Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | ||||||||||||||||
| 09E005000 | DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC. | E (Equipment) | 979 | 02/23/2009 | MFR | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 02/17/2009 | 02/17/2009 | ||||||||
| Defect Summary | Dorman is recalling 979 steering knuckles, dorman p/nos. 697-902 and 697-903, sold under dorman's oe solutionstm brand name, and napa p/nos. 7-8502 and 7-8503 which were sold for replacement use on the various vehicles listed above. a potential material or design defect could result in the steering knuckle breaking in the hub area. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. the recall began on february 23, 2009. owners may contact dorman's toll-free hotline at 1-800-523-2492. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | This recall only pertains to aftermarket dorman steering knuckles and has no relation to any original equipment installed on vehicles manufactured by general motors corporation.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov . | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||||
| 050232003 | 06/01/2005 | 10017515 | Revised outer tie rod end nut tightening specification/tie rod end jam nut tightening specification added. *tt | 11/09/2005 | |
| 990232003 | 06/01/1999 | 606088 | Conditions with steering shudder or vibration at low speed. *tt | 08/06/1999 | |
| STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 030232049 | 11/01/2003 | 10004765 | Release of new outer tie rod ends for service. *tt | 01/06/2004 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | ||||||
| RQ03001 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 01/02/2003 | 09/15/2003 | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE | ||
| Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). the recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019. | ||||||
| EA03019 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 09/15/2003 | 12/18/2003 | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE | 03V527000 | |
| Gm's letter to nhtsa dated december 11, 2003, expands its original recall (nhtsa 02v286) to include certain w-body vehicles: 96-97 olds cutlass supreme; 98 olds intrigue; 97-98 olds cutlass; 97-98 chevy lumina, monte carlo and malibu; 96 pontiac grand prix; and 96-98 buick regal.the number of vehicles recalled is 750,283.gm determined that failure of the rack and pinion is related to damage of the lower pinion bearing and the level of the pinion bearing pre-load spring force.gm states, higher rack pre-load spring force (133 lb.) is the design characteristic most closely associated with higher bearing damage rates in most of the vehicle applications that used the general bearing company (gbc) bearing.all of the vehicles covered in the expanded recall have the 133 lb spring force.the 96 lumina/monte carlo and 97-98 century w-body vehicles included in this investigation utilize a lower spring force and are not included in the recall. | ||||||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | ||||||
| RQ03001 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 01/02/2003 | 09/15/2003 | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE | ||
| Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). the recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019. | ||||||
| EA03019 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 09/15/2003 | 12/18/2003 | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE | 03V527000 | |
| Gm's letter to nhtsa dated december 11, 2003, expands its original recall (nhtsa 02v286) to include certain w-body vehicles: 96-97 olds cutlass supreme; 98 olds intrigue; 97-98 olds cutlass; 97-98 chevy lumina, monte carlo and malibu; 96 pontiac grand prix; and 96-98 buick regal.the number of vehicles recalled is 750,283.gm determined that failure of the rack and pinion is related to damage of the lower pinion bearing and the level of the pinion bearing pre-load spring force.gm states, higher rack pre-load spring force (133 lb.) is the design characteristic most closely associated with higher bearing damage rates in most of the vehicle applications that used the general bearing company (gbc) bearing.all of the vehicles covered in the expanded recall have the 133 lb spring force.the 96 lumina/monte carlo and 97-98 century w-body vehicles included in this investigation utilize a lower spring force and are not included in the recall. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 10/02/2012 | 80000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1998 buick century. the contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the power steering was not functioning. however, the driver was able to maintained control the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 80,000. pmb | |||
| 10/02/2012 | 80000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1998 buick century. while driving approximately 45 mph the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the power steering was not functioning. the driver was able to stop the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 80,000. da | |||
| 02/28/2011 | 132500 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1998 buick century. the contact stated he intermittently had to apply heavy force to the steering wheel in order to turn the wheel. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was told the failure was resulting from the lower pinion bearings. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 132,500 and the current mileage was 133,000. | |||
| 02/28/2011 | 132500 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1998 buick century. the contact stated he intermittently had to apply heavy force to the steering wheel in order to turn the wheel. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was told the failure was resulting from the lower pinion bearings. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 132,500 and the current mileage was 133,000. sm. | |||
| 03/04/2004 | 88000 | 1 | |
| When making a left hand turn steering failed without warning. *ak | |||
| 06/22/2003 | 1 | 04/29/2003 | |
| While driving 60 mph, the vehicle was hit by another vehicle on the front passenger side. the consumer stated that both frontal air bags did not deploy upon impact. the driver sustained minor injuries as a result. *nm the consumer tried to avoid the accident but the steering wheel locked up and the vehicle shut off. *sc *jb | |||
| 15000 | 1 | 04/06/1998 | |
| The consumer noticed that when the vehicle was being driven in cold weather conditions the vehicle was very difficult to steer. the consumer stated that the steering wheel would bind. the cause of the problem has yet to be determined. *nlm *ts *nlm | |||
| 09/19/2001 | 54696 | 12 | 12/18/1997 |
| The vehicle drifted to the left, noises seemed to have been coming from the steering, the power steering locked up, the rack and pinion had gone out and leaked, the a/c control was inoperative, the seat belt button latch had fallen and the button was missing, the wheel alignment was out of specifics, the driver door was hard to open, the panel had moved when the window was rolled down, the power window(s) were inoperative, the shifter goes in and out, the right front door exterior trim was hard to open, the passengers seat coushin was too soft and had collapsed, and the door's mirror was loose. the service dealer had found no problems with the steering. scc | |||
| 1 | 09/05/1998 | ||
| Steering wheel is difficult to turn. | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | |||
| 10/29/2002 | 78126 | 1 | 05/29/1998 |
| Rack and pinion steering problem. dealer was contacted, and had found that problem was fixed. also there was a recall on different makes and models with same problem; but, his vehicle was not included due to vin. ts...*ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID | |||
| 10/01/2003 | 47000 | 2 | |
| Ignition would not turn, causing the vehicle not to start. vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the ignition was replaced. currently, power steering fluid leaked. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 12/09/1997 | 1 | 11/01/1997 | |
| Steering oil pump failed. yh | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 06/10/2004 | 45000 | 1 | 08/10/2003 |
| The power steering on my buick only has power assist when turning to the right. when turning to the left the steering binds. *nm | |||
| 11/23/2002 | |||
| Consumer stated that they have the same problem as recall#02v286000 power steering. dealer will not repair because vin# was not included. ts | |||
| 08/09/1998 | 1 | 07/28/1998 | |
| Steering failed, causing loss of control. yh | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES | |||
| 09/23/1998 | 2 | 09/01/1998 | |
| Power steering mechanism moans, graons, and shudders, steering wheel hard to turn and fluid levels drop. according to their service manager, the power steering pump system has a factory defect. engineers have been trying five years to resolve, they cannot fix problem. brake system has abnormal wear for age of car, rotors have been turned and ground twice in 18 months. front-end components have broken namely rocker arm assembly in first 100 miles and remained broke for 28,000 miles. nuts and bolts have fallen out of the front end suspense system. (tiresize: p205/70r15) (tiresize: p205/70r15)( dot number: tire size: p205/70r15 ) | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - KNUCKLE - SPINDLE - ARM | |||
| 08/22/2003 | 30100 | 1 | |
| While driving consumer heard a loud noises from rear suspension. *ak the rod spindle rod shearing caused by chatting against right stabilizer shaft mounting bolt stop. (inboard side of the rear suspension support) the right side had insufficient clearance. *scc *jb | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 07/19/2005 | 107000 | 1 | 05/19/1998 |
| 1998 buick century steering failed & cannot turn left event happened at low speed in parking lot and no damage resulted. dealer will not cover repair of vehicle with a 'w' designation. although there is evidence that they to have same steering related defects as cars that received recall or service bulletin. | |||
| 07/01/2003 | 51000 | 1 | 02/01/1999 |
| While driving less than 5 mph and turning left into a parking space, the vehicle lost power. this made it hard to steer and turn the vehicle. once the vehicle was inspected, the consumer was informed that rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. *ak *sc *jb | |||
| 11/03/2003 | 84650 | 1 | 08/01/2003 |
| While driving at either slow speed, and/or fast speed, it feels as though the power steering fails. this has occurred while changing lanes on the highway as well as making slow turns in the neighborhood. i have made sure my power steering level is full to the proper level several times, and have adjusted it at once. *ak | |||
| Consumer states while making a left turn without any indication steering wheel locked up causing consumer unable to steer. dealer and manufacturer has been contacted. please provide further information. mr | |||
| 07/29/1999 | 2 | 01/01/1997 | |
| This is the 2d time this component has had to be replaced-- | |||
| 10/05/1998 | 1 | 11/01/1997 | |
| I was driving approx. 15 mph down driveway at work-car oversteered crashing into side of building-impact so intense my head hit rearview mirror, breaking it and windshield. entire underside of car (frame, tie rod, suspension,etc.) is damaged. nationwide ins. investigator provided me with a copy of gm monthly newsletter issued 11/17/97 regarding power steering fluid leak from magnasteer acutator pigtail area for 1998 w,c,g &h body vehicles. the leak originates from the wiring harness for the magna steer actuator, causing vehicle to oversteer. the correction suggested is to replace the rack and pinion steering gear and follow up with vme product report. my car has been at cook buick every 3000 to 3500 miles for routine maintenance, including fluid level checks, and this was never caught. according to the insurance investigator, my car has been leaking for approximately 6 months. had i been going any faster when this happened, i would not be here to tell you this! i complained to buick customer service - reference no. 980168019 and i got nowhere. they say the leak in the rack & pinion steering gear was caused by the accident! my insurance investigator has pictures that prove otherwise. | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK | |||
| 01/09/2004 | 72000 | 1 | |
| Steering rack separated when turning left. a recall was issued, however this was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak incident almost caused a collision with an approaching vehicle. *la | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 11/01/1998 | 2 | ||
| The indicators on the steering wheel become very warm. | |||