The steering started to lock up while turnig to the left and then the wheel would not return to center after making a turn without actualy turing the wheel back. I'm not sure how long the problem was there before we started noticing the steering difficulty but the fluid was really contaminated from the racks failure thus ruining the power steering pump also. We have had both replaced but the magna/steer is still inoperable, they are going to install another rack and pinion. When these racks fail it is very dangerous, thank you for your time and effort. Please let us know if Pontiac will remburse us for this failure, we have over a $1,000. In it and it's still not right. Again thank you for your time.

- Lacey, WA, USA

While making a left-hand turn into office parking lot on 07-03-2000 I felt the snap of something breaking in the steering. I took the car to local tire center and they visually found nothing wrong. One week later traveling northbound on il 394 going over the bridge that turns left to merge onto 94 northbound the steering went completely out! I had to muscle it to keep the car from hitting concrete wall. Dealer said a shaft broke inside the power-steering rack. Probably broke 3/4 when I noticed and the rest of the way when I went over bridge. Dealer fixed for $1170.96 -no warrenty coverage- replaced entire power steering rack.

- Lansing, IL, USA

While trying to make a left turn at low speeds (approx 20- 30 mph) the steering wheel locked up. This almost resulted in a head-on crash, since I was unable to properly make my left turn. The car was taken to an independent shop, where I learned that the rack and pinion failure was becoming a common problem with the Pontiac Grand Prix. The dealer was able to describe the problems I was having with the car perfectly. After paying approximately $1700 to have the parts totally replaced, the car now works fine.

- Cary, NC, 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

When steering sharply to the left, ,,the car would fight the input to straighten the car after the turn...so while turning the wheel to the right after a sharp turn to the left, ,the steering would become very stiff, almost like reverting to manual steering and not power steering. Became dangerous because of the driver input needed to maintain directional control. The steering wheel would try to stop your input of a turn. Very dangerous situation if involved in a maneuver to avoid something in road. Had to have steering rack replaced. Thank you.

- East Hartford, CT, USA

Steering gradually began locking up on turns, so we were fortunate to discover the problem before it caused an accident.

- Lathrop, MO, USA

Entire rack and pinion steering system replaced at my cost of $829 on January 3, 2002. Dealer indicated similar problems with Pontiac and GMC models. I have written to GMC customer care center requesting reimbursement.

- Glastonbury, CT, USA

No summary listed for abov evehicle.

- Oakwood, OH, USA

While driving, steering locked up and wheel would not turn left. Dealer inspected vehicle, and replaced rack and pinion.

- Arlington, MA, USA

The power steering is extremly hard to turn when the vehicle is cold. This condition occurs for approximately 10-15 minutes after startup. I now warm the car up for a while before begining to drive.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Steering wheel would not return to center after turning. Then it started to lock up completely. Then we replaced the steering rack and pinion.

- Olmsted Twp, OH, USA

One day while driving the car, I tried to make a left turn. The steering began to tighten until it was almost unable to rotate. It is not as difficult to turn at high speeds, yet it is still very resistant. The steering has not been repaired yet due to financial difficulties. To turn the wheels at a stand still is almost impossible. I am stronger than the average male (220lbs. 5'11"). my wife is unable to move it. I saw an article in the usa today that mentioned that you were investigating reports of this situation occuring in specifically, the 1997 Grand Prix. I would very much appreciate it if you could contact me so that I may answer your questions and also keep me updated on whether this repair will be covered by the oem.

- Detroit, MI, USA

Car suddenly became hard to steer. Felt as though power steering fluid was low. Dealer says steering rack and pinion needs replacing. $600 part from G.M. I' M not happy.

- Brainerd, MN, USA

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix - rack and pinion steering assembly failed without any warning. This happened during normal driving at speeds of 35mph + and the steering wheel completely locked up. Took problem to dealer and met extreme resistance. Pontiac doesn't stand behind their product.

- Cordova, TN, USA

While turning vehicle, the steering wheel locked up, consumer had the vehicle towed to dealership, mechanic determined rack and pinion caused the problem. Consumer stated the vehicle would only go foward.

- Walkertown, NC, USA

On Friday, May 4, 2001, the rack and pinion on my 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix jammed up and caused my steering wheel to freeze while going around a corner. Dealer claimed part was defective and GMC did not want to accept responsibility. GM and dealer covered up the issue, contaminating fluid while I was not at dealership. Complaint filed with attorney general'

- Albany, NY, USA

No summary listed for ab0ve vehicle.

- Albany, NY, USA

Cover for left and right headlights fell off with out knowledge of a problems. Both within 2 months apart. Had to buy whole headlight assembly at $72 dollars each. Rack and pinion went out of steering box and was unable to find the right part. Had to substitute for a stand box. Heard there was a report of this problem before in the usa today.

- Walnut, IL, USA

Steering - rack & pinion failed while making a left turn - it was very hard to turn the wheel so that we could clear the intersection. It was also difficult to park the vehicle. Steering to the right was normal. Replaced rack & pinion $780.54. Headlights: Moisture buildup in front headlamps. Dealer replaced seals 1/98 under warranty. Another moisture problem developed 3/99 -dealer replace both headlamps. Air conditioner: System failed ON7/01 - unable to adjust air flow and air could barely be felt coming from the vents. Dealer found that vac line was split at pump - $42.23 to repair. Air system failed again 6/99 - loose vacuum hose repaired $21.59. Air bag indicator comes on and goes off at random. Dealer ran a diagnostic and found an error code, which they cleared, but no problem - issue unresolved. Rear power windows failed - dealer replace regulator on both rear windows - covered under warranty. Alternator failed 10/01 - replaced $314.54

- Charlotte, NC, USA

Steering - rack & pinion failed while making a left turn - it was very hard to turn the wheel so that we could clear the intersection. It was also difficult to park the vehicle. Steering to the right was normal. Replaced rack & pinion $780.54. Headlights: Moisture buildup in front headlamps. Dealer replaced seals 1/98 under warranty. Another moisture problem developed 3/99 -dealer replace both headlamps. Air conditioner: System failed ON7/01 - unable to adjust air flow and air could barely be felt coming from the vents. Dealer found that vac line was split at pump - $42.23 to repair. Air system failed again 6/99 - loose vacuum hose repaired $21.59. Air bag indicator comes on and goes off at random. Dealer ran a diagnostic and found an error code, which they cleared, but no problem - issue unresolved. Rear power windows failed - dealer replace regulator on both rear windows - covered under warranty. Alternator failed 10/01 - replaced $314.54

- Charlotte, NC, USA