Buick Regal 1996 - Steering - car safety information, failing parts, recalls, bulletins, complaints

Buick Regal 1996

Recalls
Technical Service Bulletins
Defect investigations
Consumer Complaints

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
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
03V527000	GENERAL MOTORS CORP.	from 01/01/1996 to 10/31/1996	V (Vehicle)	750283	02/05/2004	ODI	GENERAL MOTORS CORP.	12/11/2003	12/18/2003
Defect Summary	Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. these retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
Consequence Summary	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.
Corrective Summary	Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. owner notification began on february 5, 2004. owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080; chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Notes	Gm recall no. 03062.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration

Bulletins

Bulletin	Bulletin date	Item no.	Summary	Added
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
01292004	01/29/2004	10013031	Power steering gear lower pinion bearing, safety recall 03062. *tt	04/06/2005
STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
9709013202B	09/01/1997	54328	Experiencing intermittent steering column snap or click noise when turning. *yc	03/30/1998

Investigations

NHTSA ID	Manufacturer	Date open	Date close	Subject	Recall campaign
STEERING
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.
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.
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
07/02/1996	176000	1
	There is a severe problem with the steering. we brought the vehicle to a garage and we were told that there is a recall on the vehicle to correct the rack and pinion steering. we called buick and were told that the recall is vin specific and that our vin was not recalled. we were advised by buick that it was just a coincidence that our vehicle was the same year, make and model as the recall and had the same problem and that we would have to pay one of their dealers to look at it. *tr
05/22/2007	85000	1	11/01/1996
	Tl*the contact owns 1996 buick regal. the contact stated that the check engine light illuminated during an oil change. after the oil change, the engine light illuminated again and the contact had the battery changed. she drove approximately one and a half miles, made a right turn, and attempted to make a left turn when the steering wheel locked. the failure occurred while driving 10 mph. the contact had to shift the vehicle in reverse in order to move the wheel. the contact referenced nhtsa recall # 03v527000 (steering:rack and pinion). the current mileage is 86,000 and failure mileage was 85,000.
06/01/2004	30000	1	10/02/1999
	There was a severe winding noise coming from the steering wheel that intensified when turning. ak sc *jb
STEERING - COLUMN
12/22/2002	43000	0	10/31/1996
	Lever that controls the 'tilt wheel' broke off at the steering column. the auto was purchased new by me and i only have 44,000 miles on it. i called livingston motors, but was told that there is no warranty on that part..i have been a regular customer there.
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID
	17000	3
	Abs lights flickered on/off intermittently. vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the rear disc brakes. after repairs were done the rear disc brakes were replaced again. also power steering fluid leak. *ak
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP
06/02/2005	56425	3	05/01/2000
	Dt: the contact received recall 03v527000 in 2-04 regarding the power steering lower pinion bearing. he took the vehicle to the dealer on 2-17-04 for recall repairs. the car had 56,000 miles on it. after the recall repair work was done, the consumer heard a noise in the power steering. on 5-9-05 they discovered a leak in the power steering. they replaced a power steering hose . then, at 64,000 miles, he heard a humming noise, they re-routed the hose, and told him the noise would go away. on 6-02-05 he took vehicle back because the noise was still there. they told him he needed a whole new power stgeering unit. the consumer stated that ever since he had the recall repair work done, when he turned the steering wheel to the right there was a loud humming noise. it seemed to be coming from the left side.ak jb
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
05/15/2001			05/01/1996
	After car warms up and when starting to move from full stop car will not turn to the left except with extreem force. *ak
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
07/02/1996	176000	1
	There is a severe problem with the steering. we brought the vehicle to a garage and we were told that there is a recall on the vehicle to correct the rack and pinion steering. we called buick and were told that the recall is vin specific and that our vin was not recalled. we were advised by buick that it was just a coincidence that our vehicle was the same year, make and model as the recall and had the same problem and that we would have to pay one of their dealers to look at it. *tr
12/12/2006	78000	2	09/29/1998
	While making a turn, the steering in my 1996 buick regal became very stiff and would not return to neutral. it has only been two days now that this has happened, but it's dangerous, as it gives no warning. the turn almost put me into a tree! it happened today but i was more aware that it might happen and alert for it. my 1995 century had the same problem and it was that the steering rack gets tight in colder weather and after 75000 miles! *nm
02/10/2006	127000	1	08/23/2004
	A recall was issued regarding the rack and pinion steering on our 1996 buick. the problem was supposedly fixed by the previous owner of the car. my 17 year old son was put in serious danger because the 'fix' did not correct the problem. now buick is telling us that they will not stand behind the obvious problem with their vehicle. the car will not turn to the left. bucik reps are incompetent and rude. *nm
06/02/2005	56425	3	05/01/2000
	Dt: the contact received recall 03v527000 in 2-04 regarding the power steering lower pinion bearing. he took the vehicle to the dealer on 2-17-04 for recall repairs. the car had 56,000 miles on it. after the recall repair work was done, the consumer heard a noise in the power steering. on 5-9-05 they discovered a leak in the power steering. they replaced a power steering hose . then, at 64,000 miles, he heard a humming noise, they re-routed the hose, and told him the noise would go away. on 6-02-05 he took vehicle back because the noise was still there. they told him he needed a whole new power stgeering unit. the consumer stated that ever since he had the recall repair work done, when he turned the steering wheel to the right there was a loud humming noise. it seemed to be coming from the left side.ak jb
	124400	1
	Consumer was trying to make a left turn onto a street when the steering wheel became stiff. this made it hard for the driver to complete the turn. dealer was contacted, and dealer replaced the pinion bearing. however, that didn't correct the problem. *ak
		5	09/20/1996
	Recall 03v527000 concerning steering gear bearings. consumer read a newspaper article about the gmc power steering recall. the consumer had not received the notice, but called gmc to get authorization for recall repairs. vehicle was making noises when starting and when turning, but gmc representative stated it may not be a problem with the steering. the consumer must pay $90.00 for a diagnostic test. ak jb
	18000	1
	Upon starting the vehicle there was a noise in the steering column that became worse when steering the wheel was turned. the mechanic determined that the noise was caused by rack and pinion failure. there was a steering gear bearing recall , but this vehicle was not included due to vin. ak jb
STEERING - RACK AND PINION - PINION SHAFT
09/13/2004	107760	2
	Front driver's side pinion shaft produced a whining noise when driving at any speed. recall 03v527000 was issued. however the dealer stated that was not the cause of the noise, and charged the consumer for a diagnostic test.*ak
12/14/2003	59087	1	11/29/2003
	Hard to turn left in my 1996 buick regal, steering went tight. caused me to hit the curb and over the sidewalk, damaging the 2 front tires, rims, radiator, body and under caridge. the police helped me with aaa to get it home, but not sure if it was reported. * cb
STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK
08/04/2005		10	10/14/2003
	Left hand return went out, my car, a 1996 buick regal, has a bulletin # 03062 issued for this problem and a recall for this part, however on notifying the buick dealership and the 800 # have been told that my vin # isn't included. it is obvious that my car does have this problem and is the correct year. *nm
STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
12/22/2002	43000	0	10/31/1996
	Lever that controls the 'tilt wheel' broke off at the steering column. the auto was purchased new by me and i only have 44,000 miles on it. i called livingston motors, but was told that there is no warranty on that part..i have been a regular customer there.
12/06/2001		1	05/31/1996
	Consumer stated the drive selector movement was becoming stiff and was getting progressively worse, the drive detents could hardly be felt and consumer had to watch the selector pointer to determine what drive position was being selected, the vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was determined that rust was in the steering column.*jb
		1	11/01/1996
	The rubber seal around the front steering ball joints ruptured, causing all lubricant to leak out. the car pulls right and makes a slight noise when stearing, due to advanced wear. i contacted both the dealership and manufaturer, but since the cars just came out of warranty, the cost of repair would not be covered.