NHTSA — Steering: Rack And Pinion Problems

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (Page 3 of 7)

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
7 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 2
Average Mileage:
15,570 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.

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix steering problems

steering problem

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1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner Comments (Page 3 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #90

Feb 232003

Grand Prix

  • miles

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

The vehicle still experienced steering problems after the recall was performed, recall #02V286000.

- Lebanon, OH, USA

problem #89

Feb 212003

Grand Prix

  • miles
NHTSA#02-V-286-000 the vehicle only turned to the right when driving. Recall work performed, but now the problem is worse.

- Salisbury, MA, USA

problem #88

Aug 021999

Grand Prix 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,995 miles
The rack and pinion in my 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix is not allowing me to turn left with the assistance of power steering. There was a recall on a lower pinion bearing, which I had replaced. The problem still exists after all of the recall repairs were finished. I believe that when the lower pinion bearing went out it caused more damage to the steering rack.

- Reese, MI, USA

problem #87

Jan 092003

Grand Prix 6-cyl

  • miles

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

NHTSA#02-V-286-000 rack and pinion bearing in the power and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs where not crimped properly, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turn and back down as the steering wheel is moved back. Consumer stated experienced the same problem with his vehicle. Manufacturer was notified and stated they had no knowledge of recall.

- Pewaukee, WI, USA

problem #86

Dec 182002

Grand Prix 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles
I was doing some research on campaign number 02V286000. I am being told by the manufacturer that my vehicle is not affected by this recall. My VIN is [xxx]. I am concerned because my vehicle is having the same symptoms that the campaign describes. It is of my opinion that the safety of my vehicle has degraded greatly do to the fact that I am unable to steer the vehicle accurately when in operation. I would ask that you would research my problem and give any assistance possible. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Fairview Heights, IL, USA

problem #85

Nov 222002

Grand Prix

  • miles
The power steering failed as I attempted a left hand turn. The dealer has corrected the problem but at a cost of $1200 to me. This cost included the replacement of the water pump and 60,000 mile inspection. Although I was not injured or caused property damage, the failure of the power steering is incredibly dangerous.

- Portland, MI, USA

problem #84

Jun 302002

Grand Prix

  • miles

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

I have located the vehicle in question. I hadn't reported anything because their was no recall until 11/06/02.

- Steele, MO, USA

problem #83

Nov 102002

Grand Prix

  • miles
Consumer stated having the same problems as recall#02V286000 rack and pinion. Dealer will not repair because VIN number is not included.

- Malakoff, TX, USA

problem #82

Nov 082002

Grand Prix

  • miles
Consumer stated having the same problems as recall#02V286000 rack and pinion. Dealer will not repair because VIN number is not included.

- Foresthill, NY, USA

problem #81

Nov 122002

Grand Prix

  • miles
Power steering fails while backing out of home driveway. Full power assist while turning to the right, but no power assist turning left. No warning lamps indicated on dashboard. Steering seems harder to turn than if no assist at all. Not safe for driving will have to be towed or followed by another car to dealership for repair.

- Warren, MI, USA

problem #80

Jan 142000

Grand Prix

  • miles

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

3 steering racks, 2 power steering pumps out of pocket expense $1594.98. Prior to fixing by king motors.

- Wilton Manors, FL, USA

problem #79

Oct 252002

Grand Prix

  • miles
Attempting to make left turn, lost atleast 1/2 of turn capability.

- Wichita, KS, USA

problem #78

Oct 192002

Grand Prix

  • miles
Steering fails when making left turns, have had a problem with the serpentine belt, which I have just learned was a result of my rack going bad. Can not turn to the left now, and steering wheel stays "cock-eyed" when driving, instead of in the middle. Very difficult for me to handle, and I am scared too being 4 mths pregnant and also having a 2 yr old in the back seat. Am curious if GM is addressing this problem, because I read numerous complaints about the same thing on your web site! to top it off I can't even find a replacement part nearby!! please inform me if there is anything further I can do to possibly get this recalled! it is not safe!

- East Palestine, OH, USA

problem #77

Oct 022002

Grand Prix

  • miles
No summary.

- Vacaville, CA, USA

problem #76

Oct 122002

Grand Prix

  • miles
Mr

- Wheaton, MD, USA

problem #75

Oct 152002

Grand Prix 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer states while driving steering wheel became tight, then w/O warning the steering wheel snapped and turned sharply to the left. Consumer lost control and ran off the road.

- Massapequa Park, NY, USA

problem #74

Jul 102002

Grand Prix 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,350 miles
While driving the consumer noticed that the steering wheel would not turn. When the vehicle was serviced the technician noticed that the rack and pinion need to be replaced.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #73

Aug 232002

Grand Prix

  • miles
I was going to volleyball, doing 70mph when the steering locked up. Luck me I was close to the tee intersection of hwy E and I was able to slow down and turn to the right and stop on the shoulder. I got out and looked around, but nothing when I started it again no problem all weekend. But it happened again Sunday night and ever since. Almost impossiable to steer the wheel left but no problem steering right. My shop guy said it was the rack, he said he's seen about 5 of these in the past 2 years.

- Marshfield, WI, USA

problem #72

Aug 092001

Grand Prix

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Steering went out as wife was leaving drive--would turn to right with little effort but not to the left--problem was rack & pinion---fuel relay went bad had to replace at 48600 miles

- Holly, MI, USA

problem #71

Aug 072002

Grand Prix

  • miles
For several months felt the steering of vehicle getting very stiff. Had it checked out several times and nothing wrong. Made a sharp turn on 8/7/02 into working parking lot and had almost no power steering. Vehicle was having problems the rest of the day and time until I got it into a automotive shop to find out what was wrong.

- Laporte, IN, USA

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