The contact owns a 1995 Saturn SL1. While making a sharp U-turn at an unknown speed, the steering wheel column made a loud noise and began wobbling excessively. Approximately ten minutes later, the steering column failed completely and caused the vehicle to become fixated. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 97V138000 (steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)). The manufacturer was notified as well. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 116,900. Updated 01/03/08. It was determined that the bearing at the end of the worn gear failed. The worn gear separated from the rack and pinion assembly, which resulted in loss of steering.

- Lagrange, GA, USA

I was turning around slowly up into a driveway and there was a couple of clunking/scraping type noises steering went away completely. I have called Saturn regarding recall 97V138000 however my vehicle happens to be a 1995 Sl and my VIN number misses the recall status. I would like this to be remedied so that I can have my vehicle fixed under the recall because of the highly dangerous nature of this particular recall/problem.

- Baudette, MN, USA

The contact owns a 1995 Saturn Sl. The contact stated received NHTSA campaign rfecall 94V170000. The recall stated that fracture of the steering gear pinion shaft causes complete loss of steering control which could result in a crash. However, this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to VIN. This happened to contact's vehicle and she lost control of vehicle. The service department did replace the part before she found out about the recall. She was seeking reimbursement for the actual part which cost $1120, and $286 for the rental car.

- Pheonix, AZ, USA

I own a 95 Saturn Sl, and there was a recall on this car because of steering gear box. The problem with the gear box is that the steering gear pinion shaft was improperly heat treated, causing the shaft to fracture during vehicle operation, causing a complete loss of steering. Well last night January 10,2005 mine broke for no apparent reason. Well today January 11,2005 I called the Saturn place and after they transferee my call, the man that I spoke with told me that the VIN number on my car did not match the ones that were recalled. But how is it that they recalled the exact car as mine and mine broke but they cannot fix it because my VIN number does not match them. My wife drives this car all the time to Transport our kids and other neighbor kids to and from school everyday. I just thank god that she was right next door at my mothers house instead of on the highyway on the way home from school with all the kids in the car and no way to control the steering.when the steering went out my wife almost landed in the ditch across the steet from my mother's house.

- Broadway, NC, USA

Consumer states the steering system failed. Specifically, the mechanical connection in the manual gear box failed causing steering to become disconnected from the wheel.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

While parking vehicle, heard a clunk noise from underneath the vehicle. Without prior warning steering went out. Dealership is aware of problem.. consumer states the problem was an internal fracture in the steering box, there was a previous recall for the problem, however consumers VIN was not included.

- Sunnyville, CA, USA

Steering gear assembly and slip ring broke. While driving consumer noticed a problem in steering wheel. Consumer stopped to check vehicle, and wiggled steering wheel about 6-8 seconds, and steering wheel broke. Contact technician, and dealer stated it just happened. The consumer later found out that the steering assembly and its related parts failed. Nlm

- Greensboro, NC, USA

Vehicle experienced that same defect as indicated in NHTSA recall 94V170000/ manufacturer's recall 7149 concerning steering: Manual gear box fracturing during vehicle operation. Manufacturer advised consumer that this vehicle was not part of the recall due to VIN. Consumer paid for replacement costs and replaced part was also defective, dealer replaced this part at no cost to consumer, but still stated the part was not part of the recall.

- Santa Maria, CA, USA

While pulling out of a parking space noise was heard and vehicle lost steering power. A recall was issued on steering gear box failure. However, this vehicle was not included due to VIN. Recall 94V170. Dealer has been notified.

- Woodstock, CT, USA