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 04/01/1996 to 07/31/1997 | 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 | ||||||
| RQ03001 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 01/02/2003 | 09/15/2003 | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE | ||
| Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). the recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019. | ||||||
| EA03019 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 09/15/2003 | 12/18/2003 | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE | 03V527000 | |
| Gm's letter to nhtsa dated december 11, 2003, expands its original recall (nhtsa 02v286) to include certain w-body vehicles: 96-97 olds cutlass supreme; 98 olds intrigue; 97-98 olds cutlass; 97-98 chevy lumina, monte carlo and malibu; 96 pontiac grand prix; and 96-98 buick regal.the number of vehicles recalled is 750,283.gm determined that failure of the rack and pinion is related to damage of the lower pinion bearing and the level of the pinion bearing pre-load spring force.gm states, higher rack pre-load spring force (133 lb.) is the design characteristic most closely associated with higher bearing damage rates in most of the vehicle applications that used the general bearing company (gbc) bearing.all of the vehicles covered in the expanded recall have the 133 lb spring force.the 96 lumina/monte carlo and 97-98 century w-body vehicles included in this investigation utilize a lower spring force and are not included in the recall. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 12/01/2012 | 220000 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet monte carlo. the contact stated that while driving 85 mph, the steering wheel became loose and caused the contact to temporarily lose control of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician advised that the lower pinion bearing for the steering rack needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign id number: 03v527000 (steering:rack and pinion) however, the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 220,000. kmj | |||
| 12/01/2012 | 85 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet monte carlo. the contact stated that while driving approximately 85 mph, the vehicles steering wheel became loose and swerved on the road. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the technician stated the bearing in the rack needed to be replaced. the contact stated the vehicles failure was not repaired and needed a new lower pinion bearing installed. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign id number: 03v527000 (steering:rack and pinion). the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage and the current mileage was 220,000. dr | |||
| 1 | |||
| Consumer dissatisfied with the work done on her vehicle. *ph the dealer told the consumer that the steering problem she experienced had nothing to do with recall 03v-527000. the consumer disagrees and believes that the dealer refused to repair the vehicle under recall because she refused to let them replace other items on the vehicle. *nm | |||
| 01/15/2003 | |||
| When turning the steering wheel will not rotate back to standard position. the wheel continues to rotate around in a circle. ph | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE | |||
| 04/20/2004 | 3 | ||
| While driving 55 mph steering wheel locked up. consumer tried to unlock it but was unable to do so. consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. consumer lost control of the vehicle, and hit a median steel barrier. then, vehicle rolled three times and landed upside down on the highway. upon impact, both frontal airbag did not deploy. driver sustained neck and back injuries and was transported by ambulance, to the hospital. vehicle was totaled. *ak | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | |||
| 09/02/2004 | 120000 | 4 | 03/09/1998 |
| Recall 03v527000 concerning steering gear bearings. consumer had a concern while making a left turn the vehicle lost steering control. also, air conditioner/ hazard lights, and driver's side power window failed to operate. dealer was not notified. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | |||
| 01/10/2003 | 67035 | 1 | 07/22/1997 |
| High pressure power steering hose failure. nlm | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 05/10/2007 | 1 | 11/08/2005 | |
| My 97 chevy monte carlo has had no lower brake lights for some time . i had my car checked by an auto electrician and was told that the problem was so severe and it would probably never find the source of the problem. i am very concerned with this issue being it may cause serious injury to my self/family or others. as i drive on the road i notice many autos of the same year and type have the same problem so i know its not only my vehicle .i thought it could of been the factory installed security system so i had it uninstalled to come to the fact that it was not the security system after all. please help with this issue . this is my only source of transportation as i am disabled and cannot afford another vehicle . i have put constant repairs on this car , fuel inj tank, etc. again please address this urgent issue. *tr | |||
| 09/02/2001 | |||
| Had no power steering, had to stop and back up to complete turn, steering come and go. stopped to check could not determine the cause, found power steering pump empty. | |||
| 0 | |||
| Consumer was driving at approximately 15 mph when shaft that holds pulley snapped off inside power steering pump, causing loss of steering, consumer was able to control vehicle enough to get off road. no prior warning.*ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 11/01/2003 | 64897 | 1 | |
| Consumer's claim was denied for reimbursement since the repairs were done prior to receiving the recall notice. *ph | |||
| 01/03/2004 | 70122 | 1 | 09/17/2003 |
| I am having problems with my 1997 monte carlo. the power steering intermittently locks up and/or becomes very difficult to operate. problem always occurs when turning to the left, usually at low speeds. problem becoming progressively worse to the point where vehicle is not drivable.*ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | |||
| 1 | |||
| Left rear bolt that held the control arm on to the axle broke off. it was noticed when vehicle was being backed out of the garage. vehicle was checked at the dealer. and no evidence of previous damage was found.*ak | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 06/26/2005 | 127000 | 1 | 08/01/1997 |
| Dt: consumer had recall 03v527000 repairs done in february which was suppose to be preventive recall work. vehicle was still experiencing loss of power steering. consumer said when she turned left the vehicle demonstrated high resistance. took vehicle to dealer after manufacturer advised her to take it to any dealer. the dealer insisted that she go back to dealer who did the original recall repairs. dealer checked vehicle after she agreed to pay for the labor. mechanic checked vehicle and claimed it was rack and pinion problem. *ak | |||
| 05/01/2003 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle's steering went out all of a sudden while driving. *mr recall #750283. the consumer requested her money back. *sc in jan. 2004 a recall was issued on the steering rack and pinion. the consumer was told to send in her paperwork and a reimbursement check would be sent to her, but instead the consumer received a denial letter. the manufacturer stated the reason for the denial of reimbursement was because the consumer did not have the vehicle serviced at a gm dealer. *jb | |||
| 05/20/2004 | 121000 | 1 | 09/01/2000 |
| While making a right turn at 5 mph, the vehicle lost power, causing the consumer's vehicle to hit a pole. *ak the consumer stated the problem was due to steering rack failure. *jb | |||
| 03/14/2004 | 1 | 03/29/2003 | |
| Steering wheel did not turn upon starting the vehicle. consumer took vehicle to a mechanic, and he determined the rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 6 | |||
| Nhtsa recall# 03v527000 subject:steering gear bearings. consumer received the notice for the recall the first part of february. consumer called the dealer six times. dealer did not have the tools to fix the recalled part, and told the consumer to call back in april. the vehicle was having steering problems.*ak | |||
| 1 | 01/12/1997 | ||
| Heard a loud rumbling noise while backing out of the driveway. took vehicle to dealer, and dealer determined that rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 06/09/2003 | 63167 | 1 | 08/28/2002 |
| When making a left turn, the steering wheel locked up. the dealer has been contacted. the dealer is replaced the rack and pinion. *jb *nm | |||
| 05/01/2003 | 65000 | 1 | |
| When turning the steering wheel towards the left, the steering locked up, which caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. *ak the rack and pinion was replaced *jb *nm | |||
| 07/01/2003 | 915000 | 1 | 10/01/1997 |
| While driving approximately 15 mph, the steering failed without warning, which caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle and crashed into the curb. dealer diagnosed that the rack and pinion system was defective. *ak gm stated that there was a defect in the rack and pinion but not this vehicle. *scc *jb | |||
| 04/16/2003 | 118000 | 1 | 06/01/1998 |
| Power steering locked up when making a left turn. at first it happen with my son driving, was fine one day, and like something broke the next. i took my car to my mechanic, they said they have seen 3 monto carlo's that month having the same problem. i have owned numerous vehicles in my life and have never had this kind of problem. it is a very dangerous situation. then when driving it to my mechanic, thank god my son was in the car with me, and helped me muscle the car through the turn, or there would have been a serious accident. also the gas gauge has never given a accurate reading. when my mechanic told me they had been seeing a lot of monte carlos with this problem, it alerted me that there must be a serious problem with the power steering, and i starting checking the recalls, and sure enough, gm has recalled 96 - 98's chevrolet luminas, which is a sister car to the monto carlo, the only major difference between these two cars is the body style coupe (2 door) to sedan (four door). they have the same mechanical working parts. hopefully they'll get the monte carlo recalled soon before there are serious consequences. *jb | |||
| 10/28/2002 | 1 | 07/01/2000 | |
| Consumer called complaining about the rack an pinion steering broke. also stated that while driving the vehicle the rack and pinion steering broke which it completely left the consumer with no control of the steering. dealer and manufacture were contacted and have a recall and that they don't know what to do. ts | |||
| 06/14/2001 | 08/01/1997 | ||
| Lost partial steering ability while driving 55 mph. no previous warning of a problem existed. very scary to have this happen while driving. *ak | |||
| 05/23/2001 | 1 | ||
| Power steering froze due to broken rack and pinion on the xepressway, was very dangerous and scary. *ak | |||
| 01/27/1999 | 1 | ||
| Power steering rack had constant leak. yh | |||
| 07/31/2000 | |||
| While making a turn aluminum rack and pinion rubbed against and shafed into steering pump, causing it to burn out, resulting in stalling. there is a new design of the part. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| Rack and pinion steering locked up while vehicle was in use, causing loss of vehicle control. *ak | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 11/28/2001 | 1 | 09/19/1997 | |
| While driving 15mph, steering wheel locked up. *ak vehicle would not turn from left to right, consumer had to stop to unlock steering. *jb | |||
| 10/06/1998 | 1 | 07/29/1997 | |
| Steering column assembly failed. *yc | |||