design flaw that can be corrected by increasing rotor size and brake shoe size, there IS plenty of room in wheel well. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Fuel system, gasoline · Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch · Seats · Steering
1) bought our saturn relay may 30, 2006 2) took it to the dealer it to the dealer because hood rattle, said it was nothing sent me home. 3) called about the low mileage the van was making, said it was ok 4) 1 month and 26 days car breacks down repairs are made on 6/26/06 -sending unit was…
1) bought our saturn relay may 30, 2006 2) took it to the dealer it to the dealer because hood rattle, said it was nothing sent me home. 3) called about the low mileage the van was making, said it was ok 4) 1 month and 26 days car breacks down repairs are made on 6/26/06 -sending unit was replace -sensory kit was replace -hood not closing was corrected latch was replace -and hood bumper was fix -intermittent engine noise ( not fix) -steering wheel vibrates when making a sharp turn ( not fix) most important the middle seat that are both captain chairs do not have a arm rest so when the kids sit there and my mom they tend to loose there valance because there IS nothing to hold them in place.--- they say that's the way they come and there IS nothing to do about it. *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Power sliding door
Odi evaluated general motors' (gm) data, conducted consumer interviews, inspected and tested my 2005-2007 gm minivans with regard to the alleged defect of a power sliding door (psd) opening while the vehicle IS out of park.odi identified a high warranty claim rate.however, these claims are related to various problems…
Odi evaluated general motors' (gm) data, conducted consumer interviews, inspected and tested my 2005-2007 gm minivans with regard to the alleged defect of a power sliding door (psd) opening while the vehicle IS out of park.odi identified a high warranty claim rate.however, these claims are related to various problems associated with doors not properly opening or closing and not specifically to doors opening while driving.the condition of the psd reversing direction during the closing sequence IS consistent with an obstruction of the door, or with improper alignment of the door, and this IS addressed in gm technical service bulletin # 07-08-64-007 and bulletins # 07-08-64-007a through d.odi's evaluation of the psd system notes numerous safeguards to preclude both unintentional and intentional power opening of the psd while the vehicle IS in motion.a safety-defect trend has not been identified at this time.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.[see document file for additional information regarding this resume.]
- Power sliding door opening
Odi has received reports that the power sliding doors opened without command while the vehicle was in motion on model year 2005 and 2006 general motors minivans (chevrolet uplander/venture, pontiac montana sv6/montana, buick terraza, and saturn relay).some reports indicate that the door may not have been closed and…
Odi has received reports that the power sliding doors opened without command while the vehicle was in motion on model year 2005 and 2006 general motors minivans (chevrolet uplander/venture, pontiac montana sv6/montana, buick terraza, and saturn relay).some reports indicate that the door may not have been closed and latched before driving away causing the door to reverse (open) at low vehicle speeds.however, other reports indicate that the door was initially shut then opened after driving for several minutes and/or miles at vehicle speeds between 20 and 70 mph.odi has upgraded this preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis (ea07-019) to further assess this issue.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250013High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249535This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or E6961).
- 10249295This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247379This Preliminary Information addresses issues dealership technicians may encounter when programming modules in Saturn vehicles, resulting from a configuration change in the programming website.
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10246963Changing Turn-By-Turn Voice Response To Metric Or English Units
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246623Car and Truck Fix it Right the First Time Issues
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245804Aftermarket ALDL or DLC Interface Devices Causing Multiple Issues
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
Every Saturn Relay model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.