I'm getting a "pop" and "klunk" in the front end. I was told by an independent service person that the rack and pinion was going bad. I have talked to my local GM dealer, and they have told me that they don't have a recall or service bulletin on it. My car has only 45K on it, hard to believe that something important as steering is going bad in less than 50,000 miles. I don't feel like I have to replace it at my expense, when it seems to be a factory defect.

- Owensboro, KY, USA

1) there's a known problem with the intermediate steering shaft on most w, J, and G platform General Motors vehicles. In as little as 15-20K miles, the steering will get sloppy and will "klunk" on low speed steering maneuvers, and will also "klunk" on acceleration and braking. ) in some cases, the steering shaft will bind up or break, resulting in steering failure. There are documented cases of this happening in police equipped Impala vehicles. 3) in my case, the dealership "lubed" the steering shaft. Rather than replace the faulty part, GM advices to inject a syringe of grease into the yoke of the shaft, and place the part back into the vehicle. 10-15K miles later, the problem returns. I've twice had my steering shaft lubed for this problem. GM has just recently developed a redesigned part, but availability is severely limited, and the cost of replacement is placed on the vehicle owner if outside the warranty period (3year/36000 miles.

- Sandusky, MI, USA

Car was purchased used in 2002 with 33000 on it. One month later, a popping/clicking sound began in the steering wheel column, and the steering wheel did not move smoothly when in turning motions. Taken to dealership, told the intermediate steering shaft needed lubrication. Replacement not recommended. Warranty covered. Two years later, problem came back, albeit far more severe this time. Immediately took to dealership and was told the intermediate steering shaft was coming apart and needed immediate replacement. Warranty had expired and Chevrolet would not cover. Went ahead with repair anyway because was extremely scared by the problem! have submitted formal complaint to Chevrolet of this problem and found many other complaints of the same problem. Am hoping Chevrolet will correct this design flaw.

- Houston, TX, USA

While driving at any speed and turning either to the right or left the vehicle made a loud clanking noise, the dealer inspected the V several times the steering shaft. However, the problem recurred.

- Randallstown, MD, USA

We own a 2001 Chevrolet Impala, VIN # [xxx], that was purchased new. We have been experiencing this clunk noise. The vehicle was taken in for repair, we were then advised it was the tires so we replaced the tires. This did not correct the issue. We took the vehicle back for repair and the left tie rod was replaced, this did not correct the issue. I have found that many other owners with this problem have been told it was their tires and also have had tie rods replaced. I searched the internet and found the subject tsb. I took the vehicle in for the repair called for in the tsb, lubrication of the steering intermediate shaft using lubrication kit # [xxx]. this repair lasted about 30 days. I have been advised that this is normal and since I have 38000 miles on my vehicle no coverage from Chevrolet is available. This defect has been known to Chevrolet since before July of 2002 when the tsb was issued. I feel that it is a safety issue involving the steering and Chevrolet should be responsible for correcting the issue at no cost to me. Updated 07/26/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Roseville, CA, USA

Intermediate steering shaft required replacement twice within the first 2 years of owning vehicle. Steering wheel rattle detected, feels like vibration in the front end while driving over bumps. Handling is not affected immediately, but potential loss of steering control if this breaks. Technician stated the grease dried out and would recur. This sounds like a potential recall, but Chevrolet has not responded with one as of this date.

- Biloxi, MS, USA

While driving a knocking noise was coming from the steering wheel. Driver took vehicle to the dealer for analysis. The mechanic noticed that the steering shaft needed greasing.

- Wellpinit, WA, USA

While driving vehicle steering shaft makes noise when turning vehicle. Dealer notified. Ts.

- Pearl River, LA, USA