Model year guide

2006 Saturn Relay

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 Saturn Relay is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 14 on record.

2006 Saturn Relay — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2006 Saturn Relay at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints19
Combined17–19 mpg
Typical price$3,046

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2006 Saturn Relay recalls 2

Steering NHTSA Campaign #09E005000 · 17/02/2009

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.

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.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #05V552000 · manufacturer #05109 · 07/12/2005

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.

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 1-866-996-9…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2006 Saturn Relay common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2006 Saturn Relay safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2006 Saturn Relay. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2006 Saturn Relay MPG & running costs

Combined17–19 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,683
EPA size classMinivan - 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,417 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2006 Saturn Relay worth?

Low
$1,750
Typical price
$3,046
High
$5,400

From 14 comparable 2006 Saturn Relay listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2006 Saturn Relay costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,415
Fuel only$18,415
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
204.7 in
Width
72.0 in
Height
72.0 in
Wheelbase
121.3 in
Curb weight
4,231–4,575 lb
Front track
63.0 in
Rear track
63.0 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2006 Saturn Relay — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

POWER SLIDING DOOR Closed

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 D…

NHTSA #EA07019 · Latches/locks/linkages, Structure · opened Dec 2007 · closed Feb 2009

POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING Closed

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 R…

NHTSA #PE07044 · Latches/locks/linkages, Structure · opened Aug 2007 · closed Dec 2007

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 659

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 659.

This PI directs technician to training regarding sliding door operation.

Bulletin PIT3532C · Jan 2026

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.

Bulletin 23-NA-001 · Electrical System · Mar 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment…

Bulletin PIP5358D · Feb 2025

This 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 t…

Bulletin PIT5074Q · Dec 2024

This 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 Record…

Bulletin PIP4723J · Electrical System · Oct 2024

This 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…

Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RELAY FWD/AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2006 Saturn Relay. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Other

Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk…

Transport Canada #2019420 · Aug 2019

Seats And Restraints

Certain vehicles equipped with remote start capability fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 208 - Occupant Restraint Systems. The safety belt reminder light for the driver's seating position does not illuminate after the ignition key is inserted and turned to the 'run' position following a remote start. As well, the audible chime for the driver's seating position will…

Transport Canada #2007274 · Aug 2007

Suspension

On certain Aztek (AWD), Montana (AWD), Relay (AWD), RendezVous (AWD), RendezVous (FWD), Silhouette (AWD), Terraza (AWD), Terraza (FWD), Uplander (AWD) and Venture (AWD) vehicles equipped with independent rear suspension, when operated in extreme cold temperature and on rough roads, water and salt can intrude past the ball joint seal. The combination of theses conditions may the…

Transport Canada #2006199 · Aug 2006

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Saturn Relay

The Saturn Relay is a minivan that was manufactured by the Saturn division of General Motors from 2005-2007 model years. It was a rebadged variant of the Buick Terraza, the Chevrolet Uplander, and the Pontiac Montana SV6, all manufactured in Doraville, Georgia.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2006 Saturn Relay trims & engines on record

Trims
3 · 2 · EXT & RF2
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl · 3.9L 6-cyl

2006 Saturn Relay vehicles on record

Other Saturn Relay model years

2006 Saturn Relay — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Saturn Relay have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2006 Saturn Relay. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Saturn Relay?

Across all 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, power train, latches/locks/linkages.

What is the 2006 Saturn Relay safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2006 Saturn Relay crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Saturn Relay get?

The 2006 Saturn Relay has U.S. EPA estimates of 17–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

How much is a 2006 Saturn Relay worth?

Comparable 2006 Saturn Relay listings run roughly $1,750–$5,400, typically around $3,046 (from 14 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.