Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
STEERING
08E063000DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC. E (Equipment)385510/16/2008MFRGENERAL MOTORS CORP.10/17/200810/20/2008
Defect SummaryDorman products is recalling 3,900 intermediate steering shafts dorman part nos. 425-151, 425-152, and 425-153, (sold under dorman's oe solutions brand name), balkamp #'s 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (sold under the napa brand name), and platinum parts #'s 2425151, 2425152, and 2425153 manufactured during the month of september 2007. these replacement steering shafts can be used on the vehicles listed above. the weld connecting the inner tube to the outer tube may be defective.
Consequence SummaryIf the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Corrective SummaryDorman will notify owners and replace the steering shafts free of charge. the recall began on october 16, 2008. owners may contact dorman toll free at 1-800-523-2492.
NotesThis recall only pertains to dorman's oe solutions brand name, balkamp's napa brand, and the platinum brand steering shafts and has no relation to any original equipment installed on vehicles manufactured by general motors corporation.customers may 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.
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
02V286000GENERAL MOTORS CORP.from 04/01/1997 to 10/31/1997V (Vehicle)115915601/24/2003ODIGENERAL MOTORS CORP.11/04/200211/06/2002
Defect SummaryCertain 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 SummaryIf 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 SummaryDealers 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 january 24, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
NotesGm recall no. 02049.also, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STEERING
010232001F02/01/200610019516Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation. *tt03/21/2006
040235004D11/01/2005040235004C10008657Clunk noise from front of vehicle during turning maneuver/steering wheel rotation. *tt *nm08/13/2004
010232001C09/01/2003010232001B10004280Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle during a turning maneuver. *tt12/01/2003
010232001B07/01/2002010203001A634803Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle during a turning maneuver. *tt10/09/2002
05110111/05/2001628094Some vehicles may exhibit a clunk type noise especially felt in the steering wheel while turning. *tt03/05/2002
05110111/05/2001628092Some vehicles may exhibit a clunk type noise while turning, especially felt in the steering wheel. *tt03/05/2002
15090009/15/2000619039This message concerns vehicles exhibiting a clunk noise coming from the front of the vehicle. customers may state that a clunk noise is heard when turning the steering wheel. *tt05/11/2001
18010101/18/2001618179Information on diagnosing clunk or bump noise usually heard when turning emitting from the front of the vehicle. this condition may also be felt through the steering wheel of vehicle with the car in park or moving slowly and the steering04/06/2001
02060102/06/2001618119Customers may complain of a clunk noise from front end of the vehicle during turning maneuvers or steering wheel rotation. *jb04/04/2001
01-02-32-00104/01/2008010232001O618086Concerns with clunk noise from front of vehicle turning maneuver / steering wheel rotation.*jb (lubricate or replace intermediate shaft as appropriate). updated 10/05/07. *nj updated 4/1/08. *nj updated 7/1/2008 *pe04/03/2001
STEERING - COLUMN
07023200608/01/200710022926Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation (lubricate intermediate shaft [i-shaft]). *nj10/05/2007

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
05/02/2011120000
 Steering does not turn going at a rate of 5 mph
04/08/2011139000
 Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. while driving in reverse approximately 5 mph, the contact attempted several times to turn the steering wheel but the steering wheel would not respond. the failure was a continuous occurrence in any selected gear. the contact referenced nhtsa campaign id number: 02v286000 (steering: rack and pinion) but was advised that his vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired for the failure. the vehicle was no longer being driven. the failure mileage was 139,000.
04/08/2011139000
 Tl-the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. while driving in reverse approximately 5 mph; the contact attempted several times to turn the steering wheel and it would not turn in the designated direction. the failure was a continuous occurrence in any selected gear. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number 02v286000 (steering: rack and pinion). the vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. the vehicle was not being driven. the failure mileage was 139,000. js
12/15/200820001
 Ever since i bought my car brand new, i have had issues with the engine stalling on hills or inclines. my car will start to feel as if it's going to stall, and the rpm's jump up as if i am accelerating the gas, but since this normally only happens on hills, when i apply the brakes, my car will not stop, b/c the rpm's are still high, then that's when the car stalls, and of course my steering wheel locks, and i cannot stop without using the e-brake, or put it back into neutral and restart it. i have no warranty left since it has expired, however, i had taken my vehicle to the dealership and they always said nothing was wrong. i have small children, and it's not fair that this defect has slipped through the cracks for this long. something must be done before owners of this car get injured or killed! i am also having a rack and pinion problem, but gmac said that my car didn't come from the plant with the defective parts! well, i think it did. my car has been unreliable more often than not. every time i have drive down a hill, i say a prayer. this happens about 2-3 times/week. my steering is so bad from the defective rack and pinion, that i can't turn my steering wheel until the car has been running for about 15 mins.(when it's cold out). gmac has failed to take my concerns serious, it's sad that a company i paid all my hard earned money to, can't even make/or fix an unsafe vehicle! and i also have the recalled dex coolant, but you have to have paid for the damages and repairs in order to get reimbursed! they need to fix all the affected cars, not just the ones people have paid to already have it fixed! *tr
07/21/20055584305/30/2000
 On 08.25.2003 sun chevrolet (in pittsburgh, pa) performed recall work on my 1998 chevy cavalier. this was classified as rack and pinion campaign 02049, ma-96-v0948.7. at that time the only part listed on my receipt as being installed on the cavalier was bearing k 6.835 a. recently i have been encountering difficulty turning the steering wheel, where it feels as though the power steering has become disabled intermittently. this is very startling when it occurs, and has led to several near misses in traffic when trying to negotiate turns. so, on 07.21.2005, i took the vehicle back to sun chevrolet for them to evaluate this problem. they told me the vehicle needs a new steering gear for $1168.95, and that the vehicle is unsafe to drive. i called pricilla lundquist (from chevrolet 866.952.4368 x 58092, service request # 1-351040321) on saturday 07.23.2005, and she said that she would speak will sun chevrolet then get back to us on monday (07.25.2005). at that time she told us there is nothing they would do about the problem, it was completely our problem to fix and pay for. from reading the information on this rack and pinion recall, it seems as though the steering gear should have been replaced at the time of the recall (08.25.2003) along with the bearing to prevent this problem now. this vehicle only has about 55,000 miles on it, but is not safe to drive because of this steering problem.
08/12/20041
 While driving at 10 mph, the consumer noticed it took longer for the vehicle to respond when making a turn. please provided additional details. *jb
05/15/20030
 Power steering has slowly gone i took it to mechanic who could not read but says there seems to be a leak but he can't figure out where. it's caused the entire car to act up and i don't even want it anymore.!!
110/21/2003
 The steering wheel did not realign properly after making a turn. the dealer has been contacted. please describe further. *jb
05/14/200210000105/01/1998
 Chevrolet cavlier 1998 - the car is only 5 1/2 years old with 33,000 miles on it. i have had steering issues for more than 3 years with this car. i can not parallel park or make hard turns with out the steering locking up or forcing me to you my entire body weight to ge the wheel to move. when i've taken it to a dealership they simply say this is how the car is designed use the gas and that a recall has not been issued although according to this web page there has been. apparantly according to gm my vin number is not included in the nov/2002 recall for steering rack/pinion which sounds as if it is exactly what the problem is and that there are no recalls scheduled in the future.*ak
02/06/20031
 Consumer loss steering control, when the vehicle hit a curve. *jb
07/01/2001308/01/1998
 Approxiamately 2 months into owning the vehicle the problems started. first the seat belt covers snapped off, i've had to have the steering stabilizers replaced 3 times already, the air conditioner which is rarely used failed at about 55-60,000 miles, the battery busted and leaked on the entire right side under hood, the jack was warped, the gas guage reads incorrectly, the sunroof stopped working after 30000 miles, dash rattles, glove box will not stay closed, pass seat gets stuck when you move it forward, the gas pedal gets stuck and you have to apply more force than usual to get it moving, drivers door does not close all the way, more air than normal comes into vehicle, thermostat failed at 30000 miles, installed sidewinder 6500 car alarm which failed to operate after the battery busted, plus numerous other problems not mentioned here.*ak
STEERING - COLUMN
04/23/200476968511/13/1999
 I have had my 1998 chevrolet cavalier for almost 5 years now; in feb. 2003 i had to pay 321.25 to have an ignition switch replaced in my car (which was an recall issue); i asked martin burks chevrolet on forest park parkway in forest park, ga if the ignition problem was a recall issue and bob allen, the auto part service manager lied to me and stated that it was not a recall issue, so i paid $321.25 for repair service to find out a year later that the ignition system problem was a recall issue. so i want to inform you that chevrolet has auto repair service centers with workers that lies to consumers just to take their money. at this present time, my 1998 chevrolet cavalier will not start because something is blocking the fuel from reach the motor/engine (which is another recall problem) but not according to the chevrolet manufacturer; my wheels feels as if they are wobbling sometimes; and my steering column is making a squeaking sound when i turn it left or right. by putting in the vin number, i found out that there has been four recalls on this vehicle, but the manufacturer states that there has been only one recall, someone is again lying and i don't believe it is the carfax report. i feel that gm should extend the warranties on their vehicles longer than they do because their vehicles are learned to be defective before a lifetime of 5 years is up (pre years lifespan) for any vehicle and the consumer should not be made to purchase the warranties, but gmpp (general motors protection plan) should reissue an extended warranty when someone have had as many problems with their vehicles as i have within these last two years. i feel that these headaches and expenses could have been avoided if martin burks had fixed my car the first time; i also feels that martin burks chevrolet is an untrustworthy service center. i will also be contacting the better business bureau to inform them of the unsatisfied service i have had with martin burks chevrolet service center. *ak
08/11/20031
 Consumer states that the steering wheel is smoking. dealer notified.*ak
02/07/20031
 The steering wheel column locked up, which caused the vehicle to stall. *jb scc
STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
03/24/200439040502/20/1999
 When driving at low speeds steering wheel locked up. consumer towed the vehicle to dealer for inspection. however, mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem. *ak consumer went to a mechanic to have a recall repair on the vehicle (type of recall repair wasn't stated). when the repair was finished, consumer heard a noise in the vehicle. consumer asked the mechanic where the noise was coming from. the mechanic couldn't figure out the cause of the noise and thought that the noise was coming from the belt for the air conditioner. consumer decided to have it consulted to a different mechanic. vehicle was driven to the mechanic by (presumably) a friend of the consumer. as the driver was about to resume coming from a stop sign, steering rack and pinion mechanism fell which also led to steering lock-up. the steering failure resulted the driver to over turn vehicle into a ditch. police inspected the vehicle and found that bolt from the fallen mechanism was missing. *la
STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
11/18/20028803006/26/1998
 I was experiencing trouble in my car when iturned left at low speeds. if felt almost as though i was losing power in the steering part of my car. shortly after that, a friend of mine emailed me a notice tham chevy was conducting a recall on my car type and described the same problem that i was having. the article from reuters said that it cause accidents but no fatalities. i immediately got my car fixed and was told that there was not an official recall out yet. i waited and once the recall was out, my car was not included. my car fits all of the parameters of the recall and was experiencing the same problem.
01/29/2003
 Nhtsa#02-v-286-000: lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly. this vehicle is not include due to the vin#. please provide further information. ph
10/10/2000107/01/1998
 Air bag stays on, 3 modules replaced, problem still present. horn would not work with steering wheel straight, replaced cancelling cam. ok. car would not drive straight, replaced steering gear box, ok. a/c rumbles at idle when hot, replaced belt and tensioner, problem still present but not as loud. dome light stays on, replaced alarm module, ok.
06/01/2000301/29/1999
 Consumer heard noise coming from underneath vehicle. *ak the vehcile make noise when turning the wheel due to steering gear failure. the consumer was in contact with the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was under repair with remanufactured parts for the clicking noise. *yh
STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT PITMAN
01/05/2000
 While making a turn power steering shaft pitman sheared off, causing a minor collision. *ak
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP
1
 Power steering pump failed causing a whinning noise to come from the engine, a new idler and new belt were also installed. nlm
STEERING - LINKAGES - ARM - IDLER AND ATTACHMENT
1
 Power steering pump failed causing a whinning noise to come from the engine, a new idler and new belt were also installed. nlm
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
11/11/2005115600104/01/1998
 There was a recall on the steering rack and pinion on 1998 chevrolet cavalier build in 4-01-1997 to 10-31-1997 mine was made 11-01-1997. i know that what the problem is with mine because at times i can't turn the wheel at all when i slow down. the reason i'm writing about this is i would like to know if there been other reports on this problem with other 98 cavaliers made at this time. i would like a report sent to general motors to see if they will go good for this part. i have a child and i feel this is a safety that they should go good for it and have it fix by a dealer and they should pay the dealer for the problem. please email me back . you have my email address. i would like to hear back on this real soon. thank you. *jb
06/28/200596000112/27/1999
 Dt: caller had same problem as mentioned in recall 02v286000 concerning rack an dpinion steering. but this vehicle was not included in recall due to vin. dealer and manufacturer said his vehicle was not included. *ak
08/30/20021
 Recall campaign: steering: gear: rack and pinion (recall number 02v286000). the vehicle's rack and pinion failed prior to recall notification. the consumer contacted the manufacturer who informed him that he vehicle was not include in the recall due to vin. *nm
11/06/200498900404/10/1998
 Steering: rack and pinion. at times when i come to a stop i can't turn the wheel either way it's to hard to turn. i went to a garage to see what was wrong they checked it over and they said that the steering: rack and pinion is going. this has happened to me four times so far. *jb
10/18/20041
 The consumer stated that when she came to a complete stop, at times she was unable to steer the vehicle. she stated it happened every now and then, but it was a concern: she said she looked on the web and found that this problem was a recall. (recall # 02v286000 and campaign # 02049) she says when she took her vehicle to the mechanic she was told that the rack and pinion was going bad. *jb
06/01/20031
 Vehicle experiencing similar malfunctions as described in recall 02049.*mr please review for further investigations. *cb the consumer was informed his vehicle identification numer was not included in the recall. *jb
07/06/20041300001
 Consumer complained about rack and pinion steering problem. the manufacturer issued a recall for this problem however the consumer's vehicle was not covered under the recall due to vin. *ak the vehicle's steering wheel could not be turned to the left without using excessive effort. *nm
02/12/2003309761
 Complaint of recall service co2049-s nar 07/10/2003 *mr the consumer experienced a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. the rack and pinion was damaged causing internal noise. the dealer was notified but refused to make repairs unless consumer paid for parts and labor. the consumer is requesting that this case be investigated and remedial action take place. *cb *jb
03/31/2004420002
 When making a left turn at any speed steering wheel became difficult to turn. consumer received a recall letter pertaining to this issue. mechanic informed consumer that the recall was taken care off. however, the problem recurred. *ak the consumer had to pay to have the rack and pinion replaced. *nm
01/27/200444452106/27/1998
 As listed in the may 2004 c.r. the recalls on the chevrolet lumina, monte carlo, and malibu 97-98 on replacing the pinion bearing in power-steering gear could separate and allow pinion shaft to move. i have had the same problem on my 1998 chevrolet cavalier, whereas i could barely turn my steering wheel to the right while turning. my rack and pinion had to be replaced by the dealer. why is this not included in your recall listings. *la
04/05/20041
 The consumer received a recall notice (02-v-286-000) for replacement of rack and pinion bearing. the dealership the recall repair was not done properly. the problem still occurs the service manager (rick jackson). *nm
03/24/200439040502/20/1999
 When driving at low speeds steering wheel locked up. consumer towed the vehicle to dealer for inspection. however, mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem. *ak consumer went to a mechanic to have a recall repair on the vehicle (type of recall repair wasn't stated). when the repair was finished, consumer heard a noise in the vehicle. consumer asked the mechanic where the noise was coming from. the mechanic couldn't figure out the cause of the noise and thought that the noise was coming from the belt for the air conditioner. consumer decided to have it consulted to a different mechanic. vehicle was driven to the mechanic by (presumably) a friend of the consumer. as the driver was about to resume coming from a stop sign, steering rack and pinion mechanism fell which also led to steering lock-up. the steering failure resulted the driver to over turn vehicle into a ditch. police inspected the vehicle and found that bolt from the fallen mechanism was missing. *la
12/15/200267000108/06/2002
 I was attempting to turn left to pull out of a parallel parking space when i heard something pop and it suddenly felt as if my car had lost all power steering. one month later i heard of rack and pinion steering recall on 1998 cavaliers which is what i drive and my car had all of the effects of what were listed. after taking my car into a chevy dealer, i was told my car did not fit the recall and that i needed a whole new transmission. i asked if they had checked my transmission fluid, and they said yes that there was plenty and that i would have to pay 1200 for a new transmission. i declined their services to fix my vehicle and later had my uncle who is an airplace mechanic take a look at it. he told me there was nothing wrong with my transmission i was just very very low on fluid. my transmission is perfect now and he agrees that my car should have been included in the recall seeing as the rack and pinion steering has broken. repeatedly i have called gm to no avail on why my car is not included in this recall, and i feel very taken advantage of by the chevy dealer outz chevrolet for not being honest with me about my car.*ak
12/28/200280000103/11/1999
 The rack and pinion on my car failed as i was driving it. i had to have it replaced. although there is a recall on the lower pinion seperation as of jan. 2003, it only seems to cover a certain range of vin #'s for this make. my mechanic called in jan. of '03, but was not able to obtain any information on it. i guess until a large number of people complain, and there are no injuries, the manufacturere does not take it seriously. i have 3 young kids, and i can not wait for a fatality for the manufacturer to acknowledge there is a problem.
550001
 Request of restitution for repairs made to a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. *mr the consumer was not informed that a pinion bearing was also replaced because of a recall. the consumer also had problems with the rack and pinion locking up. *scc the consumer also stated the battery was replaced. *jb
06/01/20030
 Approximately 1 month after taking my '98 cavalier in for recall 02v286000 repair i started hearing a terrible sound from the steering every time i make a left-hand turn. this noise is only heard when making left-hand turns. *jb
02/13/2003505/11/1998
 The steering rack and pinion locked up on two separate occasions. *ph the vehicle was involved in recall# c02049-s. there had been four incidents while attempting to turn left in traffic. chevrolet would not replace the rack and pinion gear assembly until the dealer could replicate the failure. *scc *jb
02/13/20034
 Vehicle experienced loss in steering.*mr the vehicle experienced 4 failures when the consumer attempted to make a turn the steering failed and then the engine died. after numerous visits to the dealership, the refused to make any repairs until the vehicle was further evaluated. there was a recall regarding the steering rack and pinion in which the vehicle experienced the same symptoms. *ts (brother on behalf of sister naida schaefer) *jb
02/04/20031
 The consumer request reimbursement for repairs made to power steering. *mr the consumer contacted chevrolet in regard to reimbursement recall#1159156, stating that her vehicle experienced the same symptoms. the dealer denied reimbursement due to not being able to verify cause of he malfunction of the lower pinion bearing of the vehicles power steering. the rack was replaced. scc
03/30/20031
 Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for recall remedy 02v286000 on 02/24/03. however on 03/20/03 consumer attempted to the turn steering wheel to the right, but the steering became very difficult as if it locked up and the wheels did not turn properly. *jb
1
 The rack and pinion failed on the vehicle.8jb
02/15/20032
 After the recall was performed on the rack and pinion, the problem recurred.*jb
01/23/20031
 Consumer was informed no parts were available regarding the rack and pinion. recall #02 v 286 000.*jb
02/13/20031
 Nhtsa#02-v-286-000 consumer was informed the recall replacement would be performed in march or the first week in april. *jb scc
02/29/2000
 Consumer states while driving approximately 35-40mph, softly turned steering wheel to avoid an object in the road. consumer loss complete control of vehicle's steering, travelled down an embankment and crashed into a tree. consumer feels issue may be related to current recall 02v286000 ts
 When turning steering wheel there is a clicking noise, which comes from rack and pinion. if rack and pinion breaks their will be no steering.*ak
4
 Rack & pinion steering failed for the 4th time, causing loss of control. would hear noises coming from front of vehicle whenever turning. had reported problem previously. image #855501. *ak
11/24/1999207/01/1998
 I have had to have 3 major steering components replaced on my 1998 chevy cavailer and i am concerned about the future safety of the car. the rack and pinon steering has been replaced twice on vehicle to this date. my understanding from the dealership working on it they are using replacement parts instead of new parts. i have contacted the manufacture regarding this issue but no solution there. my next step is to make a complaint with md state's attorney office.*ak
01/24/20000
 When trying to make a turn consumer could hear noise coming from the front of vehicle while turning, the vehicle had been served twice on the rack and pinion. *ak
08/10/1999209/01/1998
 When first starting vehicle steering wheel locks up and continues not to move as a result of the wheel locking , brakes will also not work. *ak
STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK
07/22/200783656110/11/2000
 Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet cavalier. while driving 10 mph, the power steering locked and the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. the vehicle was towed to the mechanic and they stated that the steering rack needed to be replaced. as of july 24, 2007, the vehicle has not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 83,656. updated 01/11/08. *lj a broken wheel stud and nut were replaced. updated *jb
09/29/200682525211/10/1998
 A recall repair on the steering mechanism was performed in 2003; less than four years later, the same repair was needed at an exorbitant cost due to the failure of the recall-replaced part. chevy refused monetary assistance. is it common practice to place defective parts in recalls so the consumer has to pay the repair, hence the company getting their money back for the recall repair? thank goodness no one was injured when the steering mechanism broke. *nm
10/15/1999310/07/1998
 The steering gear rack has failed several times. *mjs
STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
5
 Both turn signals and horn do not work, both are inoperable. consumer has contacted dealer five tiems. dealer has made changes to steering column. but, problem still occurs. please provide any further details. *ak
 While turning steering wheel consumer noticed popping noise. dealer has been contacted. please provide further information.*ak