NHTSA — Steering: Rack And Pinion Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,442 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Buick Century steering problems

steering problem

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1998 Buick Century Owner Comments

problem #6

Jul 192005

Century 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1998 Buick Century steering failed & cannot turn left event happened at low speed in parking lot and no damage resulted. Dealer will not cover repair of vehicle with a 'w' designation. Although there is evidence that they to have same steering related defects as cars that received recall or service bulletin.

- Antioch, IL, USA

problem #5

Jul 012003

Century 6-cyl

  • 51,000 miles
While driving less than 5 mph and turning left into a parking space, the vehicle lost power. This made it hard to steer and turn the vehicle. Once the vehicle was inspected, the consumer was informed that rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced.

- Inverness, FL, USA

problem #4

Nov 032003

Century 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,650 miles
While driving at either slow speed, and/or fast speed, it feels as though the power steering fails. This has occurred while changing lanes on the highway as well as making slow turns in the neighborhood. I have made sure my power steering level is full to the proper level several times, and have adjusted it at once.

- Portage, IN, USA

problem #3

Oct 092002

(reported on)

Century

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consumer states while making a left turn without any indication steering wheel locked up causing consumer unable to steer. Dealer and manufacturer has been contacted.

- Mt Morris, MI, USA

problem #2

Jul 291999

Century

  • miles
This is the 2D time this component has had to be replaced--

- Commerce Twp., MI, USA

problem #1

Oct 051998

Century

  • miles
I was driving approx. 15 mph down driveway at work-car oversteered crashing into side of building-impact so intense my head hit rearview mirror, breaking it and windshield. Entire underside of car (frame, tie rod, suspension, etc.) is damaged. Nationwide ins. Investigator provided me with a copy of GM monthly newsletter issued 11/17/97 regarding power steering fluid leak from magnasteer acutator pigtail area for 1998 w, C, G &H body vehicles. The leak originates from the wiring harness for the magna steer actuator, causing vehicle to oversteer. The correction suggested is to replace the rack and pinion steering gear and follow up with vme product report. My car has been at cook Buick every 3000 to 3500 miles for routine maintenance, including fluid level checks, and this was never caught. According to the insurance investigator, my car has been leaking for approximately 6 months. Had I been going any faster when this happened, I would not be here to tell you this! I complained to Buick customer service - reference no. 980168019 and I got nowhere. They say the leak in the rack & pinion steering gear was caused by the accident! my insurance investigator has pictures that prove otherwise.

- Commerce Township, MI, USA

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