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 - RACK AND PINION | ||||||||||||||||
| 03V527000 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | from 04/01/1997 to 10/31/1997 | 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 | Replacement Bulletin | 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 | |
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 | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 04/11/2011 | 86000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet lumina. the contact stated the vehicle would not steer to the left because the rack and pinion failed. the dealer was contact who advised that his vin was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 03v527000 (steering:rack and pinion). the manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall and offered no further assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 86,000. | |||
| 04/11/2011 | 86000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns 1998 chevrolet lumina. the contact stated the vehicle was not turning to the left because the rack and pinion fail. the dealer was contact who stated his vin was not included in the recall. the manufacturer was contacted and stated his vin was not included in the recall or warranted and offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 86,000...mw | |||
| 12/01/2010 | 104000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet lumina. the contact stated the vehicle would become difficult to turn, similar to nhtsa campaign id number: 03v527000 ( steering:rack and pinion). the manufacture was notified who advised the contact that her vehicle was not included in this recall. the contact did not inform the dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the current and failure mileage was approximately 104,000. bw | |||
| 07/11/2009 | 129800 | 1 | |
| Temporary loss of steering. on 4 occasions within the past 2 weeks i had recently left my residence and was making either a left or right turn. at the start of the turn i could not steer the car. it was as if something was broken, i did hear a squeal. i was able to return home (about 2 blocks) and again checked the power steering fluid and the serpentine belt. the fluid was correct and the belt is about 8 months old. for the recall #03v527000 in 2003 i did go to the chevrolet dealer in ft. myers and they checked the vehicle and told me that the car was ok. *tr | |||
| 06/01/2007 | 125000 | 1 | |
| Vehicle would not turn using the key, took our vehicle to the dealership.. had a new key made.. the key was not the issue..had a new ignition installed through dealership, the vehicle worked for a short time but starting showing the same problems. hundreds of $$ later, the car is parked now we don't want to put any more money into it, but can't sell it unless it's fixed. this is some sort of steering/ignition problem. this car has also been known to stall while driving it. we have installed a new starter, a new alternator, battery we also had all the electrical wiring re-done.. we don't know why it stalls. *tr | |||
| 02/04/2009 | 63455 | 1 | |
| Rack and pinion.*tr | |||
| 05/10/2008 | 76800 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet lumina. while making a left turn at any speed, the power steering becomes difficult to maneuver. the contact is an asc certified mechanic and stated that the failure was with the rack and pinion. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 03v527000 (steering:rack and pinion). the current mileage was 78,045 and failure mileage was 76,800. | |||
| 06/14/2004 | 48000 | 6 | |
| When driving through small puddles in the road during or after rain, power steering quits working when serpentine belt gets wet. this steering failure lasts for about 3 seconds until belt then grips and steering returns.*ak mechanic fabricated deflector to prevent water from splashing directly on belt. | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 52000 | 1 | |
| Problems with steering on 1998 chevrolet lumina.*mr the vehicle steering became difficult at low speeds, particularly on left turns such as entering a parking space or parallel parking. the consumer researched the nhtsa website and found a recall 03v527000 that seemed to describe the problem the vehicle was experienced. the consumer contacted the dealer and informed him of the recall. when the realer checked the recall he told the consumer that the vehicle was not included due to vin. *nm | |||
| 05/12/2004 | 4 | ||
| When turning the steering wheel towards the right, the steering wheel locked up, which caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. the owner took the vehicle to the dealership to be inspected. please provide any further details. *jb | |||
| 1 | 11/07/2003 | ||
| While driving 55 mph and changing lanes steering failed. steering wheel rotated, but the vehicle would not react to the movement. this occurred without warning. *ak | |||
| 01/13/2003 | 1 | 9999 | 09/26/1997 |
| I have a chev lumnia 1998 which i purchaused new. i have always notice the steering to be very tight/stif to turn. the dealer said it was ok and had no recall. also the horn won't hardly blow... | |||
| 1 | 06/25/2002 | ||
| While driving and making left or right turns and without warning steering wheel locked up.*mr the consumer stated the steering wheel usually locked up when it was raining. *jb *nm | |||
| 04/05/2003 | 60000 | 1 | 02/26/2002 |
| When making only a left turn, vehicle looses power steering. as a result steering becomes difficult. there is recall for this issue, but the vin # is outside the remedy scope. *ph *mr | |||
| 10/18/2003 | 10 | ||
| 98 chevrolet lumina steering wont turn to the left without jerking ,sometimes it is easy and others its like the power steering wont work but turns easy to the right. *la | |||
| 09/27/2003 | 18600 | 1 | 05/25/1998 |
| While making a left hand turn vehicle suddenly lost all power temporarily. took vehicle dealership, but problem was not resolved.*ak *ts *jb | |||
| 76000 | 1 | 05/01/2003 | |
| While driving there was a vibration in the steering wheel and a loud noise in the steering column. this was caused by a steering shaft failure. gm dealership said that ford company had started a recall on some of they're models for the same exact problem. *ak *cb *jb | |||
| 10/01/1999 | |||
| Small bumps cause steering to go light and struts make loud noise and the low traction light comes on | |||
| 09/25/1998 | 07/25/1998 | ||
| Steering. | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||
| 03/10/2004 | 97063 | 2 | |
| Tilt steering wheel is causing the turn signal to malfunction and smoke in the steering column. consumer contacted the manufacturer. however, they were not much help. *ak | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | |||
| A loud noise occurs within steering pump assembly. replaced rack and pinion steering which did not correct problem. please give any further details.*ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | |||
| 11/01/1998 | 1 | 04/01/1998 | |
| Bad power steering hose causing noise. yh | |||
| 12/04/1998 | 1 | 06/01/1998 | |
| Power steering pressure hose replaced, causing grinding noise when turning wheel. mjs | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 06/20/2004 | 1 | ||
| Consumer had difficulty making left turns at low speeds. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 12/01/2001 | 90000 | 1 | 06/01/1998 |
| The steering wheel locked up after the vehicle had been sitting with the engine off. the consumer had taken the vehicle to a mechanic, and the mechanic replaced the rack and pinion and power steering pump. *ak *scc *jb | |||
| A loud noise occurs within steering pump assembly. replaced rack and pinion steering which did not correct problem. please give any further details.*ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 06/30/2004 | 1 | ||
| While making a left turn at low speed vehicle lost steering power. *ak | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle lost power assist when making a left hand turn.*mr *nm | |||
| 1 | |||
| While making a left turn at low speed vehicle lost steering power without prior warning of problem occurring. *ak | |||
| 09/17/2003 | 1 | 10/01/1998 | |
| The power steering locked when the driver attempted to turn the steering wheel to the left. please provide any additional information. *nlm *ph *nlm | |||
| 11/01/2000 | 35000 | 1 | 11/01/2000 |
| I purchased my vehicle used and it still had 1000 mile warranty from the dealer. when i got the car there was a problem with the fuel pump so they replaced it. before i even got out of the parking lot the (vibration shudder hose) went bad. or at least that is what the guy at the service area told me the name was. they have replaced that. and for almost two years now i have been fighting with them that the power steering has been whining. also the brakes do not stop to well in the rain. i travel a lot and we go through brakes like water. we also had the ac compressor go out last year during the summer. the car was only 4 years old. we keep our car up very well. i do not understand all these problems. i know this may not seem like big problems but when i keep my car up and have been fighting with the dealer due to whining this is frustrating.*jb | |||
| 6 | 08/01/1997 | ||
| Power steering has failed about a half dozen times. if i was not a pretty strong man, car would become uncontrollable. power steering has failed when making turns after running through mudpuddles or standing water. takes tremendous effort to turn. possibility of someone getting seriously injured or killed. just sent message to chevrolet via their website. just have not taken the time to find out about it. | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES | |||
| 10/07/2004 | 1 | ||
| All my anti-freeze leaked out and the low coolant light never came on but i did not have any heat. i did notice anti-freeze on the ground and took my car to a repair shop. they said i needed a water pump and the intake manifold gaskets replaced.*ak i have also experienced a popping noise on the left front wheel when turning wheel to the right. no fatalities or injuries as yet. | |||
| 08/10/1998 | 08/01/1998 | ||
| The lumina steering is very loose at the center. it wonders when driving sraight. dealer won't fix the problem. i have told them about it four times sense i bought the car. | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 07/11/2009 | 129800 | 1 | |
| Temporary loss of steering. on 4 occasions within the past 2 weeks i had recently left my residence and was making either a left or right turn. at the start of the turn i could not steer the car. it was as if something was broken, i did hear a squeal. i was able to return home (about 2 blocks) and again checked the power steering fluid and the serpentine belt. the fluid was correct and the belt is about 8 months old. for the recall #03v527000 in 2003 i did go to the chevrolet dealer in ft. myers and they checked the vehicle and told me that the car was ok. *tr | |||
| 03/12/2008 | 125382 | 1 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet lumina. while driving at any speed, the contact experiences difficulty turning the steering wheel to the right. the garage stated that the steering rack and pinion was malfunctioning and needed to be replaced. the failure mileage was 125,382. updated 05/06/08. *lj the manufacture informed the consumer his vehicle did not meet the requirements for the recall .updated 05/08/08. *jb | |||
| 03/02/2007 | 1 | ||
| I own a 1998 chevrolet lumina its rack in pinion is doing the same as recalled cars but the dealer says my car isn't recalled by vin number is thee anyway to get chevrolet to make the repairs its to dangerous to drive like this. *jb | |||
| 03/01/2007 | 1 | ||
| Make : chevrolet model : lumina year : 1998 component: steering:rack and pinion my car shows all the signs of the reason you did this recall why was my car not included. *jb | |||
| 02/18/2006 | 59276 | 1 | 02/18/2006 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while making a left turn the steering is shaky and a grinding noise is heard coming from the vehicle. there is a nhtsa recall, # 03v527000, regarding the steering: rack and pinion. the dealership was alerted. the manufacturer was alerted and determined the vin was not included in the recall. | |||
| 08/20/2005 | 111000 | 1 | 04/04/2001 |
| Dt: the consumer stated that 1998 chevrolet lumina was having a problem with rack and pinion steering. the car makes noise in the front end. the rack and pinion had to be replaced. this has been a problem for about a month. the car has been checked by repairman. the consumer contacted gm, and this vehicle was not included in any recall on this issue due to vin. *ak | |||
| 08/19/2005 | 185883 | 1 | 02/02/2001 |
| Dt: contact stated the lower rack and pinion was defective. . the car will not turn left. the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet lumina. he started having problems on august 19, 2005. he took vehicle to a dealer and they told him his this vehicle was not included in nhtsa recall 03v527000 due to vin. *ak | |||
| 08/05/2005 | 1 | 04/20/1999 | |
| I just learned today that my lumina had a recall on dec. 11, 2003 for steering: rack and pinion. i have never been notified of this recall. *jb | |||
| 11/09/2004 | 120000 | 1 | |
| Rack and pinion steering locked while the consumer was making a left hand turn. dealer stated there was a recall for this defect.*ak | |||
| 07/29/2004 | 1 | ||
| Consumer's vehicle experienced the same problem as mentioned nhtsa recall 03v527000. 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. consumer took the vehicle to the dealership, they indicated sorry this vehicle was not include in this recall due to the vin.*ak | |||
| 40000 | 1 | ||
| While driving steering wheel tightened as if it didn't have power assist. recall 03v527000 was issued for steering gear bearings. but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak | |||
| 02/21/2004 | 1 | ||
| After the steering gear bearings recall 03v527000 was performed the check engine light came on. this didn't occur prior to having the recall perform. the dealership has been notified. | |||
| 02/08/2004 | 113714 | 1 | 05/01/1999 |
| When making a left or right turn, the consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. *ak the consumer felt that the problem may have been related to recall# 03v527000. *sc *jb | |||
| 02/25/2004 | 50000 | 1 | 06/08/1998 |
| I own a 1998 chevrolet lumina, which i purchased new in 1998. i had noticed a sporadic steering wheel kick-back at low speeds when turning left in this vehicle. i told a friend about my situation (he too owns same year,make,model) and he explained he received a recall letter from chevrolet and had this problem corrected on his vehicle. i called my local chevolet dealer and the service advised scheduled me an appointment to repair, but then called me back and cancelled appointment and explained to me that my vin number was not included in the recall. i called chevrolet assistance and they advised me to pay for repairs out of my pocket because my car was out of warranty. i feel this is unacceptable and discriminatory. obviously chevrolet is trying to reduce their costs by denying my claim for this campaign. i have seen quite a few other chevrolet owners with the same complaint. when is the nhtsa going to step in show the imbeciles at chevrolet that this steering problem has a broader scope than they are willing to admit too.*ak | |||
| 02/10/2004 | 1 | ||
| In december, the steering froze up in my 98 lumina ltz after making a left hand turn. mechanic said it was only a belt problem but the steering continued to be very tight. also there was a continuous tapping sound. after a recent brake service, a different mechanic informed me that the rack and pinion needs to be replaced. the dealership claims that although the 98 luminas were included in the last recall, my serial number was not among those recalled; however it is suffering from the same problems as those recalled. | |||
| 01/22/2004 | 1 | ||
| While turning the steering wheel it would be hard to turn. consumer took vehicle to dealer for analysis, and mechanic told consumer that this vehicle was not included in recall 03v527000 concerning steering bearing failure due to vin. *ak | |||
| 10/02/2003 | 1 | ||
| While driving and making left or right turns and without warning steering wheel locked up. dealer stated rack and pinion failed. *ak | |||
| 08/25/2003 | |||
| When the driver attempted to make a left hand turn the steering wheel locked completely up. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the rack and pinion malfunctioned. please provide any further details. *nlm | |||
| 12/01/2001 | 90000 | 1 | 06/01/1998 |
| The steering wheel locked up after the vehicle had been sitting with the engine off. the consumer had taken the vehicle to a mechanic, and the mechanic replaced the rack and pinion and power steering pump. *ak *scc *jb | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION - PINION SHAFT | |||
| 02/01/2004 | 102000 | 1 | 05/01/2001 |
| We have a 1998 chevrolet lumina that exhibits the same problems turning left as nhtsa campaign id number : 03v527000. gm says that this car is not affected by the recall. the vin# is 2g1wl52m3w9208007. we are going to have to have this car repaired. what can be done about this? *ak | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| When making a turn there is a loud clunking noise. vehicle was inspected by dealer, who determined that upper column shaft failed. a recall has been issued on similar/ make and models; however this vehicle was not included due to vin. please provide further information.*ak | |||
| 07/07/2002 | |||
| While driving steering wheel broke in half. contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak | |||
| 02/06/1999 | 100 | 06/01/1998 | |
| Car rolls backwards when stopped on slight inclines unless the brake is fully depressed. it has caught me by surprise a few times. i will mention it to dealer on my next visit as i thought this was a normal thing for big car. steering column gives a loud clunk when turning; it sounds like it is not properly locked in the adjustment position. i have had it checked and nothing wrong was found. i have only changed the steering wheel position once in 1-1/2 yrs. yet it still does it constantly and it is such a hard click that i feel like the steering wheel is going to drop into another position. i will report it to the dealer again. | |||