At 54,000 miles, the steering rack on my 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix had to be replaced because it became very difficult to make a left turn as the steering wheel required high force to move to the left.

- Sylvania, OH, USA

Power steering is very hard to turn when making a left turn. Consumer stated that a recall was issued on the 1997 and 1998 Pontiac, Grand Prix. Took vehicle to a mechanic, who determined that consumer needed a rack and pinion, which would cost consumer about $800.

- Columbus, GA, USA

Steering: Rack and pinion, currently own a 1999 Grand Prix, and had to have the steering rack assembly replaced, the problem that occured is the same problem that was recalled in the 1997, and 1998 model Grand Prix NHTSA campaign id number 02V286000. Summary: 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. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. Consequence: If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.

- Harrison Township, MI, USA