The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would suddenly malfunction and became very difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

- Spartanburg, SC, USA

The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. The dealer stated that the steering: Rack and pinion was leaking and the contact paid $195, plus $470 for labor. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 03V527000 (steering:rack and pinion). The contact called GM in April of 2002 and was informed that he would be reimbursed. When he informed GM that he took the vehicle to a private shop, GM changed their mind and never provided reimbursement. The current mileage was 74,000 and failure mileage was 42,114. Updated 04/16/08 the dealer repaired the cam position sensor as well. Updated 04/16/08

- Ypsilanti, MI, USA

Having trouble when turning vehicle. Sometimes there is a major delay when turning left followed by a jerk to the left. Sometimes it feels as though it is to hard to turn to the left then extremely easy to turn to right as though unassisted. I have a recall for 98 Malibu but have been told it did not include my vehicle. I find this hard to believe considering the trouble I am having which is just like other 98 Malibu the campaign # is 03V527000 eff. 12/11/03 GM recall# 03062.

- Barboursville, WV, USA

: the contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning there is a noise coming from the steering. The noise is more noticeable while driving at lower speeds. The dealership determined the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. There have been no repairs made. There is a NHTSA recall, # 03V527000, regarding the rack and pinion. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 4/6/2006 - repairs have been made.

- Fort Wayne, IN, USA

While driving vehicle, steering became very difficult, mechanic determined that rack and pinion needed to be replaced. This is the second incident. I have had it replaced once before. I called the dealership and was told that my vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. D.F.

- Oxford, AL, USA

Consumer stated that this vehicle experienced the same problem as mentioned in recall 03V527000. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. Updated 12/12/2006 -

- Kissimmee, FL, USA

While vehicle was parked consumer noticed liquid leaking onto the ground. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. A recall notice 03082 was issued, but mechanic informed consumer that the recall did not affect this vehicle.

- Topanga, CA, USA

While driving at low speeds, the consumer heard a clunking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle while turning. The consumer had difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle while turning left. The consumer took the vehicle to Firestone and was informed that the lower pinion bearing needed to be replaced and possibly the gear assembly. The vehicle's steering rack and pionion was recalled but the consumer's vehicle was not included due to VIN.

- Wilkes-Barre, PA, USA

I have had several problems with this car: I have replaced tires twice, tried to have the front end aligned because of the steering problem, it is like I have no power steering - when I took it to get the front end aligned, they told me that they couldn't do it because of the rack & pinion needed replaced first. I have called GM and was told that it was not their problem. The dealership told me that there is a recall on this and for me to contact you. I have already had to put a motor and brakes(several times) on this car. Please help me. Sincerely, [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Parma, MO, USA

This vehicle experienced the same problem as described in steering gear bearings recall 03V527000. But this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.

- Detroit, MI, USA

Consumer received recall 03V527000 regarding steering gear bearings failure. Consumer felt that the dealer treated the recall unfairly. Consumer had been put off several times when trying to have recall repairs done.

- Bradenton, FL, USA

Chevrolet refused to pay ferry expense so consumer could get her vehicle repaired at the nearest Chevy dealership, 100 miles away by water.

- Sitka, AK, USA

The intake manifold / intake gaskets are leaking water into my oil. Because of this I am in great danger of my engine blowing. The car has 65,000 miles on it, this should not happen at all.

- Ypsilanti, MI, USA

The vehicle was taken to the dealer to have recall no.#03V527000(steering gear bearings) performed. The consumer feels that the vehicle runs worse now than it did before the recall work was done. The consumer stated that the vehicle's is making a loud noise while idling.

- Prattville, AL, USA

Power steering failure. Took it to the dealership they said I need a new rack and some hoses. Estimated price is $1,300. I called GM service and they said my VIN was not included in the recall issued in the past few months concerning steering failure in Chevy Malibu. What's up with that.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

I had to have the rack & pinion system replaced on my 1998 Malibu along with the power steering pump pulley due to being worn thru and unsafe to drive by the service techinicians recommendation. This was done at 68719 miles. I also had the intake valves replaced 2 months ago for the second time due to leakage of lots of oil into the engine, also per the service technicians recommendation. This was only 14 months after it was done the last time. I have my service done at a Chevrolet dealership and I think that 68719 miles is low mileage to have to replace the rack & pinion system. I also think that I was given faulty intake valves on the original engine and also on the first replacement. I am also taking my car back for the 3rd visit to try and fix the chirping sound that is coming from the engine. I also replaced the serpentine belt and bearings 2 months ago when the intake valves were done.

- Summerville, SC, USA

Rack and pinion broke, causing steering to fail.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

The steering rack & pinion and the engine intake gaskets in this 1998 model are faulty. The shoddy rack & pinion needs to be replaced and I have gone through numerous tires over the years. The intake gaskets are leaking fluids and an engine blow out is imminent. With the leakages, the car is unsafe to drive. I have maintained all required maintenance according to the manual and the car is still under 50,000 miles but I am looking at a huge mechanic's bill due to a shoddy rack & pinion and intake gasket leaks.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

The vehicle has experienced the following problem: The front end/lower suspension arms need changing, the rack and pinion assembly is leaking constantly and has been changed twice, and the rear crankshaft seal is leaking oil.

- Guaynabo, PR, USA

Was driving approximately 25mph when vehicle started pulling to the right. Vehicle sounded as if in neutral. No control of vehicle. Managed to pull over and parked. Checked vehicle. Noticed right front passenger side wheel caved inwards. Towed to dealer. Was informed by mechanic that rack and pinion had snapped completely in half.

- Cheektowaga, NY, USA