The following list was compiled from the NHTSA database for the following article: GM Vehicles Steering locks while driving.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation
Consumer Complaints Database

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/index.cfm  

Date of Failure: 05/01/2000
Component: STEERING:WHEEL AND COLUMN
Summary: I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT INTERMITTENTLY.*AK

Date of Failure: 11/10/2000
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: AFTER PARKING THE CAR, GOT BACK IN TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE AND DISCOVERED VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN LEFT. THERE WAS NO POWER ASSIST. BUT IT TURNS RIGHT WITH NO PROBLEM. REPAIR REQUIRED A NEW RACK AND PINION SYSTEM. FAILURE OCCURED WITHOUT WARNING.

Date of Failure: 04/28/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: ATTACHING BOLT (DRIVERS SIDE) HOLDING THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION TO THE CRADLE BROKE, ALLOWING THE RACKAND PINION STEERING TO SHIFT IN THE RIGHT SIDE MOUNING BRACKET. BOLT SHOWED NO STRETCHING OR SHEAR FORCE CAUSING IT TO FAIL. BOLT HARDENED TO 10.9 (ON HEAD OF BOLT) BOLT IS UNAVAILIBLE UNTIL MIDDLE OF MAY DUE TO NUMBER CHANGES. (TELLS ME SOMETHING IS WRONG SOMEWHERE ! ). *AK

Date of Failure: 02/24/2002
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST:PUMP
Summary: POWER STEERING PUMP FELL OFF THE MOUNT. ONE OF THREE BOLTS WAS BACKED OFF AND THE OTHER TWO BOLTS WERE SEVERED.*AK

Date of Failure: 08/25/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED STEERING COLUMN ASSUMES A DIFFERENT CENTER POSITION APPROXIMATELY 90% OF THE TIME, DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT ONE OF THE STEERING MOUNTING BOLTS WAS LOOSE, AND ANOTHER MOUNTING BOLT WAS TWISTED OUT OF POSITION, DEALER REPLACED THE BOLT, AND CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATED THE RACK & PINION BOLT WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN.*SLC

Date of Failure: 10/01/1996
Component: STEERING:WHEEL AND COLUMN
Summary: FAILURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN, CONSUMER WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AND THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH DID NOT INDICATE THE VEHICLE WAS OFF.*AK *JB

Date of Failure: 10/20/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: HAD TAKEN VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. WAS INFORMED THAT A BOLT TO RACK AND PINION STEERING HAD BROKEN , AND BUSHINGS HAD WORN OUT. BOLT NUT WAS SITTING THERE, LOOKED LIKE IT WAS WELDED. *AK

Date of Failure: 10/11/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING IS BINDING DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS. *AK

Date of Failure: 10/01/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: TRANMISSION WAS REPLACED WHILE CAR UNDER WARRANTY W/REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION WHICH IS NOW NEEDING TO BE REPLACED...DEALERSHIP DID NOT ADVISE IT WAS BEING REPLACED W/REMANUFAC. PART. CONTACTED BUICK ONLY TO BE ADVISED CAR WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY COULD NOT HELP. STEERING/RACK & PENION: STEERING LOCKS, POPS, ETC WHEN DRIVING ...I DON'T HAVE MUCH INFO ON THIS RIGHT NOW AS WE ARE HAVING CHECKED BY MECHANIC NOW. HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THIS APPEARS TO BE THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS OTHER "NON LIFE THREATENING" PROBLEMS W/THIS CAR AND ARE VERY DISHEARTENED AS THE CAR IS ONLY 3 1/2 YEARS OLD.*AK

Date of Failure: 04/25/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING RACK LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING RENDERING VEHICLE UNSTABLE WHILE TRAVELING APROX. 35 MPH AND CREATING A POTENTIALLY LETHAL SITUITION.*AK

Date of Failure: 12/01/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: VEHICLE HAS A HISTORY OF STEERING PROBLEMS FROM PS PUMP TO RACK AND PINION COST OF REPAIRS ARE OUTRAGEOUS. MOST RECENT FAILURE LOCKED STEERING COMPLETELY WITH MY WIFE AND 6MO BABY DRIVING AT 75MPH ON INTERSTATE. HAS HAD NUMEROUS OTHER PROBLEMS WITH OIL SEALS, ELECTRICAL, IDLERS GOING OUT. SERPENTINE BELT BROKE DUR TO IDLER SEIZED AND SHUT DOWN POWER STEERING WHILE AT 75MPH IN A SEPERATE INCIDENT

Date of Failure: 01/01/1999
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD STEERING WAS GETTING HARDER TO TURN/ TO MANEUVER VEHICLE. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. CONTACTED DEALER, THEY SAID IT WAS THE RACK AND PINION. *AK

Cadillac (4)

Date of Failure: 09/29/1999
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: STEERING LOCKED UP ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCAISIONS. CLEARED AFTER APPROX. ONE MINUTE. FRIEND WITH SAME MODEL EXPERIENCED SAME SYMTOMS UNTIL TOTAL FAILURE.

Date of Failure: 08/12/1998
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING GEAR RACK & PINION FAILED. *YC

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK
Summary: POWER STEERING RACK FAILED. MJS

Date of Failure: 05/13/1998
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE RACK AND PINION BROKE. VEHICLE WAS HIT PRIOR TO THIS AT THE FRONT FINDER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. *AK

Chevrolet (82)

Date of Failure: 03/01/1997
Component: STEERING:COLUMN
Summary: STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP PRIOR TO RECALL.

Date of Failure: 03/01/2000
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: WE HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH LOSING THE POWER STEERING FOR OVER TWO YEARS. AT FIRST, I THOUGHT THE CAR STALLED AND THEN REGAINED THE MOTOR AS THE POWER STEERING CAME BACK ON. THIS PROBLEMS HAS HAPPENED TO FOUR MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY AND WE NEVER PUT IT TOGETHER UNTIL RECENTLY WE HAD OUR LOCAL DEALER INSPECT THE SYSTEM AND WAS TOLD " IT COULDN'T HAPPEN " WHEN I FOUND NHTSA ON LINE, I NOW BELIEVE THAT THE DEALER WAS NOT BEING HONEST. *AK

Date of Failure: 05/01/1999
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: MS. WELCH'S WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE WHEN SHE LOST THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE STEERING, CAUSING THE CAR TO VEER BACK AND FORTH AND CAUSING HER TO LOSE CONTROL. THEN, BEFORE ANY CRASH BOTH AIRBAGS PREMATURELY DEPLOYED. SHE HAS SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURIES AND IS UNABLE TO WORK. PETER ONG OF THE USDOT WAS CONTACTED CONCERNING THIS CRASH. *AK

Date of Failure: 08/08/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: DEFECT 1: ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. ABS WOULD NO LONGER ACTIVATE WHILE LIGHT WAS ON. DEFECT 2: ALTERNATOR--WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING IN CITY TRAFFIC, RUSH HOUR. HAD PREVIOUSLY ASKED DEALER TO CHECK, BUT THEY CLAIMED IT WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. DEFECT 3: RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY--WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER ALTERNATOR, WHILE DRIVING IN THE DEALERSHIP PARKING LOT. DEFECT 4: TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER--TECHNICIAN SAID THIS CAUSED MAJOR ENGINE DAMAGE--GEARS, HEAD, ETC. DEFECT 5: HORN--HAS WORKED SPORADICALLY, AT BEST, FOR THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF. SEEMED LIKE A SHORT.

Date of Failure: 08/08/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHEN I TURN LEFT THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK ALMOST EVERY SINGLE TIME.I QUESTIONED THE DEALERSHIP AS TO HOW MANY TIMES THEY HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR THE GUY TOLD ME THEY'VE SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE.WHEN I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AT 30MPH THE STERRING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN AND THE WHOLE CAR SKIDDED FORWARD.I HOPE YOU WILL TAKE SOME TIME TO REVIEW THIS PROBLEM AND COMPARE IT WITH OTHER CARS.I HOPE NHTSA MAKES DEALERSHIPS REPORT TO NHTSA WHEN A LIFE THREATING PROBLEM LIKE THIS ONE HAPENS. *AK

Date of Failure: 08/13/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: MID-WAY THROUGH A LEFT TURN FROM A STOP SIGN, THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT. INITIALLY THE CAR STEERED FREELY TO THE RIGHT AND ONLY LOCKED LEFT; THEN BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT LOCKED UP. MECHANIC SAYS THE STEERING GEAR ON THE POWER ASSIST RACK & PINION FAILED CREATING A SAFETY ISSUE. *AK

Date of Failure: 11/21/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: ON 12/2/98 AT 26,332 MILES I REPORTED A GRINDING AND THUD NOISE WHEN TURNING. I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE STEERING COULD GO OUT AT ANY TIME. I WAS GIVEN A LOANER CAR AND THE RACK WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. ON 6/29/99 AT 34, 556 MILES, I AGAIN REPORTED THE SAME GRINDING AND THUD NOISE UPON TURNING. AGAIN I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND GIVEN A LOANER CAR. AGAIN THE RACK WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRENTY. ON 11/15/00, AT 60,152 MILES I AGAIN REPORTED THE EXACT SAME GRINDING AND THUD NOISE UPON TURNING. THIS TIME HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. ON 2/15/01 AT 64,434 MILES I AGAIN REPORTED THE GRINDING AND THUD UPON TURNING AND ASKED THAT THE CAR BE CHECKED. NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE WITH THE GRINDING AND THUD NOISE IN THE STEERING SINCE I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG EVEN THOUGH IT WAS THE EXACT SAME NOISE AS THE PRIOR TWO TIMES THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. ON 11/21/01, AT 81,218 MILES, I AGAIN REPORTED THE GRINDING AND THUD NOISE UPON TURNING, AS IT WAS GETTING WORSE AND CONTINUED TO MAKE ME VERY UNEASY AS TO THE CARS SAFETY. THIS TIME I WAS TOLD THAT YES, NOW THE RACK AGAIN NEEDED REPLACED, HOWEVER I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AS IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY.*AK

Date of Failure: 11/17/1997
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: TEETH INSIDE THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ARE STRIPPED OUT . WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED, THE STEERING WHEEL POPS, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT MOVE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. *AK

Date of Failure: 09/13/1998
Component: STEERING
Summary: CONSUMER EXPERIENCED AN INTERMITTENT/ONGOING PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE STEERING LOCKING UP WHILE MAKING A TURN AT A LOW SPEED. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT DEALER SHOP ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND INFORMED THAT NOTHING COULD BE FOUND/DUPLICATED AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK

Date of Failure: 04/18/1999
Component: STEERING:WHEEL AND COLUMN
Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED STEERING WHEEL LOCK UPS. AT LOWER SPEEDS THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY DIFFICULT WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS BEING CORRECTED. *AK

Date of Failure: 04/30/1999
Component: STEERING
Summary: THIS IS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OFFCIAL INVESTIGATION. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH AND HIT A LARGE FENCE AND CEMENT STRUCTURE WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER AND SUSTAIN FRONTAL IMPACT DAMAGES. UPON IMPACT, PASSENGER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED, BUT DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THIS CRASH. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Date of Failure: 07/01/1999
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: POWER STEERING SEIZED DUE TO FAILURE OF THE RACK AND PINION, DEALER REPLACED RACK AND PINION, CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND STOPPED JUST SHORT OF HITTING A TREE. *SLC

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: RACK AND PINION AND STEERING WENT MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE WHEELS TO LOCK UP. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. *AK

Date of Failure: 09/15/1999
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: ERRATIC POPPING NOISE AND EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK RACK AND PINION HOUSING WAS POPPING AND FREEZING UP, DEALER IS GOING TO REPLACE IT. *YH

Date of Failure: 05/20/2001
Component: STEERING:WHEEL AND COLUMN
Summary: INTERMITTENTLY WHEN MAKING A TURN STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP. DEALER IS INSPECTING VEHICLE.*AK

Date of Failure: 08/10/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WAS INFORMED BY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT SEAL AROUND CROSSMEMBER WAS MISSING DUE TO MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT/NEGLECT. THIS CAUSED THE RACK AND PINION TO FAIL. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.*AK

Date of Failure: 06/20/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN VEHICLE WILL PULL STRONGLY TO RIGHT. ALSO, HARD TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN. MECHANIC STATED THAT RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Date of Failure: 02/13/1998
Component: STEERING:POWER:GEAR BOX
Summary: POWER STEERING FAILURE.

Date of Failure: 06/18/1999
Component: STEERING
Summary: VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED BRAKE PROBLEMS, FRONT ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE, FRONT BRAKE PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, REAR SHOES GLAZED. STEERING GEAR REPLACED DUE TO CONSUMER LOSING POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING, POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED, RACK WAS ALSO REPLACED. WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING AND WAS REPLACED. AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DEALER STATED SIR COIL INOPERATIVE. *SLC

Date of Failure: 01/01/1998
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: WHEN DRIVING THE CAR IN WET WEATHER, THE POWER STEERING CUTS OUT CAUSING AN EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS CONDITION. I HAVE BEN TOLD THAT THIS IS A LONG TERM PROBLEM WITH FRONT DRIVE CHEVROLET VEHICLES AND THAT THERE IS NO AVAILABLE CORRECTION. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS PROBLEM CAN BE ALLOWED TO EXIST WITHOUT A RECALL. MY WIFE AND I HAVE HAD A FEW NEAR ACCIDENTS AND AVOID DRIVING THE CAR UNLESS IT IS NECESSARY. I GOT IN TOUCH WITH CHEVROLET AND WAS TOLD TO BRING IT INTO THE DEALER FOR EVALUATION. SINCE LAST FRIDAY (THE DEALER DID NOT FIX IT) THE CAR HAS LOST POWER STEERING ON AT LEAST THREE OCCASIONS. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR HELP AS I FEEL I AM DRIVING A DEATHTRAP. THANK YOU!

Date of Failure: 11/22/1999
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: RACK & PINION SUDDENLY FAILED, CAUSING CAR TO CONTINUE IN A LEFT TURN; EXTREME EFFORT WAS NEEDED TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR. DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CAR MAY SUDDENLY SWERVE LEFT OR RIGHT, AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO RECOVER FROM THESE TURNS.

Date of Failure: 12/31/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING FAILED TO TURN LEFT, BUT WOULD TURN RIGHT. *AK

Date of Failure: 01/06/2002
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: LACK OF ABILITY TO STEER AUTO. *AK

Date of Failure: 12/07/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION BY MY MECHANIC,THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM REPORTED IN A SEATTLE AREA NEWSPAPER WITH OTHER GM VEHICALS IN THIS CLASS. I CALLED LEE JOHNSONS AND THE 1-800 TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY RECALLS WERE ISSUED. NO RECALLS AT THIS TIME. THE NEW PAPER SAID THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED INJURY ACCIDENTS. THE DUST CAP FALLS OF AND CAUSES EXCESSIVE WERE TO THE GEAR BOX. I FEEL THIS IS A DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE HURT. THIS IS TO IMPORTANT OF A PART TO NOT HAVE ATTENTION DRAWN TO IT. I FEEL A RECALL IS NESSARY.*AK

Date of Failure: 11/01/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: IT IS DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DIRECTED WHEN POWER ASSISTED STEERING WOULD FAIL. THIS OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY WHILE TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS AND MAKING A TURN. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP AND RACK AND PINION WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH VEHCILE LOST ALL STEERING CONTROL, AND ENTIRE SUBFRAME BROKE COMPLETELY OFF MAIN FRAME.*AK

Date of Failure: 09/12/1997
Component: STEERING:COLUMN
Summary: STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, LOSS OF ALL STEERING CONTROL, SHUT OFF ENGINE, RESTARTED ENGINE, SEEMED TO OPERATE OK, DRIVER WARNED ONCOMING TRAFFIC OF STOPPED VEHICLE BY BLOWING HORN. DEALER HAS NOT DETERMINED PROBLEM. HOWEVER, INSTALLED NEW COMPUTER. *AK

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD:INNER
Summary: WHILE DRIVING INNER TIE ROD CONTROL ARM BROKE AT THE JOINT. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Date of Failure: 02/28/2001
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
Summary: POWER STEERING PUMP SEAL IS LEAKING FLUID. DEALER HAS REPAIRED VEHICLE.*AK *JB

Date of Failure: 07/15/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX
Summary: STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT TURNING PROPERLY. WHILE TURNING LEFT STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN BACK TO RIGHT. CONSUMER COULD ONLY STEER IN ONE DIRECTION. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS VERY UNSAFE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Date of Failure: 08/19/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: FRONT STEERING LOCKED-UP COULD TURN FRONT TO LEFT, CAR JURKED TO LEFT SO STRONG ON ITS OWN YOU COULD HAVE BROKEN YOUR WRIST. DUE DEFECTIVE RACK AND PINION AND ALTERNATOR, REPLACE

Date of Failure: 07/01/1997
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: BUSHING WITHIN RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY FAILED, STEERING BECAME LOOSE/UNSTABLE AND LOST CONTROL. *AK

Date of Failure: 02/27/1997
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY FAILED. NLM

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX
Summary: 12 SERVICE VISITS, SUSPENSION CONTROL ARMS, RACK AND PINION, STEERING GEAR BAD, BRAKE ROTORS WARPED. ALL HAVE BEEN REPLACED 2 TO 3 TIMES AND SEVERAL REAPIR ATTEMPTS WITH TAPE AND BUSHINGS. OTHER ITEMS AS WELL. *AK

Date of Failure: 03/23/1999
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: I WENT TO THE DEALERSHOP FOR COMPLAINTS OF SQUEAKING IN "TIRES" AND T2222HE UNDERCARRIAGE FELT LOSE OVER SMALL BUMPS. I GOT THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY REPLACED FOR $1,200 AND DECLINED THE OTHER REPAIRS AT THIS TIME. WITH THE CAR ONLY BEING 3 YEARS OLD, I SHOULDN'T HAVE ANY MAJOR REPAIRS! I HAVE ALREADY CONTACTED CUSTOMER SERVICE. WITH THE NEW STEERING ASSEMBLY, THE UNDERCARRIAGE STILL FEELS LOOSE. I CAN FEEL IT UNDER MY FEET. TO ADD TO THE PROBLEM, THE 1 AND 2 BLOWERS DON'T WORK! THEY WORKED FINE WHEN I FIRST TOOK THE CAR IN! WHEN IT CAME OUT OF THE SHOP, THEY DIDN'T WORK. I WILL CONTINUE TO GET THESE PROBLEMS SOLVED.2 *AK

Date of Failure: 04/19/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE COMPLETING LEFT TURN. *AK

Date of Failure: 02/18/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX
Summary: POWER STEERING SEEMED ROUGH BROUGHT CAR TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED BOX $689.00, I BROUGHT CAR IN FOR OIL CHANGE DEALER SAID IT NEEDED RACK AND PINION AND NEW LOWER CONTROL ARMS $2000.00 APPROX. I WAS DRIVING AND BATTERY LIGHT WENT ON BROUGHT TO A SHOP OPEN AT NIGHT NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY.I CONTACTED GM AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NO COMPLAINTS ON ANY OF THE FOLLOWING.I GUESS THEY LIED WITH ALL THE INFORMATION I HAVE FOUND.

Date of Failure: 08/03/2001
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST:HOSE:FLUID
Summary: THE RETURN LINE FOR THE POWER STEERING IS LOCATED RIGHT UNDER THE EXHAUST AND RESTS UPON IT. IT GOT HOT AND SUBSEQUENTLY MELTED A HOLE IN THE PRESSURIZED LINES CAUSING ALL THE FLUID TO LEAK OUT AND NOT HOLD ANY MORE FLUID.*AK

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING. NLM

Date of Failure: 08/01/1997
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, ALSO HEARD A CLICKING NOISE WHILE MAKING THE TURN, DEALER SAID MANUFACTER WAS WORKING ON BUILDING A NEW PINION, ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Date of Failure: 05/24/1998
Component: STEERING
Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE BRAKES AND STEERING ALL OF A SUDDEN LOCKED UP, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT HAD HAPPENED SO THEY WERE TRYING TO FIX THE COMPUTER. WHEN THE DRIVER DROVE AGAIN THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. *AK

Date of Failure: 10/18/1998
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST:HOSE:FLUID
Summary: CONSUMER EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH POWER STEERING HOSES NOT HOLDING UP PROPERLY. THE HOSES WERE REPLACED AND REPAIRED. BOTH TIMES THE HOSES FAILED TO HOLD, CAUSING STEERING LOCK UP DUE TO LOSS OF FLUID. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED AND WERE WILLING TO REPAIR UNTIL WARRANTY RAN OUT. *AK

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX
Summary: A MALFUNCTION OCCURS WITHIN THE STEERING GEAR BOX, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP AND LOSE CONTROL CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Date of Failure: 04/18/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE TURNING LEFT VEHICLE STEERING LOCKED UP CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO STOP VEHICLE. TOOK TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID RACK AND PINION STEERING WAS DEFECTIVE. *AK

Date of Failure: 12/15/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING BECAME NOISY WHEN MAKING A TURN AND DIFFICULT/HARD TO MANAGE. WITH LESS THAN 11000 MILES RACK AND PINION STEERING HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Date of Failure: 05/23/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: POWER STEERING FROZE DUE TO BROKEN RACK AND PINION ON THE XEPRESSWAY, WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY. *AK

Date of Failure: 06/14/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: LOST PARTIAL STEERING ABILITY WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. NO PREVIOUS WARNING OF A PROBLEM EXISTED. VERY SCARY TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. *AK

Date of Failure: 01/27/1999
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: POWER STEERING RACK HAD CONSTANT LEAK. YH

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN USE, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *AK

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: THE FRONT END LOCKED UP CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY DUE TO RACK AND PINION AND AIR BAG COIL FAILURE. *MJS

Date of Failure: 06/19/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: VEHICLE COULD NOT BE TURNED LEFT BECAUSE OF A CHIPPED GEAR IN THE RACK AND PINION UNIT. NLM

Date of Failure: 06/07/1999
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. AFTER VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED, DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE BEARING ON THE STEERING COLUMN "DISINTEGRATED" CAUSING THE SHAFT TO SLIP LOWER INTO THE RACK AND PINION. THIS CAUSED RACK AND PINION GEARS TO GO BAD.

Date of Failure: 08/01/1999
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: THIS FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A SUPERMARKET PARKING LOT. THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND HAD TO BE FORCEFULLY RIGHTED. THIS OCCURRED TWICE MORE AND THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT INTO A LOCAL SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. GM WAS NOTIFIED OF THE REPAI

Date of Failure: 12/28/1999
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE MAKING A ROUTINE RT TURN, THE GEAR ASSEMBLY OF THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY "BLEW-OUT". THIS EVENT LOCKED MY STEERING UP. NO WARRANTY IN PLACE TO RECOVER LOSS. BUT, THE NATURE OF THE EVENT WAS UNUSUAL. THAT IS, THE MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE GEAR(S)FRACTURING AND EXPLODING IT'S HOUSING CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING IS HIGHLY QUESTIONABLE? AT A HIGHER SPEED THIS WOULD HAVE CAUSE INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WITH 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCED INDICATED THAT HE HAS NEVER SEEN A RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY "BLOW-OUT" LIKE THE ONE I AM PRESENTING IN THIS CASE. THE SUPERVISOR MECHANIC FURTHER INDICATED, "THAT THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT". I HAVE THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN MY POSSESSION AND I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS CUSTOMER SERVICE (DOC# 000029454 GM). GM HAS DENIED MY REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT REGARDING THE REPAIR COSTS AND HAS INDICATED NO INTEREST IN HAVING GMC ENGINEERS LOOK AT THE FAILED SYSTEM. THIS IS A PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERN.I BELIEVE STRONGLY THAT A VALID LIABILITY DOES EXIST THAT AND THAT THERE IS A MFT DEFECT WITH THIS PRODUCT. I HAVE HIGH HOPES THAT YOU ALSO HAVE AN INTEREST IN MY CONCERN. I WILL WAIT FOR YOUR RESPONSE BEFORE I GO PUBLIC REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU, MIKE JOHNSON. *AK

Date of Failure: 08/01/1999
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING CRACKED. NO REASON FOR HAPPENING, JUST TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND HEAR A LOUD THUD. COULD NOT MAKE FULL TURNS.*AK

Date of Failure: 08/18/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX
Summary: STEERING GEAR SUDDENLY FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET; UNABLE TO TURN WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND MARKED DIFFICULTY TURNING WHEEL TO RIGHT. FORTUNATELY OLDSMOBILE DEALER ONE BLOCK AWAY WHO EVENTUALLY REPAIRED CAR.

Date of Failure: 09/16/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: VEHICLE BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER TO THE LEFT AT HIGHWAY SPEED. IT WAS SOMEWHAT INTERMITTENT BUT VERY PRONOUNCED DURING PARKING. REPLACED PUMP AND RACK/PINION.

Date of Failure: 09/16/2000
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST:PUMP
Summary: VEHICLE BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER TO THE LEFT AT HIGHWAY SPEED. IT WAS SOMEWHAT INTERMITTENT BUT VERY PRONOUNCED DURING PARKING. REPLACED PUMP AND RACK/PINION.

Date of Failure: 04/27/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: THE STEERING LOCKED-UP AND COULD NOT BE TURNED TO THE LEFT. DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE RACK AND PINION GEAR SYSTEM. EVEN THOUGH THE VAN WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, GM COVERED 50% OF THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL SITUATION.

Date of Failure: 04/22/2001
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: MY 19 YR OLD SON LOST ABLITY TO STEER THE VAN AFTER LEAVING THE PARKING LOT, AFTER A SOCCER GAME. THE CAR WOULD NOT STEER LEFT AND WAS HARD TO MAINTAIN DRIVING STRAIGHT WITH ANY TYPE OF CONTROL. THE VAN WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERS THE NEXT DAY. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VAN AND CONFIMN THE LOST OF STEERING. I AM UNDER THE IMPRESSION FROM THE DEALER THAT ALL THE STEERING UNIT NEED TO BE REPLACED . ALSO THE DEALER REPORTED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG COIL BROKE WHEN THE STEERING WENT OUT AND COULD HAVE CAUSED UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG. STEERING WAS REPAIRED UNDER EXTENTED WARRENTY. REPAIR TO DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG COIL WAS NOT UNDER WARRENTY AND PAID FOR BY CUSTOMER. ALL REPAIR HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.

Date of Failure: 09/10/1998
Component: STEERING
Summary: STEERING INTERMITTENTLY GRABBED/STUCK AND LOCKED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Date of Failure: 05/30/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE DRIVING RACK AND PINION STEERING BROKE IN HALF, CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK OUT. TENSIONER AND SERPENTINE BELT WERE DAMAGED. THIS ALLOWED STEERING WHEEL TO SPIN FREELY, BREAKING THE TAPE THAT CONNECTS TO AIRBAGS AND DISABLING AIR BAGS. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE. *AK *ML

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: END CAP AT END OF RACK AND PINION STEERING POPPED OUT, CAUSING STEERING TO LOCK UP WHILE MAKING A TURN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Date of Failure: 09/26/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK
Summary: WHILE GOING AROUND A CURVE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. VAN HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. A BROKEN STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY WAS FOUND. DEALERSHIP AND OWNER SPLIT REPAIR COST. *AK

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:WHEEL AND COLUMN
Summary: WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Date of Failure: 04/01/1999
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 TO 60 MPH WHEN POWER ASSISTED STEERING FAILED. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP, WHICH DETERMINED THAT A BRACKET BROKE LOOSE, CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL IN RACK AND PINION GEAR. CONSUMER COMPLAINED IS THAT VEHICLE WAS ABOUT READY TO EXPERIENCE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN DUE TO HANDLING AND STEERING VIBRATIONS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

Date of Failure: 06/01/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID IT WAS RACK AND PINION. *AK *SLC

Date of Failure: 08/18/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH IN A PARKING LOT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE, AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP SUDDENLY, PREVENTING CONSUMER FROM CONTROLLING DIRECTION OF VEHICLE. STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP AND RELEASE INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT RACK AND PINION STEERING BROKE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.*AK

Date of Failure: 10/08/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH STEERING WENT OUT. DEALER DETERMINED THAT RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Date of Failure: 10/23/1996
Component: STEERING
Summary: DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE SPEED CONTROL WAS SET AT 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL/ACCIDENT, VEHICLE HAS ABS BRAKES. *AK

Date of Failure: 03/28/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BINDING OF THE STEERING SYSTEM, POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED HOWEVER VEHICLE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE LOCK UP, FINAL REPAIR OF THE RACK AND PINION AND POWER STEERING PUMP. *MJS

Date of Failure: 02/01/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED. *SLC

Date of Failure: 09/17/1999
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: FAILURE OF RACK & PINION GEAR CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL ON VEHICLE

Date of Failure: 01/30/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: CAUSED LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND NEAR COLLISION. *AK

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING
Summary: STEERING FAILED. NLM

Date of Failure: 03/13/1997
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK
Summary: POWER STEERING RACK FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER WANTS TO BE COMPENSATED FOR REPAIR AND RENTAL CAR, WHINE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP. NLM

Date of Failure: 08/18/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE MAKING A LEFT DUE TO RACK AND PINION FAILURE. *YH

Date of Failure: 12/01/1998
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: RACK PINION STEERING BROKE, CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP, AND NO STEERING ABILITY AT ALL, WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING RACK AND PINION FAILED, CAUSING THE POWER STEERING ASSIST TO LOCK UP. OWNER HAD TO TURN VEHICLE OFF IN ORDER TO ROTATE STEERING WHEEL. *AK

Pontiac (83) (1 Injury)

Date of Failure: 11/09/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE LEAVING A PARKING LOT VEHICLE FAILS TO TURN TO LEFT. VEHICLE CAN TURN TO RIGHT, BUT STEERING WHEEL IS VERY HARD. OWNER BELIEVES THAT FAILURE WAS DUE TO RACK AND PINION. *AK *YD

Date of Failure: 02/04/2002
Component: STEERING:WHEEL AND COLUMN
Summary: WHILE DRIVING 20 TO 25 MPH STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP.WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL IT WILL LOCK UP. DEALER CONTACTED.*AK

Date of Failure: 03/24/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK
Summary: DUE TO FAULTY STEERING RACK, THE SYSTEM PROVIDED NO POWER ASSISTANCE DURING LEFT TURNS, THIS CONDITION WAS MOST NOTICEABLE AT SLOW SPEEDS AND WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS AT STOP LIGHTS IN TRAFFIC WHERE STEERING PERFORMANCE IS VERY IMPORTANT. NLM

Date of Failure: 11/18/1998
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR WARRANTY REPAIR 9 TIMES IN THE LAST 14 MONTHS IN AN EFFORT TO RESOLVE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST DURING LOW SPEED MANUEVERS. I'VE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU'S AUTO LINE PROGRAM AND HAVE FOLLOWED ALL OF THE RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES AS PRESCRIBED BY THE BETTER BUSINESS AND GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION. GENERAL MOTORS KEEPS OFFERING US A FREE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 100,000 MILES BUT HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE CAR. IT'S ALSO IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT WE HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE IN FOR WARRANTY REPAIRS 16 TIMES SINCE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN NEW, WITH THE CAR BEING TIED UP FOR SERVICE AN APPROXIMATE TOTAL OF OVER 60 DAYS. WE ARE AT OUR WITS END WITH GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION AND WHEN WE ASK THEM WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO TO FIX THE CAR THEY KEEP OFFERING US A FREE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I RECENTLY TOLD THEM THAT IT DID'NT MATTER HOW LONG THE WARRANTY WAS TO BE EXTENDED BECAUSE THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE CAR AND KEEP SIDE STEPPING THE ISSUE. WE NEVER KNOW WHEN THIS VEHICLE WILL LOSE ITS POWER STEERING ASSIST AND MY WIFE HAS COME CLOSE TO CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF LOSING THE POWER STEERING ON THREE INCIDENTS. *AK

Date of Failure: 05/08/2000
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY AND DURING MAKING 180 DEG LEFT TURN ON THE RAMP THE POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE HAS FAILED. IT REQUIRED EXTREME EFFORT TO CONTROL THE STEERING. WE HAVE NARROWLY ESCAPED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS WAS ONLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT I AM A STRONG INDIVIDUAL. IT STILL REQUIRED ME TO PULL ON THE WHEEL WITH A LOT OF FORCE AND VERY QUICKLY TO CONTROL IT. NORMALLY THIS CAR IS DRIVEN BY MY WIFE, WHO WOULD NOT BE BLE TO CONTROL IT, SHOULD SHE BE BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WAS A HORRIFYING EXPERIENCE. SPECIALLY THAT THERE WAS NO EARLY INDICATION OF THIS FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO RETURN TO ITS NEUTRAL POSITION BY ITSELF MAKING IT EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. IT WAS EITHER PURE LUCK OR GOD'S WILL THAT WE SURVIVE THIS ONE. TODAY I HAD THIS PROBLEM FIXED AT THE SCRANTON PONTIAC IN VERNON, CT AND WAS CHARGED A TOTAL OF $1,258.63 TO HAVE THE ENTIRE RACK ASSY REPLACED. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE INSTALLED REMANUFACTURED UNIT TELLING ME THAT THIS MUST BE A PERSISTENT PROBLEM SINCE THIS CAR AND THIS TYPE OF STEERING WAS INTRODUCED IN 1997. I HAVE FOUND SOME EVIDENCE OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON INTERNET. BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE I DO WORRY ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY WIFE FROM NOW ON. WHEN TRIED TO ASK THE DEALER TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE PONTIAC REP THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND HAS 68K, MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES. WE MOVED FROM FL TO CT LAST YEAR SO THE CAR WAS DRIVEN MOSTLY IN FL. PLEASE HELP PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN TO ANYBODY AND HAVE PONTIAC FIX THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T WANT ANYBODY TO GO THROUGH THIS AWFUL EXPERIENCE THAT ME AND MY WIFE HAVE EXPERIENCED. IF REQUESTED I WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A COPY OF THE DEALER INVOICE STATING THAT THE STEERING IS BINDING WHILE TURNING TO THE LEFT AND WHAT TYPE OF REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. *AK

Date of Failure: 05/07/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: THE CAR IS HARD TO TURN TO THE LEFT. THE RACK AND PINION WENT OUT. POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. THE MOTOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW WENT OUT. THE SEAT BELT LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN AFTER THE SEAT BELT IS BUCKLED. THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE AIR BAG WAS NOT DEPLOYED.

Date of Failure: 10/24/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: CANNOT TURN CAR LEFT DUE TO DEFECTIVE POWER STEERING RACK UNIT. THE CAR TURNS RIGHT JUST FINE. I COUNTED 17 OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM IN YOUR DATABASE. WHEN WILL PONTIAC ISSUE A BULLETIN???

Date of Failure: 08/01/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: I WAS BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE AND WENT TO STRAIGHTEN MY WHEELS BACK UP ONLY TO HERE A POP LIKE SOMETHING WAS BROKE AND THE WHEEL WAS REAL HARD TO TURN. I TURNED THE WHEEL BACK THE OTHER WAY AND IT BECAME EASY TO TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN SOMETIMES THEN EASY. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ALSO ABOUT 10-15 DEGREES OF CENTERED. I WENT TO THREE SHOPS AND NONE WERE ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT WAS WRONG. MY STEERING RACK AND PINION WENT COMPLETELY OUT AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. COST $1304. TO HAVE MINE REPLACED. LUCKILY I WAS TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY WHEN IT WENT OUT. POSITIVE BATTERY POST BROKE COMPLETELY OFF WHILE TESTING BATTERY. SOME ACID LEAKED IN BATTERY BAY.

Date of Failure: 09/27/2000
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO STEERING POWER ASSIST LOSS MAKING TURNS AT LOW SPEEDS ESPECIALLY LEFT TURNS. CAR SHUDDERS. OCCURRED ESPECIALLY IN COLD OPERATING CONDITIONS.*AK

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: THIS CAR HAS A SIGNIFICANT # OF SAFETY PROBLEMS THAT THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER HAVE REFUSED TO ADDRESS W/OUT SIGNIFICANT COST TO CONSUMER. UNTIL I SUSTAIN A SIGNIFICANT INJURY &/OR INJURE SOMEONE DUE TO THESE PRODUCT DEFECTS, I CAN NOT AFFORD A LEGAL CHALLENGE TO HAVE GM ADDRESS PROBLEMS, NOR CAN I BEAR COST. MY CAR IS AVAILABLE AS A SAMPLE OF THEIR JUNK! (SIGNED;CLAIMS ADJUSTER). NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK

Date of Failure: 02/22/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE TURNING VECHICLE LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE. VECHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE RACK & PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN EXPENSE OF $1115.00. THIS IS AN EXTRIMLEY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND FROM LOOKING IN THE NHTSA DATABASE IT APPEARS THAT IT IS HAPPENING ALLOT. I URGE YOUR AGENCY TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. *AK

Date of Failure: 04/15/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: LOSS OF POWER STEERING, HARD TO TURN TO THE LEFT - DEALER REPLACED RACK AND PINION UNDER 50-50 WARRANTY PROGRAM

Date of Failure: 11/01/2001
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: NO POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING RIGHT. VERY SCARY!!. *AK

Date of Failure: 11/01/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT. RACK WAS REPLACED. *AK

Date of Failure: 12/15/2001
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN AND COMPLETE FAILURE OF MY STEERING SYSTEM AND NARROWLY ESCAPED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I CONTACED PONTIAC CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY HAVE BEEN TOTALLY UNHELPFUL. THIS RESULTED IN A $1200 OUT OF POCKET REPAIR. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THESE DEFECTIVE STEERING SYSTEMS OR PEOPLE WILL BE KILLED DUE TO THE SUDDEN NATURE OF THE FAILURE. I WILL CO-OPERATE FULLY WITH ANY FORMAL NHTSA INVESTIGATION IF IT LEADS TO A RECALL.*AK

Date of Failure: 12/21/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING WENT OUT IN PARKING LOT. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT, BUT TURNING RIGHT SEEMS NORMAL. SINCE STEERING WENT OUT THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOW OFF CENTER TO THE LEFT.*AK

Date of Failure: 06/22/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 1997 GRAND PRIX ON THE HIGHWAY AND WENT O MAKE A LANE CHANGE TO THE LEFT. THE STEERING WENT OUT AND THE CAR WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE SLOWER THE SPEED OF THE CAR, THE MORE DIFFICULT IT WAS TO STEER. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RACK AND PINION SEIZED. THE COST TO FIX THIS WAS $1300 PLUS. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN DEFECT AND LEADS TO VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE BY THE MANUFACTURER (REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIR?). I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT INFORM OWNERS OF PROBLEMS LIKE THIS. HOPEFULLY YOUR AGENCY CAN HELP.*AK

Date of Failure: 06/22/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 1997 GRAND PRIX ON THE HIGHWAY AND WENT O MAKE A LANE CHANGE TO THE LEFT. THE STEERING WENT OUT AND THE CAR WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE SLOWER THE SPEED OF THE CAR, THE MORE DIFFICULT IT WAS TO STEER. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RACK AND PINION SEIZED. THE COST TO FIX THIS WAS $1300 PLUS. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN DEFECT AND LEADS TO VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE BY THE MANUFACTURER (REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIR?). I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT INFORM OWNERS OF PROBLEMS LIKE THIS. HOPEFULLY YOUR AGENCY CAN HELP.*AK

Date of Failure: 04/05/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING - RACK & PINION FAILED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN - IT WAS VERY HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL SO THAT WE COULD CLEAR THE INTERSECTION. IT WAS ALSO DIFFICULT TO PARK THE VEHICLE. STEERING TO THE RIGHT WAS NORMAL. REPLACED RACK & PINION $780.54. HEADLIGHTS: MOISTURE BUILDUP IN FRONT HEADLAMPS. DEALER REPLACED SEALS 1/98 UNDER WARRANTY. ANOTHER MOISTURE PROBLEM DEVELOPED 3/99 -DEALER REPLACE BOTH HEADLAMPS. AIR CONDITIONER: SYSTEM FAILED ON7/01 - UNABLE TO ADJUST AIR FLOW AND AIR COULD BARELY BE FELT COMING FROM THE VENTS. DEALER FOUND THAT VAC LINE WAS SPLIT AT PUMP - $42.23 TO REPAIR. AIR SYSTEM FAILED AGAIN 6/99 - LOOSE VACUUM HOSE REPAIRED $21.59. AIR BAG INDICATOR COMES ON AND GOES OFF AT RANDOM. DEALER RAN A DIAGNOSTIC AND FOUND AN ERROR CODE, WHICH THEY CLEARED, BUT NO PROBLEM - ISSUE UNRESOLVED. REAR POWER WINDOWS FAILED - DEALER REPLACE REGULATOR ON BOTH REAR WINDOWS - COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. ALTERNATOR FAILED 10/01 - REPLACED $314.54

Date of Failure: 05/04/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: ON FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2001, THE RACK AND PINION ON MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX JAMMED UP AND CAUSED MY STEERING WHEEL TO FREEZE WHILE GOING AROUND A CORNER. DEALER CLAIMED PART WAS DEFECTIVE AND GMC DID NOT WANT TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. GM AND DEALER COVERED UP THE ISSUE, CONTAMINATING FLUID WHILE I WAS NOT AT DEALERSHIP. COMPLAINT FILED WITH ATTORNEY GENERAL'*AK

Date of Failure: 08/03/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX - RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY FAILED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THIS HAPPENED DURING NORMAL DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 35MPH + AND THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. TOOK PROBLEM TO DEALER AND MET EXTREME RESISTANCE. PONTIAC DOESN'T STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT.*AK

Date of Failure: 01/04/2002
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: CAR SUDDENLY BECAME HARD TO STEER. FELT AS THOUGH POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LOW. DEALER SAYS STEERING RACK AND PINION NEEDS REPLACING. $600 PART FROM G.M. I' M NOT HAPPY.

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, I TRIED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE STEERING BEGAN TO TIGHTEN UNTIL IT WAS ALMOST UNABLE TO ROTATE. IT IS NOT AS DIFFICULT TO TURN AT HIGH SPEEDS, YET IT IS STILL VERY RESISTANT. THE STEERING HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET DUE TO FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES. TO TURN THE WHEELS AT A STAND STILL IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. I AM STRONGER THAN THE AVERAGE MALE (220LBS. 5'11"). MY WIFE IS UNABLE TO MOVE IT. I SAW AN ARTICLE IN THE USA TODAY THAT MENTIONED THAT YOU WERE INVESTIGATING REPORTS OF THIS SITUATION OCCURING IN SPECIFICALLY, THE 1997 GRAND PRIX. I WOULD VERY MUCH APPRECIATE IT IF YOU COULD CONTACT ME SO THAT I MAY ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS AND ALSO KEEP ME UPDATED ON WHETHER THIS REPAIR WILL BE COVERED BY THE OEM.*AK

Date of Failure: 08/02/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT RETURN TO CENTER AFTER TURNING. THEN IT STARTED TO LOCK UP COMPLETELY. THEN WE REPLACED THE STEERING RACK AND PINION. *AK

Date of Failure: 10/01/2001
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: POWER STEERING LOSS WHEN TURNING, STEERING WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT IS LOCKING CAUSING DRIVER TO OVERCOMPENSATE.*AK

Date of Failure: 12/20/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: ENTIRE RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM REPLACED AT MY COST OF $829.00 ON JANUARY 3, 2002. DEALER INDICATED SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH PONTIACS AND GMC MODELS. I HAVE WRITTEN TO GMC CUSTOMER CARE CENTER REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT.*AK

Date of Failure: 01/28/2002
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK
Summary: WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN THE STEERING RACK FAILED CAUSING MY CAR TO CRASH. GM UNWILLING TO DISCUSS ISSUE.*AK

Date of Failure: 08/03/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING GRADUALLY BEGAN LOCKING UP ON TURNS, SO WE WERE FORTUNATE TO DISCOVER THE PROBLEM BEFORE IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Date of Failure: 01/10/2002
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHEN STEERING SHARPLY TO THE LEFT,,,THE CAR WOULD FIGHT THE INPUT TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR AFTER THE TURN...SO WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AFTER A SHARP TURN TO THE LEFT,,THE STEERING WOULD BECOME VERY STIFF, ALMOST LIKE REVERTING TO MANUAL STEERING AND NOT POWER STEERING. BECAME DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF THE DRIVER INPUT NEEDED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TRY TO STOP YOUR INPUT OF A TURN. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF INVOLVED IN A MANEUVER TO AVOID SOMETHING IN ROAD. HAD TO HAVE STEERING RACK REPLACED. THANK YOU. *AK

Date of Failure: 10/31/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AT LOW SPEEDS (APPROX 20- 30 MPH) THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THIS ALMOST RESULTED IN A HEAD-ON CRASH, SINCE I WAS UNABLE TO PROPERLY MAKE MY LEFT TURN. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP, WHERE I LEARNED THAT THE RACK AND PINION FAILURE WAS BECOMING A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DESCRIBE THE PROBLEMS I WAS HAVING WITH THE CAR PERFECTLY. AFTER PAYING APPROXIMATELY $1700 TO HAVE THE PARTS TOTALLY REPLACED, THE CAR NOW WORKS FINE.*AK

Date of Failure: 07/10/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE MAKING A LEFT-HAND TURN INTO OFFICE PARKING LOT ON 07-03-2000 I FELT THE SNAP OF SOMETHING BREAKING IN THE STEERING. I TOOK THE CAR TO LOCAL TIRE CENTER AND THEY VISUALLY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. ONE WEEK LATER TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON IL 394 GOING OVER THE BRIDGE THAT TURNS LEFT TO MERGE ONTO 94 NORTHBOUND THE STEERING WENT COMPLETELY OUT! I HAD TO MUSCLE IT TO KEEP THE CAR FROM HITTING CONCRETE WALL. DEALER SAID A SHAFT BROKE INSIDE THE POWER-STEERING RACK. PROBABLY BROKE 3/4 WHEN I NOTICED AND THE REST OF THE WAY WHEN I WENT OVER BRIDGE. DEALER FIXED FOR 1170.96 -NO WARRENTY COVERAGE- REPLACED ENTIRE POWER STEERING RACK.

Date of Failure: 12/15/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: THE STEERING STARTED TO LOCK UP WHILE TURNIG TO THE LEFT AND THEN THE WHEEL WOULD NOT RETURN TO CENTER AFTER MAKING A TURN WITHOUT ACTUALY TURING THE WHEEL BACK. I'M NOT SURE HOW LONG THE PROBLEM WAS THERE BEFORE WE STARTED NOTICING THE STEERING DIFFICULTY BUT THE FLUID WAS REALLY CONTAMINATED FROM THE RACKS FAILURE THUS RUINING THE POWER STEERING PUMP ALSO. WE HAVE HAD BOTH REPLACED BUT THE MAGNA/STEER IS STILL INOPERABLE, THEY ARE GOING TO INSTALL ANOTHER RACK AND PINION. WHEN THESE RACKS FAIL IT IS VERY DANGEROUS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORT. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF PONTIAC WILL REMBURSE US FOR THIS FAILURE, WE HAVE OVER A $1,000. IN IT AND IT'S STILL NOT RIGHT. AGAIN THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

Date of Failure: 12/15/2001
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST:PUMP
Summary: THE STEERING STARTED TO LOCK UP WHILE TURNIG TO THE LEFT AND THEN THE WHEEL WOULD NOT RETURN TO CENTER AFTER MAKING A TURN WITHOUT ACTUALY TURING THE WHEEL BACK. I'M NOT SURE HOW LONG THE PROBLEM WAS THERE BEFORE WE STARTED NOTICING THE STEERING DIFFICULTY BUT THE FLUID WAS REALLY CONTAMINATED FROM THE RACKS FAILURE THUS RUINING THE POWER STEERING PUMP ALSO. WE HAVE HAD BOTH REPLACED BUT THE MAGNA/STEER IS STILL INOPERABLE, THEY ARE GOING TO INSTALL ANOTHER RACK AND PINION. WHEN THESE RACKS FAIL IT IS VERY DANGEROUS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORT. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF PONTIAC WILL REMBURSE US FOR THIS FAILURE, WE HAVE OVER A $1,000. IN IT AND IT'S STILL NOT RIGHT. AGAIN THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

Date of Failure: 09/07/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT RACK AND PINION GEAR ASSEMBLY AND HOSES FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK UP WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *TT

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING
Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED STEERING UNEXPECTEDLY LOCKS UP, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Date of Failure: 11/01/2001
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: VEHICLE IS VERY HARD TO STEER IN EITHER DIRECTION. VEHICLE NOT TAKEN TO DEALER YET.*AK

Date of Failure: 01/02/1999
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING STARTED LEAKING TO WHERE FLUID WAS RUNNING OUT OF VEHICLE. HAD RACK AND PINION REPLACED. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THEY HAD NO RECORDS OF PREMATURE FAILURES. PLEASE ADD VIN . *AK

Date of Failure: 01/01/2001
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: PE-01038; STEERING WHEEL BECOMES DIFFICULT TO STEER. POWER ASSIST FELLS LIKE IT'S MISSING. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. *AK

Date of Failure: 01/05/2002
Component: STEERING
Summary: IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTION OF VEHICLE BY THE DEALER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT STEERING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

Date of Failure: 08/22/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER DUE TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID. DEALER HAS REPLACED RACK AND PINION. *AK THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP ALL OF A SUDDEN AND BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER, ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING THE WHEELS. *YH

Date of Failure: 08/22/2001
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER DUE TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID. DEALER HAS REPLACED RACK AND PINION. *AK THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP ALL OF A SUDDEN AND BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER, ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING THE WHEELS. *YH

Date of Failure: 08/22/2001
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST:RESERVOIR:FLUID
Summary: STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER DUE TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID. DEALER HAS REPLACED RACK AND PINION. *AK THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP ALL OF A SUDDEN AND BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER, ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING THE WHEELS. *YH

Date of Failure: 11/30/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN POWER STEERING WHEEL BECOMES EXTREMELY HARD TO MANEUVER DUE TO A MALFUNCTION WITHIN RACK AND PINION STTERING PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Date of Failure: 01/08/2002
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: CONSUMER IS AFRAID THAT RACK AND PINION STEERING WILL LOCK UP. CONSUMER HAS NOT YET HAD A PROBLEM, BUT IS AFRAID IT WILL LOCK UP WHILE SHE IS DRIVING ALONG. *AK

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING
Summary: WHILE DRIVING LOST COMPLETE STEERING ABILITY, STEERING WOULD NOT TURN LEFT OR WRIGH. COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Date of Failure: 11/21/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE TURNING VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC DETERMINED RACK AND WAS CAUSED PROBLEM.*AK

Date of Failure: 12/01/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE DRIVING, STEERING LOCKED UP AND WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN LEFT. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND REPLACED RACK AND PINION.*AK

Date of Failure: 01/01/2002
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING STEERING FROZE UP. ONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MANAGE STEERING WHEEL MANUALLY. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

Date of Failure: 02/20/2002
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: CONSUMER WAS MAKING A TURN AND HAD SOME TROUBLE WITH STEERING. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT RACK AND PINION WAS DEFECTIVE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK

Date of Failure: 08/24/1997
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING FELT LOOSE, AND WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT A SQUEALING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN DUE TO A FAULTY RACK AND PINION. THE STEERING RACK AND PINION IS BEING REPLACED. *AK *JB

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHEN MAKING TURNS DEFECTIVE RACK AND PINION STEERING IS CAUSING STEERING TO LOCK UP WITHOUT WARNING, BUT EVENTUALLY WILL REGAIN STEERING. *AK

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING COMPLETELY BROKE AND FROZE WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN.COSNUMER WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE POSITION BY JERKING STEERING REAL HARD. CAUSE WAS UNKNOWN. MINUTES PRIOR TO INCIDENT, CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING NOISE. *AK

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: MALFUNCTION OCCURRED WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING, CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Date of Failure: 12/11/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: LOSS OF STEERING WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER, AND INFORMED OF A RACK AND PINION FAILURE. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND AGREED TO ALLOW DEALER TO REPAIR AT HALF COST TO CONSUMER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

Date of Failure: 02/22/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 5 MPH LOST ALL POWER, STEERING RACK AND PINION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED

Date of Failure: 02/21/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK
Summary: WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THERE WAS A NOISE, SOUNDED AS IF VEHICLE WENT OVER A POTHOLE IN THE ROAD. SHE WENT TO MAKE A TURN, AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT TURN. DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT A CAP FELL OFF IN STEERING TUBE, ALLOWING BALL BEARINGS TO FALL OUT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.*AK CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD MORE STEERING ABILITY WHILE IN REVERSE, DEALER REPLACED POWER STEERING RACK. *SLC

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 40MPH ON A SLIGHT CURVE STEERING WENT OUT ON VEHICLE. DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND HIT A GUARDRAIL. RACK AND PINION HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Date of Failure: 09/17/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING LOCKED UP. CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP AND STARTED TO TURN RIGHT AND STEERING WHEEL STUCK IN TURN POSITION. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED HAD TO REPLACE RACK AND PINION STEERING. *AK

Date of Failure: 11/25/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: PE 01 038/STEERING RACK AND PINION: WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH OR LESS, STEERING HAD LOCKED UP. VEHICLE TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT SHOP, AND LEARNED OF A RACK AND PINION FAILURE. *AK *JB

Date of Failure: 02/28/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK
Summary: FAILURE RESULTED IN NO POWER ASSIST WHILE TURNING LEFT, BUT NORMAL POWER ASSIST WHILE TURNING RIGHT. DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY PRECISE FAILURE WITHIN SYSTEM. REPAIR MADE BY REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE STEERING RACK. REPAIR COST WAS $1,033. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER UNWILLING TO DISCUSS WARRANTY CONSIDERATION, CITING FACT THAT VEHICLE WAS 2 MONTHS AND 8,000 MILES BEYOND STANDARD WARRANTY PERIOD. *AK

Date of Failure: 02/01/1999
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING TO THE LEFT STARTED TO GET BAD AT 38,000 MILES. NOW THE CAR LOCKS UP AT ALL MOST EVERY LEFT HANDED TURN WAS ALMOST HIT 2 TIMES. NOT GOOD!

Date of Failure: 09/12/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY SHAFT BROKE IN HALF, RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. *AK

Date of Failure: 05/04/2001
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD:INNER
Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 60MPH CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE WENT OFF OF FREEWAY AND IMPACTED A CEMENT BARRIER. INSURANCE ADJUSTER AND DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT INNER TIE ROD SHEARED OFF WHICH CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *THE MECHANIC AT DEALERSHIP REFERRED TO 4 PREVIOUS INCIDENTS WHICH RESULTED IN DEATHS BECAUSE OF THIS.*AK *JB

Date of Failure: 06/14/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND INFORMED THAT RACK AND PINION STEERING WAS BROKEN ,AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *AK A NUT HAD BROKEN ON THE BOTTOM OF THE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM CAUSING IT TO FALL APART, THE AIR BAG COIL WAS TWISTED ALSO CAUSING A BIND UP IN THE STEERING WHEEL. *SLC

Date of Failure: 08/16/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING FAILED AND LOCKED UP WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DUE TO FAILURE OF RACK AND PINION STEERING. TOTAL FAILURE OF STEERING.*AK

Date of Failure: 06/14/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND INFORMED THAT RACK AND PINION STEERING WAS BROKEN ,AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *AK A NUT HAD BROKEN ON THE BOTTOM OF THE RACK AND PINION SYSTEM CAUSING IT TO FALL APART, THE AIR BAG COIL WAS TWISTED ALSO CAUSING A BIND UP IN THE STEERING WHEEL. *SLC

Date of Failure: 09/28/2000
Component: STEERING:WHEEL AND COLUMN
Summary: STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP DURING CURVE, UNABLE TO TURN WHEEL, VAN CRACHED INTO CANAL. IS CONSIDERED TOTALED BY INSURANCE. *AK

Date of Failure: 11/01/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: A PIN FELL OFF FROM RACK AND PINION STEERING WHILE TRAVELING AT 25 MPH. CONSUMER COULD NOT MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE.*AK

Date of Failure: 10/23/1999
Component: STEERING:WHEEL AND COLUMN
Summary: WHILE MAKING A TURN STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND WENT TO THE RIGHT AND LOCKED UP. THE DEALER IS INSPECTING AND REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. *AK

Date of Failure:
Component: STEERING:WHEEL AND COLUMN
Summary: UPON TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT TRAVELING 10-15 MPH, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. CONSUMER CONTACTED T DEALER, DELAER REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Date of Failure: 01/14/2000
Component: STEERING:POWER ASSIST
Summary: RACK AND PINION POWER STEERING MECHANISM DISINTEGRATED WITHOUT WARNING, FAILURE OF POWER STEERING PUMP. CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. DEALER HAS REPAIRED VEHICLE. *AK *ML

Date of Failure: 08/16/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: STEERING FAILED AND LOCKED UP WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DUE TO FAILURE OF RACK AND PINION STEERING. TOTAL FAILURE OF STEERING.*AK

Date of Failure: 10/06/2000
Component: STEERING
Summary: WHILE PULLING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY STEERING WILL WOULD NOT TURN TO LEFT, BUT IT WOULD TURN TO THE RIGHT. CONSUMER FEELS HE WAS LUCKY THERE WAS NOT ANY TRAFFIC, VEHICLE COULD HAVE CRASHSED.*AK THE CONSUMER THINKS THAT THE STEERING PROBLEM IS DUE TO DEFECT. *YH

Date of Failure: 09/28/2000
Component: STEERING:WHEEL AND COLUMN
Summary: WHILE MAKING A TURN STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, CAUSING A COLLISION WHICH TOTALLED THE VEHICLE.*AK

Date of Failure: 01/01/2001
Component: STEERING:WHEEL AND COLUMN
Summary: CONSUMER WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND COULDN'T TURN IT. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK

Date of Failure: 09/05/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH CONSUMER TRIED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN. ONLY ABLE TO GO STRAIGHT OR MAKE RIGHT HAND TURNS. DEALER REPLACED RACK AND PINION.*AK

Date of Failure: 11/21/2001
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING BROKE WHILE BACKING OUT, VEHICLE STARTED TO HESITATE, AND THEN ALL POWER STEERING FLUID RAN OUT. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT CONSUMER NEEDED TO REPLACE RACK AND PINION. PLEASE ADD VIN . *AK

Saab (0)

Saturn (1)

Date of Failure: 03/01/2000
Component: STEERING:GEAR:RACK AND PINION
Summary: AS OF TODAY'S DATE, 7/12/00 THE SATURN AUTO IS WITH THE DEALER IN SANTA ANA, CA. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK

The above list was compiled for the following article: GM Vehicles Steering locks while driving.