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 06/01/1997 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 - COLUMN | |||||
| 060235019 | 09/01/2006 | 10020731 | Revised tilt steering wheel and column fastener tightening specifications. *kb | 01/04/2007 | |
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||||
| 01292004 | 01/29/2004 | 10013031 | Power steering gear lower pinion bearing, safety recall 03062. *tt | 04/06/2005 | |
| 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. | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 12/21/2012 | 76900 | ||
| I was parking the car in my drive way and all of sudden a loud noise comes from underneath and the car stears by itself in the wrong direction where the other car was already parked. i managed to stear due to the slow speed the car was moving but i realized how bad this could have been while driving the car in traffic and at high speed rates. when i checked what happened, i noticed that the front end cradle that the steering rack mounts to, has rusted out and the whole rack and pinion became lose in one of the mounting points. i am very disappointed with the quality and workmanship they put in one of the most important parts of the car, where steering, suspension, in fact the whole power train seats on and it failed so easy. the manufacture was trying to save some dollars at the cost of peoples lives. | |||
| 08/01/2011 | 206041 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely stiff, making it difficult for the contact to steer in any direction. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who replaced the power steering pump, but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 206,041 and the current mileage was 230,000. kmj | |||
| 08/01/2011 | 206041 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that it was difficult to turn the steering wheel left or right. neither the dealer nor manufacturer were notified of the failure. a local mechanic replaced the power steering pump, but the failure recurred. the failure mileage was 206,041 and the current mileage was 230,000. nw | |||
| 03/15/2011 | 177000 | ||
| While driving my 1998 chevrolet malibu at slow speed (luckily), the steering make a crunching noise and completely failed. this cause the complete loss of control of the vehicle. the steering wheel would simply spin, with no effect on the actual steering gearbox. there was no longer any mechanical connection between the steering column and the rack and pinion gear. the vehicle was towed to my mother's home about a mile away and there was an initial inspection by my stepfather (a 25 year veteran of the automobile business). he stated that he had never seen a failure like this and suggested that a contact chevrolet to see if there were any recalls on this, which i did. he also checked and there was one in the steering column bearing and it was completed in 2004 on this vehicle. i contacted gm by e-mail and they called and told me that they were not going to participate in any repairs. i subsequently had the vehicle towed to a local garage and they did a preliminary diagnosis and advised me of the nature of the failure (along with a $900 extimate to repair it). they also stated that they had never seen a failure like this. the main concern was that we were extremely lucky that this happened in a parking lot and not on the highway, as the resultant loss of control would likely have cost us our lives. | |||
| 01/28/2011 | 135000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu ls. while the vehicle was parked with the ignition on the contact noticed the steering wheel was stiff. the contact was able to drive the vehicle home where a mechanic inspected the vehicle. the mechanic stated the high pressure hose needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 135,000. ds | |||
| 09/05/2010 | |||
| I was on interstate 95 going home when the steering wheel suddenly locked up on me and i started losing horsepower until i completely stopped!. so there i was in the middle lane stopped!, with cars swerving around me at high speeds!... not to mention the cars stopped behind me trying to get around!. i thought i would be badly rear ended for sure!!. luckily, a tow truck happened to be passing...and stopped to help. someone could of been killed!!!!!. and from all the testimonials i've heard...i think general motors should mail everyone who owns a chevy malibu a big fat check!. | |||
| 08/15/2008 | 140000 | 1 | |
| While attempting a left turn the wheel became difficult to turn as if the power steering had gone out. clunking noise was heard and wheel suddenly surged to the right. wheel has become increasingly difficult to turn left accompanied by strain on the power steering. problem has not been fixed. *tr | |||
| 08/21/2008 | 1 | ||
| On august 21, 2008, i was driving the car on a level, straight road and heard a snap. the steering of the car got really loose and squirrelly. i pull over to check for loose components under the wheel wells. everything looked tight. later i looked under the hood at the rack and pinion and had a helper turn the steering wheel left and right because it was difficult to maintain control to the left. once the wheel was turned left, i saw the whole rack move up and down from the frame of the engine cradle. from the looks of it a part that held it down broke. *tr | |||
| 04/18/2004 | 171000 | 2 | |
| While driving there was a lot of play in the steering wheel. dealership solved the problem once, but problem recurred. *ak | |||
| 03/29/2004 | 63044 | 1 | |
| Dissatisfied with the length of time it took the local dealership to perform a two and a half hour recall. *ph | |||
| 08/15/2001 | 12 | 08/12/2001 | |
| When the gas tank was full the gas gauge read empty and when the gas tank was empty the gas gauge read full. *ak the steering wheel made noises, the a/c light did not stay on and the a/c blew hot air when the button was not activated, the key would come out of the ignition and would not stay in and the vehicle would still drive without the key in the ignition. the brakes would have to be replaced at least twice a year, the antenna did not pick up an adequate number of stations, (case efficiency decreased from 350 to 250 to refill the can), when two batteries were replaced, the gas gauge did not work, and condensation would set in the rear lights and burned them out. *sc *jb | |||
| 06/09/2003 | 58000 | 1 | 02/01/1999 |
| While driving, the vehicle lost its rack and pinion steering and all power of the steering wheel. dealer notified. *ak the power window control panel on the driver side arm rest popped out, the vehicle pulled severely to the right (dealer couldn't find the problem). the dealer finally replaced the lower control arms, brake rotors, 2 sets of tires/almost completely bald at the time only 13k miles. the rims had to be forced off, the front rotors had become rusted at 20k miles, the ignition wire harness had come apart, the power steering hoses had come loose, lost fluid and power steering while in motion, the trunk leaked, the abs light had come on twice a week, the front end squeaked and rattled, the antenna wire was loose, the right head lamp had permanent moisture with no crack, the a/c would shut on/off intermittently, the alternator failed at 60k miles and the waning light had come on for only five minutes, the engine leaked oil, and the right windshield wiper pivot housing had broken. *scc *jb | |||
| 03/30/2003 | 39000 | 1 | 08/15/2001 |
| The steering wheel was difficult to turn. *jb the vehicle slid, hit a curb, and had gotten stuck in mud. scc | |||
| 09/28/2001 | |||
| Front fender where front sensor was located was cracked. consumer sustained chest and knee injuries from steering and dashboard because air bags didn't go off. also, seat belt did not lock up. consumer has not consulted manufacturer or dealer. *ak | |||
| 01/01/1998 | |||
| I noticed a rough feel to the steering wheel when making short turns.i took it to the dealer to inspect .they said i needed a new steering gear and that the mechanism was leaking fluid. when i contacted gm they told me they have no record of any problems with the steering mechanisms in their database. they did offer to share the cost 50-50(over $900!!) as a good will gesture as the car is now out of warantee.(woopee!!)i also reported my tail lights go out from time to time but the dealer says he couldn't find a problem.*ak | |||
| 02/09/2001 | 1 | ||
| Squeaking noise came from steering, dealer replaced steering rack assembly and power steering hoses. right front shoulder belt would not adjust up or down, seatbelt stop button was missing, left side driver's shoulder belt retracts slowly, right front shoulder belt retracts slowly and jams at times. rear bumper cover at left side at tail light opening has poor fit. excessive wind noise at the left front door glass opening while traveling highway speeds. steering shimmies while braking, dealer found warped rotors. idle quality in gear at stop is poor, transmission mounts were weak, engine runs rough at times. front head light fogged up, delaer found inside lens cracked. rattle noise heard under vehicle while traveling on rough roads. *slc | |||
| 11/01/1998 | 0 | 10/01/1998 | |
| Faulty brakes heavy vibration to front end and steering wheel,during turning and stopping, dealer shaved rotors and replace brake twice, third time dealer wanted owner to buy new rotors | |||
| 10/28/1999 | 0 | ||
| Automobile went into a trench and bottomed out, and the air bags deployed, causing the engine carriage to be damaged/cracked the windshield, and damaged the dashboard. *ak | |||
| 06/14/1999 | 05/01/1998 | ||
| At 11k mi when brakes applied at 50+ mph front tires severely shimmied, dealer machined and reinstalled front disc, as of 8/8/99 symptoms have returned. at 14k mi a thumping noise began in the right front tire, dealer replaced both lower control arms. at 3k mi heater blower motor started making a loud noise, dealer replaced blower motor. at 9k mi heater blower motor started to again make a loud noise, dealer removed and reinstalled blower fan, motor still makes a loud noise. | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||
| 07/20/2000 | 50 | 03/16/1998 | |
| Vehicle experienced several transmission related problems, consumer stated while pushing accelerator from a complete stop, engine would rev up but vehicle would not move, after a couple of seconds, the transmission would engage, this would also happen while driving, transmission experienced slipping, dealer rebuilt transmission, also, left front axle boot was torn, dealer replaced the left inner tripod joint boot. gas cap tether broke, dealer replaced gas cap. vehicle would vibrate while braking, dealer replaced warped rotors and front brakes, the right front caliper was later replaced due to a torn piston boot. oil was leaking from the front crankshaft seal, dealer replaced seal. steering column tilt housing bowl assembly machined improperly from factory causing tilt wobble, also caused a popping noise. consumer heard a clunk noise from rear when going over bumps, dealer replaced both lower control arms. *slc | |||
| 06/23/1998 | 1 | 02/17/1998 | |
| Tilt lock mechanism misaligned. | |||
| Driver rented car from enterprise rental. driver was going about 45 mph around a curve when the driver decided to adjust the tilt steering. when the driver tilted the wheel up, the headlights went out and the driver could not see anything. after stopping the vehicle, the driver tilted the wheel back down and the lights came back on. | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE | |||
| 11/15/2007 | 100 | 08/08/2000 | |
| Anti theft system malfunction in my 1998 chevy malibu has caused turmoil and hardships. the system malfunctions regularly and strands me in not so safe places. it is much more dangerous to sit in my car in a dark parking lot then to have it stolen. sometimes after the 10 minute wait, the ignition still doesn't turn over, and im waiting another 10 minutes, and then again. last night it took 4 hours for it to go off. needless to say i was very late for work. i have read thousands of complaints on this issue, and this should be recalled. it is dangerous to chevy's consumers, a horrible engineering idea, and they should be ashamed of themselves for not recalling this dangerous issue. *tr | |||
| 03/31/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving 20 mph and making a left turn steering wheel locked up. driver applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. driver lost control of the vehicle and hit a rock. the driver was not hurt. the vehicle was towed by triple l towing. *ak consumer's daughter in law heard news of gm recalling 88,000 vehicles for a power steering defect, and relayed the news to consumer. consumer contacted gm regarding the news and was informed that vehicle is included on the list. also, gm said that they would send an inspector to check on to the vehicle. consumer also reported information to her insurance carrier. *la | |||
| 06/01/2000 | |||
| I have a anti-theft lock that came with the vehicle,i have been stuck several times due to the anti-theft going on and i cannot start the car for atleast 20 min. at a time. i have been late for work and appointments also. i need to know should i try to take vehicle in to remove anti-theft,if possible, if i the owner with the key cannot start the car i guess a theft would have a hard time also. so in one way i like the feature. would like to know if this is a standard feature in these vehicles? and if it is worth having?*ak | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | |||
| 3 | |||
| Steering gear box has failed while driving, causing a loss of steering capablity due to faulty parts. consumer has had steering gear replaced a total of 3 times.*ak | |||
| 10/07/1998 | 1 | 10/10/1997 | |
| Steering--steering rack, gear assembly, gear kit, ball joint and both lower control arms. | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT PITMAN | |||
| 2 | |||
| Nhtsa 03v527000 steering gear bearing failure. recall repairs were performed on february 19, 2004, but problem recurred. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | |||
| 08/09/2005 | 83000 | 4 | 04/21/2004 |
| Wheel bearings keep failing, resulting in me having to get new or resurfaced rotors, pads, calipers, bearings obviously, etc. this is the fourth time in a year and a half! i can't afford to drive an unsafe vehicle, but i can't afford to keep shelling out $500-600 every six months for the same problem, either. after doing some research on the internet, and talking to a few mechanics, i'm apparently not the only one with this problem. also, my power steering hose has a habit of blowing off the line for no reason, resulting in me having to re-attach it. but i don't care about that, i want to know what's wrong with my brake system. *jb | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID | |||
| 02/06/2004 | 80000 | 3 | |
| While driving power steering fluid leaked. this could cause intermittent lost of power steering fluid. *ak | |||
| 100000 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle was experiencing the same problems as those stated in recalls, which included the steering gear bearings, and the windshield wiper arms. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 03/02/2004 | 40000 | 3 | 01/01/1998 |
| Automatic transmission, power steering, and a/c controls. *ak | |||
| 10/09/2003 | 68719 | 1 | 11/01/1997 |
| I had to have the rack & pinion system replaced on my 1998 malibu along with the power steering pump pulley due to being worn thru and unsafe to drive by the service techinicians recommendation. this was done at 68719 miles. i also had the intake valves replaced 2 months ago for the second time due to leakage of lots of oil into the engine, also per the service technicians recommendation. this was only 14 months after it was done the last time. i have my service done at a chevrolet dealership and i think that 68719 miles is low mileage to have to replace the rack & pinion system. i also think that i was given faulty intake valves on the original engine and also on the first replacement. i am also taking my car back for the 3rd visit to try and fix the chirping sound that is coming from the engine. i also replaced the serpentine belt and bearings 2 months ago when the intake valves were done. *la | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 07/01/2004 | 1 | ||
| Consumer received a recall notification. after taking the vehicle to dealer for recall repairs consumer was involved in single car collision. steering failed. *ak | |||
| 87000 | 2 | 12/21/1999 | |
| Power steering failed, and the vehicle suddenly accelerated. driver lost control and hit a rock. upon impact, none of the vehicles airbags deployed. *ak | |||
| 3 | |||
| While driving 75 mph, consumer heard a noise coming from under the hood. then, vehicle lost power steering. *ak | |||
| 02/09/2004 | 57482 | 2 | 06/03/1998 |
| At 47,000 miles vehicle was taken to dealer for an anti-freeze leak. the dealer replaced engine gasket, but problem recurred. *ak the consumer had taken the vehicle in for a power steering problem and they found the intake manifold gasket leaking coolant. *sc | |||
| 02/04/2004 | 82000 | 3 | |
| When turning right power steering failed intermittently. *ak | |||
| 01/17/2004 | 60000 | 2 | |
| While driving or turning, the vehicle lost power steering and it became difficult to steer. *jb | |||
| 02/20/2003 | 0 | ||
| Once the vehicle is at normal operating temperature the power steering becomes hard and will squeal. i have replaces the power steering fluid, in entirety, and the problem still persists. i plan on going to a dealership asap, but reading all of the articles on this vehicle, it appears they will tell me the same. it is a rack-and-pinion problem that i will have to incur an out of pocket expense. *nlm | |||
| 09/12/2000 | |||
| Intermittently steering became hard to steer. dealer notified, and was unable to locate cause. feel free to provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 01/01/1999 | 1 | 03/01/1998 | |
| When traveling and applying brakes, they make a grinding noise when making a turn. dealership is aware of problem.*ak transmission mounts were replaced. safety belt fixed 2 times. power steering hoses and lines replaced, parts were missing from steering gear assembly. *slc | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES | |||
| 01/15/2003 | 73400 | 2 | 12/10/2001 |
| After hearing a clicking/creaking sound coming from the steering (on full lock)when maneuvering at slow speeds, i.e. parking, i had the car inspected. it turned out to be a bad rh lower control arm and a loose lh lower control arm. | |||
| 03/23/1999 | 1 | 05/01/1998 | |
| Lost steering control of 1998 chevy malibu at about 45 mph and had a spin-out at a major intersection, hitting the median curve and coming to rest on the side of the road. upon initial analysis we found that the support arm bolt had come loose on the car. when the chevy roadside tow-truck arrived he told us that this was the fourth malibu that he had picked up with the same problem. upon arrival at grand prize chevy that afternoon the auto was checked by the service representative and later by a mechanic, and i was told that it was a mechanical malfunction, and the car would be fixed under warranty. *ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | |||
| 09/14/1998 | 1 | 02/17/1998 | |
| Tie rod end broke. | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 03/11/2002 | 42114 | 1 | 09/09/1998 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet malibu. the dealer stated that the steering: rack and pinion was leaking and the contact paid $195, plus $470 for labor. the contact was informed that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 03v527000 (steering:rack and pinion). the contact called gm in april of 2002 and was informed that he would be reimbursed. when he informed gm that he took the vehicle to a private shop, gm changed their mind and never provided reimbursement. the current mileage was 74,000 and failure mileage was 42,114. updated 04/16/08 *bf the dealer repaired the cam position sensor as well. updated 04/16/08 *tr | |||
| 06/29/2006 | 103000 | 22 | 07/13/2000 |
| Having trouble when turning vehicle. sometimes there is a major delay when turning left followed by a jerk to the left. sometimes it feels as though it is to hard to turn to the left then extremely easy to turn to right as though unassisted. i have a recall for 98 malibu but have been told it did not include my vehicle . i find this hard to believe considering the trouble i am having which is just like other 98 malibus the campaign # is 03v527000 eff. 12/11/03 gm recall# 03062. *nm | |||
| 02/01/2006 | 91201 | 1 | 10/01/1999 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning there is a noise coming from the steering. the noise is more noticeable while driving at lower speeds. the dealership determined the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. there have been no repairs made. there is a nhtsa recall, # 03v527000, regarding the rack and pinion. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the vin. updated 4/6/2006 - repairs have been made. *nm | |||
| 11/15/2004 | 89250 | 2 | 08/01/2002 |
| While driving vehicle, steering became very difficult, mechanic determined that rack and pinion needed to be replaced. this is the second incident. i have had it replaced once before. i called the dealership and was told that my vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. d.f.*ak | |||
| 10/06/2004 | 1 | ||
| Consumer stated that this vehicle experienced the same problem as mentioned in recall 03v527000. however, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak updated 12/12/2006 - *nm | |||
| 09/27/2004 | 1 | ||
| While vehicle was parked consumer noticed liquid leaking onto the ground. consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. a recall notice 03082 was issued, but mechanic informed consumer that the recall did not affect this vehicle. *ak | |||
| 05/27/2004 | 99875 | 1 | |
| While driving at low speeds, the consumer heard a clunking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle while turning. the consumer had difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle while turning left. the consumer took the vehicle to firestone and was informed that the lower pinion bearing needed to be replaced and possibly the gear assembly. *jb the vehicle's steering rack and pionion was recalled but the consumer's vehicle was not included due to vin. *nm | |||
| 07/09/2004 | 3 | 06/01/2001 | |
| I have had several problems with this car: i have replaced tires twice, tried to have the front end alligned because of the steering problem , it is like i have no power steering - when i took it to get the front end alligned, they told me that they couldnt do it because of the rack & pinion needed replaced first. i have called gm and was told that it was not their problem. the dealership told me that there is a recall on this and for me to contact you. i have already had to put a motor and brakes(several times) on this car. please help me. sincerely, amelia denson. *ak | |||
| 90000 | 1 | ||
| This vehicle experienced the same problem as described in steering gear bearings recall 03v527000. but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak | |||
| 03/16/2004 | 50000 | 1 | 04/20/1998 |
| Consumer received recall 03v527000 regarding steering gear bearings failure. consumer felt that the dealer treated the recall unfairly. consumer had been put off several times when trying to have recall repairs done .*ak | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 1 | ||
| Chevrolet refused to pay ferry expense so consumer could get her vehicle repaired at the nearest chevy dealership, 100 miles away by water. *ph *la *jb | |||
| 03/09/2004 | 65000 | 1 | 08/15/2004 |
| The intake manifold / intake gaskets are leaking water into my oil. because of this i am in great danger of my engine blowing. the car has 65,000 miles on it, this should not happen at all.*ak | |||
| 02/12/2004 | 116000 | 1 | |
| The vehicle was taken to the dealer to have recall no.#03v527000(steering gear bearings) performed. the consumer feels that the vehicle runs worse now than it did before the recall work was done. the consumer stated that the vehicle's is making a loud noise while idling. *nm | |||
| 02/16/2004 | 1 | ||
| Power steering failure. took it to the dealership they said i need a new rack and some hoses. estimated price is $1,300. i called gm service and they said my vin was not included in the recall issued in the past few months concerning steering failure in chevy malibu. what's up with that. *jb | |||
| 10/09/2003 | 68719 | 1 | 11/01/1997 |
| I had to have the rack & pinion system replaced on my 1998 malibu along with the power steering pump pulley due to being worn thru and unsafe to drive by the service techinicians recommendation. this was done at 68719 miles. i also had the intake valves replaced 2 months ago for the second time due to leakage of lots of oil into the engine, also per the service technicians recommendation. this was only 14 months after it was done the last time. i have my service done at a chevrolet dealership and i think that 68719 miles is low mileage to have to replace the rack & pinion system. i also think that i was given faulty intake valves on the original engine and also on the first replacement. i am also taking my car back for the 3rd visit to try and fix the chirping sound that is coming from the engine. i also replaced the serpentine belt and bearings 2 months ago when the intake valves were done. *la | |||
| 10/01/2003 | 1 | ||
| Rack and pinion broke, causing steering to fail. *ak | |||
| 03/04/2003 | 1 | 04/08/1998 | |
| The steering rack & pinion and the engine intake gaskets in this 1998 model are faulty. the shoddy rack & pinion needs to be replaced and i have gone through numerous tires over the years. the intake gaskets are leaking fluids and an engine blow out is imminent. with the leakages, the car is unsafe to drive. i have maintained all required maintenance according to the manual and the car is still under 50,000 miles but i am looking at a huge mechanic's bill due to a shoddy rack & pinion and intake gasket leaks. *jb | |||
| 2241 | 2 | 10/14/1997 | |
| The vehicle has experienced the following problem: the front end/lower suspension arms need changing, the rack and pinion assembly is leaking constantly and has been changed twice, and the rear crankshaft seal is leaking oil. *scc *nlm | |||
| 02/16/2002 | 1 | ||
| Was driving approximately 25mph when vehicle started pulling to the right. vehicle sounded as if in neutral. no control of vehicle. managed to pull over and parked. checked vehicle. noticed right front passenger side wheel caved inwards. towed to dealer. was informed by mechanic that rack and pinion had snapped completely in half.*ak | |||
| 12/26/2001 | 3 | 09/01/1997 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| There is a knocking noise in steering wheel. dealer has replaced rack and pinion steering and problem still exists. manufacturer has been notified. *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Rack and pinion failed. nlm | |||
| 11/27/1998 | 1 | 08/01/1997 | |
| I have talked to chevrolet and asked them to repurchase my car. they informed me that they would not. i do not feel safe for my family in this car any more. i also feel that chevrolet misrepresents the malibu as a care free car. | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK | |||
| 03/17/2003 | 40000 | 1 | 04/01/1998 |
| Rack and pinion steering gear failed at 65,000 miles, causing a loss of power steering and a near accident. this is the second time this has happened (last time was at 40,000). this vehicle has also had front brakes and rotors 6 times and has experienced all other malibu problems such as air conditioner control failure, tail light melting, etc. *jb | |||
| 05/28/1999 | 1 | 02/01/1999 | |
| This vechile was been in the shop a minimum of 9 times.this is the 2nd malibu that i have owned the first one was in the shop just as much if not more.the chevrolet dealer traded me out, and upgraded me for no extra money ,but this car is no better thatn the first one. i feel that this the worst car that we have every owned and would tell any one never to buy one. i feel very unsafe in this car. no my steering rack is going and the cv boot is leaking.*ak | |||
| 10/07/1998 | 1 | 10/10/1997 | |
| Steering--steering rack, gear assembly, gear kit, ball joint and both lower control arms. | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 05/13/1998 | 1 | 03/01/1998 | |
| The coolant was leaking into my engine. i was told the engine block was cracked, after being without my car for 4 days, they told me it was just a gasket leaking. they then as good citizens repaired my car under warrenty and charged me $73.95 for an oil change and fuel filter because these things had to be done while they were investigating the leak. i had just recently had my oil changed. within the first few months of having my car i noticed serveral problems that i reported to the dealer and was waved off several times. i even rode with a service manager who explained that the ticking in the engine, the whinning my window made when rolling it up or down, the squeeking in the front and back of car were all normal because my car was settling like a house does. these noises and squeeks are normal!!! shortly there after, my wheel bearings were replaced, my window failed to roll up while on my way to work when it began pouring rain. the ticking noise was explained three years later, since the coolant was leaking into my engine. i have replaced break pads, and my rotars and am on my way to replacing both again at 36,000 miles. the ticking noise in my car is still present and now the air conditioner goes out intermittently while driving. i replaced the lamps in my break lights twice before another malibu owner told me it was a problem in the circuit board. i am not happy with this vehicle and can't wait until i can afford to get rid of it. i will never buy another chevy unless the choose to rectify this situation. after reading the other compliants i now see i am not the only person to ever report the leaking of the coolant and am frustrated since i was told this was never seen before!!!*ak | |||