10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 1
- Average Mileage:
- 57,425 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
Over past few months vehicle has exhibited considerable play in steering when wheels are turned half-way to the left. When held in this position the steering wheel would oscillate left to right 1 to 2 inches. This morning while driving the vehicle I suddenly found it difficult to turn the wheel to the right. It was similar to a power steering failure. After a subsequent left turn the steering wheel re-centered itself to the left approximately. 20 degrees off-center. During the remainder of the drive the steering was erratic in turns. Alignment is fine. Power steering pump was replaced due to leaking 1 year ago. Vehicle receives regular maintenance per manufacturer's guidelines. The steering failure is consistent with defect described in recall 02-V-286-000. Reported this to GM and was informed that by the VIN the vehicle is not subject to this recall, and that due to the age and mileage there is no reimbursement for repair costs. I work with the auto industry and I am familiar with the common practice of parts substitution or "approved engineering deviations". while GM may not show the defective rack & pinion bearing assembly on the bill of material for the 1997 Lumina, it is evident from the number of complaints reported that several of the model year '97 Lumina's were manufactured with the defective assembly. At the least GM should recall the 1997 Lumina's for dealer inspection and repair those with defective bearing assemblies.
- Lakeville, MN, USA
While driving, the lower pinion bearing in the power steering gear separated and the consumer loss control of the vehicle when she attempted to turn right or left. Consumer was told the manufacturer issued a recall on certain 1996,19997 and 1998 Pontiac, Grand Prix/sunfire and trans am vehicles regarding the power steering gear separation. Consumer wanted to know if her vehicle was included under the recall since it experienced the same problem.
- Batavia, OH, USA
The consumers vehicle experienced symptoms of NHTSA recall # 02-V-286-000 which states that certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. The consumers vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
- Leeds, NY, USA
The rack and pinion had to be replaced, and the consumer requested reimbursement.
- Hogansburg, NY, USA
The rack and pinion had to be replaced on the vehicle.
- Akron, NY, USA
The vehicle experienced the same problem with the rack and pinion as stated in recall # 02 V 286 000, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall.
- Rolla, MO, USA
The rack and pinion failed, there was a recall regarding the issue, however consumer's vehicle was not included.
- Auburn Hills, MI, USA
Car was hard to turn to the left. Couple days later while pulling out of the driveway the steering went conpletely out. Heard on news there was recall on Luminas and other Chevrolet models, dealer claims its only on Lumina vans.
- Lakeside, CA, USA
Vehicle experienced a failure with the rack and pinion steering, there was a recall regarding the issue, however it did not apply to consumer's vehicle.
- Farmington Hills, MI, USA
See NHTSA action PE01-038.
- Farmington Hills, MI, USA
At any speed vehicle will pull to the left and its hard to steer, the steering wheel locks up with no warning and at any speed, . the dealer replaced the rack and pinion.
- Bladenboro, NC, USA
Started having stiff left turns and the steering wheel would not return to centered position...stayed left. Now it is difficult to turn both directions. I'm reporting this because it seems to be more than meerly the rack and pinion 'wearing out'.
- Daingerfield, TX, USA
It has been brought to my attention by my mechanic, that this has been a problem reported in a seattle area newspaper with other GM vehicals in this class. I called lee johnsons and the 1-800 to see if there was any recalls were issued. No recalls at this time. The new paper said that this problem has caused injury accidents. The dust cap falls of and causes excessive were to the gear box. I feel this is a dangerous design flaw and should be corrected before more people are hurt. This is to important of a part to not have attention drawn to it. I feel a recall is nessary.
- Carnation, WA, USA
Steering failed to turn left, but would turn right.
- Thorndale, PA, USA
It is difficult to maintain steering control of the vehicle, the vehicle could not be directed when power steering failed, this occurred more frequently while traveling at low speeds and making a turn, an independent mechanic replaced power steering pump and rack and pinion which corrected the problem.
- Myrtle Beach, SC, USA
Front steering locked-up could turn front to left, car jurked to left so strong on its own you could have broken your wrist. Due defective rack and pinion and alternator, replace
- Crestview, FL, USA
Rack & pinion suddenly failed, causing car to continue in a left turn; extreme effort was needed to straighten the car. Driving at any speed, the car may suddenly swerve left or right, and it is difficult to recover from these turns.
- Norton, OH, USA
- Tucson, AZ, USA