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.

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
020232012A06/01/200302023201210002834Rattle/knock noise when turning while driving over rough roads. *tt09/26/2003
02023201210/01/200210000176Rattle / knock noise when turning while driving over rough roads. *tt02/14/2003
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
10/23/2012543021
 Broken k-member /477-03540. *tr
10/23/201254302
 Broken k-member /477-03540
11/01/20002917508/01/2000
 2000 chevrolet cavalier experiencing loud popping noises while driving. *mr the problem was fixed, but it returned and is continuous. *sc
11/29/200419927110/04/1999
 (1) ordinary to low usage of a 2000 2.2 l chevrolet cavalier, which had 19,900 miles when the failure occurred in november, 2004. (2) persistent problem with a clunking sound in the front driver side of car, when turning. the problem is especially noticeable at low speeds. the noise is a possible indication of a steering or powertrain malfunction. (3) the vehicle was taken to an automobile repair shop to identify and repair the problem causing the noise. the repair shop identified and replaced a cracked brake rotor. moreover, they replaced the other rotor and both brake pads. furthermore, the repair shop lubricated the driver side lower ball joint, the saddle on strut, and the tie rod. also, the axle was inspected externally, but no problems were identified. the repair shop indicated that it might take a week for the clunking noise to disappear, as the lubricant worked into the joints. however, as of april, 2005 the problem still remains.*ak
02/25/2005929171
 While turning into a parking lot steering column locked up when making a left turn. owner stated that a recall notice 04v036000/ignition switch was received for ignition switch on february 4, 2005. it was february 25, 2005 when the steering column problem developed. *ak dealership claims no responsibility, consumer paid $85.00 towing and $465 for repairs. *bf *nm
11/01/20002917108/01/2000
 The vehicle only had 2917 miles on it when the steering rack had to be replaced. *nm at 6237 miles the dealer had to replace a strut mount and a bearing plate. the engine light illuminated and the o2 sensor and starter was replaced. the intermediate shaft was replaced twice and the headlamp was replaced. *jb
01/18/2005304/01/2000
 While steering the vehicle, a loud popping noise started coming from the front of the vehicle. the driver noticed that the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. the consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer. the mechanic could not duplicate the problem. the consumer informed the mechanic that this problem occurred more than once and has not been resolved. *jb the rear drivers side would display a loud rumble at times and would lessen after driving. the rear of the vehicle would shimmy when the brakes were applied. *sc *jb
10/01/200078000504/04/2000
 Consumer complained about a steering column problem. when steering column turned it made a noise, and it got louder and louder. vehicle had been in repair shop at least 5 times. *ak the noise could be felt in the floor board. the left front coil spring was mispositioned and caused noise as well. the arm assembly front control lower right and the steering shaft intermediate was replaced. the front lower control arm was loose at the cradle. *sc
02/01/20024500205/14/2000
 Popping sound and feel when turning steering wheel has been worked on two times for this problem; interior lights do not turn on when opening drivers door; top portion of dash is split in the middle; makes lots of crackling noise, sounds like something is loose with the suspension. *la
04/20/200342156304/18/2003
 We bought a used chevrolet cavalier from the year 2000 with an extended warranty (gm certified) for 3 months or 3,000 miles. since the beginning there were 4 problems not yet fixed. 1 - there is a popping noise under the back of the car. dealer (koons chevrolet - withe marsch, md) said he couldn't duplicate. after bringing the car for the 3rd time, he said the brakes were dirty and he cleaned them, but this noise is still here, when starting at a red traffic light for example, or when riding on a rough road. 2 - there is a grinding noise in front when driving. it's stopping when pushing the brake pedal. it's linked with the brakes for sure. the pads are new and the dealer said the rotor makes his noise, but he refused to change it (whereas it's under warranty). he said it's not unsafe. but this noise is coming louder and i feel like a loss of control. 3 - the abs light come on every single day while driving and not braking. the 1st time, the dealer changed the bulb. the 2nd time problem was not solve) he changed the alternator, because my car broke down the day before (no more power at all). he said the alternator putted a low voltage to the abs causing the light to turn on. the problem is not solve. and i need to go back to the dealer. all of these problems have not been solved, and this is the 5th time i am going to the dealer. i think he's playing with me, so that my car won't be under warranty any more, and i would pay to change stuffs in the future. please provide information and support. thank you. *nlm
05/15/200304/21/2000
 Popping noise when turning the steering wheel. i have told the dealership several times about the problem while under the warranty and they said there is nothing to worry about. i took my car in for routine maintenance 5/15/03 and told them about the problem again. they called me and said there is a problem in the steering. they said the steering shaft column did not have any grease left and that it was dangerous to drive. the cost was $189.00 to have it fixed. so i had it fixed. they said it is not covered under the warranty. *nlm
05/15/2000100005/06/2000
 Steering- 2000 cavalier chevrolet. there is a loud popping noise when the steering wheel is turned to the left. along with the popping, there is a vibration in the steering wheel during the turn to the left. the vibration has consistently been present since the vehicle was bought at 100 miles. the popping began soon after. the vibration was reported to the dealer before 36,000 mile and i was told it was nothing to be concerned with. after the 36,000 mile warranty, the popping began to occur more frequently and with greater volume and the vibration continued. the 96/98 cavaliers are recalled for steering concerns that sound similar to the problems my 2000 is having, yet i have been told my specific vehicle does not qualify for the recall. *nlm
04/11/2002304/01/2001
 Consumer states that the steering is loose, wobbly. *tt
06/05/200102/03/2000
 Clackling noise and swaying motion when turning right from front end, defective steering shaft, replace
05/31/2001204/02/2001
 When turning steering wheel sharply there was a popping sound at all times. dealer replaced power steering shaft.*ak consumer states engine light comes on while driving, squealing noise from passengers side of engine especially on cold starts, and engine is slow to crank up-intermittent, battery was replaced, also vehicle would not start, dealer found fuel pump was inoperative and replaced fuel pump. *yd
03/03/2001105/05/2000
 Vehicle experiences a popping noise in front end while making turns, dealer replaced steering shaft and front strut bearing, popping noise still present, possibly suspension or steering related. *slc
STEERING - COLUMN
05/01/2005
 I own a 2000 chevy cavalier and the warranty has expired. when turning the steering wheel while the car is moving very slowly and loud clunking/popping noice is heard from the front of the car--possibilty under the dask board. i am trying to find out if there has been a recall on the steering column or anything that has to do with steering of the automobile. in reading through different consumer complaint; it would seem this a major problem with the 2000 cavalier and the customer should be taken care of to prevent an accident and/or injuries to the automobile occupants. cannot afford extended warranty nor can i afford more auto repairs. please respond with some positive feedback.
04/07/20041
 Consumer complained about smoke coming from the steering column. consumer complained to the dealer, but was told dealer will not pay for recall repairs because this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to vin. consumer insisted that this vehicle had the same problem as mentioned on the internet recall information.*ak
250001
 When turning, there was a clucking noise within the steering column. the cause of the noise had not been determined. the vehicle is currently at the dealership. please provide more details. *jb
07/07/200339000208/23/1999
 My wife and i own a 2000 chevrolet cavalier. the steering is beginning to have a distinctive popping sound and loosening develop. i know there is a problem and i am taking it to a professional to avoid serious problems. it is difficult to believe that gm could not develop a better steering column than this. it would seem a recall should be placed on gm for inspections to this particular problem (part). i know that this may seem trivial but i have already had to replace a fuel pump ($700 plus) out of pocket at about 2000 miles over my warranty. just seems like gm has yet to understand quality in the small automobile. or at least giving a little on an obviously defective part. example: i owned a 87 3 series bmw that i put 425,000 plus miles on and never had to replace a steering column. i did replace the fuel pump after an accident when the tank had to be replaced at 310,000 miles. a fuel pump at 39,000 mile and a steering column at 46,000 miles. *ak
STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
02/09/20041
 When turning steering wheel towards the righ steering wheel locked, causing the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. consumer took vehicle to the dealership to be inspected. *ak
09/08/20031
 While driving at 60 mph steering locked, and vehicle lost control. *ak
 While driving theft light and engine light illuminated on dashboard. dealer was notified. mechanic stated ignition switch malfunctioned. mechanic advised consumer to replace component.*ak
STEERING - ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
05/01/2005101/01/2000
 Consumer received a recall notice for the 2000 chevrolet cavalier steering column recall, but the dealership by the consumer's school refuses to perform the recall repairs.*mr this was a recall, where the steering column could burst into flames. consumer need this fix, it is dangerous for driving in this condition. *bf
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
10/12/200354000207/02/2003
 While drive on the city roads the 2000 cavalier tends to stall when slowing to a complete stop, slowing to turn, and when low speeds. the engine will completely shut down while electrical components such the radio are in tact. also include loss of power steering and power brakes making it difficult to steer out of harms way with many accident near misses. happends mostly when car has not been in use for a period of time then is started up for use. (e.g. morning commutes). *ak
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
02/01/200207/01/2000
 When turning the steering wheel while the car is stopped or moving very slowly a loud clunking / popping noise is heard from the front of the car. the dealer was contacted prior to the 36,000 warranty no diagnosis was made and was told it was probably nothing to worry about. the noise is still prevelant and the warranty is now past. as i was trying to find out for myself what the possible problem could be i found several other incidents with the same symptoms, however no one has been able to tell me exactly what the problem is or how to fix it. dt
STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
09/24/2002109/01/2002
 I reported a noise and the fact that the car wants to veer to the left as i was test driving this car. i said something to the salesman at the time. he told me to keep driving it to see if it continues. i went back to the dealer 3 days after i took the car home and complained about the noise the steering would make as i would pull in or out of a parking space. he then told me it was normal. mr