Power steering gear broke which caused the steering wheel to bind while driving. The cause of the part breaking was undetermined. There was not a loss of fluid. The failure was an internal part of the steering gear.

- Dallas, TX, USA

While driving lost complete power steering and vehicle ran off the road. Dealer notified.

- Wilmington, NC, USA

Consumer states in cold weather, when turing the steering wheel there is a chattering noise and the wheel skakes, the pressure hose was replaced, however the problem was not resolved.

- Columbus, OH, USA

While reversing power steering unit shedded bolts, and the bolts fell off, resulting in loss of steering.

- Vinton, VA, USA

Wife has complained the steering at times would have no power steering. Every time I would go out and check the steering it was fine. This was going on for about a year. This car is my wifes and I rarely drive this car. On June 10, 2000, I drove the car on a 100 mile round trip with my family(wife, two boys age 12 and myself). 2 miles from the end of this trip while on a step grade at a rate of speed of 30 mph a vechicle ahead in same lane as me was turnig right into a driveway. The road allowed passing (dotted line). Anticipating to steer around the vehicle. When trying to steer left the steering became manual, no power assistance. All most in panic, turned the wheel hard (forcefull) and all of a sudden power assistance returned. Now compensating for over steering to the left tried to steer right only to have the same situation occur, no power assistance to the right. Turned hard to the right only to have the power assist resume. Asked my wife if this is what she had experienced. She said not to this extent. Idrove the car the rest of the way home (2 miles) without any other problems untill I tried to turn into my driveway. Again no power steering. Called the dealer made an appointment for as soon as I could get in. Did not drive the car again untill I brought to dealer. (June 14,2000). Dealer found an internal failure in the steering rack. I asked if Buick had a recall on this failed component. Dealer said not to his knowledge. Call the Buick hot line for costomer assistance and was told there was no recalls on this vehicle and they would not athorize the repair under Buick an dhtat is was responible for the repair. I explained to the representitive from Buick that I felt this was a safety issue. The safety feature on the vehicle had failed without warning. I asked if they felt the steerig of a vehicle or lack of the ability to steer the vehicle was not a serious safety issue. They would not comment, and would not cover the repair. Ran out of space.

- Pompey, NY, USA

While driving in rainy conditions power steering malfunctions, causing steering difficulty which may result in a crash. Dealer is aware of the problem, but has no solution.

- Lakeland, FL, USA