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

Free: 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 · 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 1-866-9…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. 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

Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2006 Saturn Relay safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

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

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.

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

2006 Saturn Relay 2006 Saturn Relay 35GZDV23106D178364 2006 Saturn Relay 2006 Saturn Relay 35GZDV23L16D165933 2006 Saturn Relay 2006 Saturn Relay 35GZDV23126D163011 2006 Saturn Relay 25GZDV03L16D107521 2006 Saturn Relay 2006 Saturn Relay 35GZDV23L96D181099 2006 Saturn Relay 2006 Saturn Relay 35GZDV23L56D203888 2006 Saturn Relay 2006 Saturn Relay 25GZDV03L16D147419 2006 Saturn Relay 2006 Saturn Relay 25GZDV03L06D187300 2006 Saturn Relay 2006 Saturn Relay 35GZDV23L46D103104 2006 Saturn Relay 2006 Saturn Relay 35GZDX23L66D142545 2006 Saturn Relay 2006 Saturn Relay 25GZDV03L96D124860 2006 Saturn Relay 2006 Saturn Relay 25GZDV03L06D226855 2006 Saturn Relay 2006 Saturn Relay 25GZDV03L76D159204 2006 Saturn Relay 2006 Saturn Relay EXT & RF25GZDV03L26D214948

Other Saturn Relay model years

2007 2005

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 free.

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

Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are power train, service brakes, structure.

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.