Vehicles steering locks while driving.

- Decatur, GA, USA

Rack and pinion steering failed almost causing a crash. It seems that a piece of the steering rack is missing.

- Hudson, OH, USA

When making left turns steering would momentaryily stick. Dealer contacted. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Bloomington, IL, USA

PE 01 038/steering rack and pinion: Rack and pinion failed for second time within 80,000 miles of wear. Dealer contacted. Feel free to provide any further inormation.

- Elk Grove, CA, USA

I was upset the first time the rack and pionon failed and the poor attitude of the dealership. For $1,200, they would install a new rack and pinion. I was unable to steer the car, but did not have an accident. I had a Napa repair dealership rebuild the original rack and pinion ata cost of $500. They replaced the seals with stainless steal. This repair lasted 120,000 and it failed again. An auto zone rebuilt rack and pinion was installed this time. Although the stainless steal seals lasted longer than the factory original seals, they will fail again. Pontiac must have known that something was wrong with this rack and pinion as it was only used in the 97 model. A different part number was used in the '98 and newer models. After the first failure, I wrote to Pontiac but did not receive any indication that they would check any further into rack and pinion failures. This vehicle should have been recalled.

- Scottsboro, AL, USA

Vehicle exhibits increasing frequency of hard steering and noise from right and left front of car. Local Pontiac dealer cannot determine source of noise or hard steering problem. Problem has existed prior to warranty expiration. A rubbing sound is getting progressively worse. This may be the onset of another example of your rack and pinion steering safety issue with 1997 Grand Prix.

- Huntsville, AL, USA

Rack and pinion locked up while making a left turn at an interestion. Had to stop car in middle of turn due to loss of steering. By turning engine off, and restarting, I regained steering again and was able to continue through the interestion. Cause much confusion to other drivers.

- Rochester, MI, USA

While parking vehicle and turning to the right, steering felt tight as if the power steering had failed, however when turning to left steering felt normal. Dealer determined the rack and pinion had broken.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

While driving, the vehicle would bind when turning making consumer use force to guide vehicle back onto the road. Dealer replaced rack and pinion.

- Lakeland, FL, USA

Consumer stated that rack and pinion gear assembly and hoses failed causing the steering to lock up while making a left turn, manufacturer notified.

- Mineral Ridge, OH, USA

The rack and pinion gears are wearing badly. I took the car to pines Pontiac and the service manager stated the rack and pinion is starting to wear. I thought the power steering unit was bad because it is hard to turn the wheel when turning to the left.

- Cooper City, FL, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Bloomingdale, NJ, USA

Steering rack and pinion binding up, turning out of parking lot, afterwards, vehicle would steer fine to the right, but would not turn to left with ease, I had to double grip the steering wheel to turn the car left, I had to use 3 times the force to steer left than usual. Took vehicle to shop, replaced rack and pinion.

- Monroe, MI, USA

While pulling out of a parking lot the steering wheel locked up to the left and I had to put the car into reverse to move the wheel once the wheel became moveable it felt very loose. Later on the same nigt I was leaving work and luckilly it wasnt a very busy time because I went to make a right turn and the wheel locked and the car pulled to the left causing me to barely miss hitting a light post, I then proceeded to park the car while trying to get to a space it locked up about six time as I was pulling into the space it locked up again and turned the car to the left almost like I was doing a U-turn. The next day I had the car towed and I was told it was the rack and pinion and it would cost $1400 to replace. I am very upset about all this it seems nobody not even the manufacturer feels that this issues is important enough to help someone out. My car is now parked because I cannot afford to pay for the repair right now, I hope that there is a recall of some sort to keep other people safe but it seems that Pontiac/GM is waitng for a fatal accident to prove there really is an issue with the part. Although at this point it wouldnt be an accident.

- Lewis Center, OH, USA

Experiencing several steering problem, defective rack and pinion.

- Elgin, IL, USA

While driving, the vehicle would bind when turning making consumer use force to guide vehicle back onto the road. Dealer replaced rack and pinion.

- Lakeland, FL, USA

Car is very hard to steering, especially in the morning hours. When making turns the car all shuts off also, im not sure if this is due to the steering problem. Along with the hard steering there is a loud shreeking noise coming from the steering when I turn the wheel. Ive almost been in several accidents due to the steering being so hard and the car just dying in the middle of the road. Thank you>ak (tiresize: 225/60-16)

- Coram, NY, USA

While driving 40 mph rack and pinion steering broke, causing loss of steering control. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Aberdeen, MD, USA

Consumer was making a turn and had some trouble with steering. Had taken vehicle to dealer, and they found out that rack and pinion was defective.

- Lusby, MD, USA

While making a left turn at an intersection and without prior warning steering froze up. Onsumer was able to manage steering wheel manually. Dealership was aware of problem.

- Columbia, TN, USA