Car went out of control after driver put the car into gear to move it from a parked, idling position, after noticing a burning like odor. It was noted by the driver at that time that the temperature gauge was in the red zone. When the driver attempted to move the car to a safer parking area only a few feet in distance, she heard a sharp snapping sound and also felt a vibration in the steering wheel/column area. The car suddenly lurched forward, the head lights and dash lighting went completely out as the car began accelerating out of control. In addition, there was no steering or brake control. No work has been done yet to correct these problems because an insurance company is involved.

- Frederick, MD, USA

: the contact stated while driving 60 mph while applying brake pressure the steering column made a grinding noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. They determined the steering column needed to be lubricated or replaced however no repairs were made. The manufacturer was not alerted.

- Junction City, KS, USA

The contact heard a cracking sound coming from steering column. He has not taken the vehicle to a service dealer to be checked. The sound would be more evident if the wheel was turning. He has not contacted the manufacturer. The noise has been heard for the past couple of years.

- Mccoll, SC, USA

Clunk noise from front of vehicle during driving, also can feel it in steering wheel. Dealer fixed it in Sept 2003, said there was a service bulletin, but would just grease the steering wheel first to see if it will fix it. It did but now it is back, and of course not in warranty.

- Naperville, IL, USA

Intermediate steering shaft knocking on applying the brakes, accelerating and making a turn.

- Elm City, NC, USA

There is a clunking sound in the steering system when turning. I can feel some vibration in the steering wheel.

- Orangevale, CA, USA

Clunks, thunks and pops felt through steering column while accelerating or decelerating. Most noticeable at low speeds. I'm in germany (army) with the car. We use aafes. They could not diagnose problem, though they did confirm its existence in Mar '03. German mechanic diagnosed lower ball joint on right side. Aafes replace lower ball joints on both sides. That fixed the ball joints which had gone bad at 37,000 miles (out of warranty). Still feel clunks, thunks, and pops through steering column. Suspect intermediate steering shaft lubrication problem. Will take to opel for inspection.

- Apo, NY, USA

I have a 2000 Impala VIN# [xxx]. I have been hearing a noise from the steering column and everytime I push the gas the steering wheel turns to the left. It is not my alignment because I had gotten it realigned and I can feel it when I brake as well. It is hard to turn the steering wheel because of this problem. Also my low tire pressure light will not go off even when it is programmed to go off manually it still stays on. I was told I need a new ebcsm. I just bought this car and am still paying on it. I heard others with the same model and yr have the same troubles with the steering. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Clarksville, TN, USA

Consumer states each time she drives her auto she hears a knocking noise. Consumer took auto to the dealer three times, twice she was told that they could not duplicate the noise, and could find nothing wrong with the auto. The third time they heard the knocking and was told that it was her steering shaft. She states that this noise starts while she is turning her auto right or left, or even parking.

- Kingsburg, CA, USA