Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
STEERING
09E005000DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC. E (Equipment)97902/23/2009MFRGENERAL MOTORS CORP.02/17/200902/17/2009
Defect SummaryDorman is recalling 979 steering knuckles, dorman p/nos. 697-902 and 697-903, sold under dorman's oe solutionstm brand name, and napa p/nos. 7-8502 and 7-8503 which were sold for replacement use on the various vehicles listed above. a potential material or design defect could result in the steering knuckle breaking in the hub area.
Consequence SummaryA broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
Corrective SummaryDorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. the recall began on february 23, 2009. owners may contact dorman's toll-free hotline at 1-800-523-2492.
NotesThis recall only pertains to aftermarket dorman steering knuckles and has no relation to any original equipment installed on vehicles manufactured by general motors corporation.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
02V286000GENERAL MOTORS CORP.from 04/01/1996 to 08/31/1997V (Vehicle)115915601/24/2003ODIGENERAL MOTORS CORP.11/04/200211/06/2002
Defect SummaryCertain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. these and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
Consequence SummaryIf this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. if the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. if the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. with the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. in any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. owner notification began january 24, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
NotesGm recall no. 02049.also, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
03023204911/01/200310004765Release of new outer tie rod ends for service. *tt01/06/2004

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
STEERING
PE01038GENERAL MOTORS CORP.11/14/200104/04/2002STEERING RACK AND PINION
 Allege that while driving and without warning, the steering rack and pinion can either bind or lock up, which makes steering difficult
EA02003GENERAL MOTORS CORP.04/04/200212/10/2002POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE02V286000
 The lower pinion bearing in the rack and pinion steering assembly may fail.gm will recall 1997-98 grand prix built between 1-mar-96 and 31-oct-97; and 1996-98 u-vans/j-cars built between 1-jan-96 and 31-oct-97.see attached summary.
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
EA02003GENERAL MOTORS CORP.04/04/200212/10/2002POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE02V286000
 The lower pinion bearing in the rack and pinion steering assembly may fail.gm will recall 1997-98 grand prix built between 1-mar-96 and 31-oct-97; and 1996-98 u-vans/j-cars built between 1-jan-96 and 31-oct-97.see attached summary.
STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK
DP04002GENERAL MOTORS CORP.02/03/200403/17/2004RACK AND PINION STEERING UNIT FAILURE
 Mr. dennis fike of elkridge, md, submitted a petition to nhtsa by letter dated january 13, 2004, alleging that a gm dealer informed him that his van was not included in safety recall 02v286 and charged him for the replacement of the steering rack and pinion unit.mr. fike believes that his van should have been included and that the repair should have been performed without charge to him.the recall in question addressed steering rack and pinion unit lower pinion bearing failures on certain my 1996 through 1998 gm vehicles.the recall remedy was to inspect and replace the steering gear pinion bearing.if the inspection indicated that the bearing failure damaged the steering gear, then the steering gear assembly was be replaced.gm informed odi that mr. fike

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
02/01/20091200001
 Needs replaced frontend hubs ,tierod,pinion repairs/recall this van needs a new owner!!! nothing but costly repairs chevy needs to recall all them ventures. *tr
11/27/2006101/10/2005
 I bought my 97 venture a year ago, ended up getting a recall notice about 3 months later for the rear door handles. brought to dealer to have fixed, to find out other recalls weren't fixed. i had the steering recall done. well now not even a year later and it needs to be replaced again. i have 4 children under 6 yrs old and this vehicle is a safety hazard, im afraid to travel in it!! every turn be it right or left i feel the steering kind of pop and stick its scary i think gm needs to reevaluate its so called family safe vehicle and reimburse all of us owners!! *nm
02/01/2006830005008/02/1999
 On 28 july 2003, the chevy dealership replaced the lower pinion bearing in my 97 chevy venture under a recall scheme. i should have taken it back in, since they left the vehicle with the steering offset to the right by about 15 degrees, but it was such a hassle dealing with them that i didn't bother. around the start of february 2006, i started to experience intermittent problems when steering to the right. it was as if the power steering wasn't working. when i drive the van, i have to be constantly prepared to wrestle the wheel with both arms, although the fault is still intermittent. i have yet to raise the matter with the dealership, but note that there are many similar accounts, although mostly relating to steering to the left, for similar 97 ventures and other gm vehicles. *jb
08/24/20041
 While driving a squeaking noise was heard coming from the front. consumer was making a left turn, and the steering wheel failed to move. consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the steering wheel belt needed to be replaced. *ak
12/30/2003800001
 When making a turn at 15 mph steering wheel made a loud grinding noise, and then locked up. with enough force consumer was able to unlock the steering wheel. dealership was notified, but was unable to resolve the problem.*ak
12/01/2001
 Defective steering
 While driving steering became tight; then, failed repeatedly. made left turn and steering locked up and froze. could not turn steering wheel. please add vin. *ak
09/10/1998
 Steering intermittently grabbed/stuck and locked. dealer notified. *ak
11/26/1997
 When driving in the rain, the driving belt slips apparently and the steering ceases, the servo for the steering fails.
STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
08/15/20031
 When turning the steering wheel towards the right steering wheel locked, causing the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. consumer took vehicle to the dealership to be inspected. *ak
105/16/1997
 Alarm system/remote starter failed, causing driver to be locked inside vehicle.
02/23/1998505/16/1997
 Seat belts on the passenger's/drivers/second row, and the last row get stuck, cannot be pull out for buckling up. sometimes leaving the passengers without protection. consumer had taken the vehicle five times to dealer for the same problem. in addition, horn extremely hard to beep/alarm system malfunctioned, and second row- rear seat does not lock into place. *ak
STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
08/18/200011/01/1997
 Steering gear suddenly failed while driving on city street; unable to turn wheel to the left and marked difficulty turning wheel to right. fortunately oldsmobile dealer one block away who eventually repaired car.
STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT SECTOR
12/10/200004/01/2000
 Had to have the engine rebuilt, new fuel pump, front/rear shocks & struts,intermediate steering shaft assembly, brakes. i think there is something extremely wrong with this vehicle and it should be investigated.
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP
07/16/2003105/20/1997
 I am the owner of a 1997 venture chevrolet van that i purchased in may of 1997. i have several concerns after reviewing your web site. first, i just charged on my credit card almost $2,000 (december 2003) to fix the rack and pinion steering and to replace the power steering pump. there was a recall in november 2002 that i was not notified for the rack and pinion. second, i have just learned that there is a recall related to the power pump steering. it is not by chance that both of these items have malfunctioned on my vehicle. i have experienced the exertion on more pressure to make turns and this is some of the issues that are related to the recall. i can not give a specific date of the incidents when the issues first started but it is fair to say it started sometime in 2003. what procedures should i follow to get these charges taken off of my credit card? since i paid for or is charged to my credit card, i can not get the repairs free. if you would like to have a copy of bills - please let me know. also, i had an issue with the leaking of break fluid in 2001. after viewing your web site it appears that this could have been caused by another defect. i do not think it is just by chance the three major repairs that i have paid for on my vehicle are recalls from your organization. *la
09/16/2000108/01/1997
 Vehicle became extremely difficult to steer to the left at highway speed. it was somewhat intermittent but very pronounced during parking. replaced pump and rack/pinion.
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
03/04/20031
 The power steering failed. she had received the recall notice concerning steering and had the remedy work performed. however, the problem persisted.
07/28/2002103/01/1997
 The power steering system failed preventing the steering wheel from turning and unable to control the vehicle. this was not a case of the power steering failing and it was hard to steer. the steering could not be turned and i could feel the power steering preventing me from turning the wheel. this happened in a parking lot, at slow speed, where i could pull over and have the car towed. the car could not be driven safely.*ak
07/13/2002306/01/2097
 Loss of power steering and power brake assisted when going through shallow puddle. battery light went on and off. engine light went on and off. at the time of the incident, it was raining and the road was wet with some puddle in the road. when i have to use the right lane to make right or left turn, i have to go through some water that ponded along the gutter line, the steering seize on me and required forceful turn. brake paddle was hard to press and did not stop the vehicle appropriately.*ak
08/11/2001101/01/1997
 Shortly after purchasing car, headlights filled with moisture causing lights to burn out. dealership stated there were no replacements even made yet. at almost 100,000 miles engine died, power steering failed, belt slipped and ac went out within days of each other. 1800chevusa rep jason said chevy only builds their vehichles to last 100,000 miles. never again will i buy chevy. not after what jason said.*ak
04/22/2001108/01/2000
 My 19 yr old son lost ablity to steer the van after leaving the parking lot, after a soccer game. the car would not steer left and was hard to maintain driving straight with any type of control. the van was taken to the dealers the next day. the dealer test drove the van and confimn the lost of steering. i am under the impression from the dealer that all the steering unit need to be replaced . also the dealer reported that the driver side air bag coil broke when the steering went out and could have caused unexpected deployment of the driver side air bag. steering was repaired under extented warrenty. repair to driver side air bag coil was not under warrenty and paid for by customer. all repair have been completed.
11/01/199709/01/1997
 Power steering goes out when driving through a water puddle. battery light comes on, and electrical system may or may not stop.
12/01/1997
 When the accessory drive belt gets wet there is a very good chance that the power steering will stop working. my wife was making a right hand turn at an intersection and went through a puddle. she immediately lost power steering and almost crashed into another car. i have had it happen to me as i turned into my driveway. i have contacted chevrolet and was told that there are no recalls on my van. i took it into the dealer (not the one listed here) and they could find nothing wrong with it. losing power steering in a mini van while making a turn can have serious consequences. *ak
09/01/1997
 Loss of power steering assist when going through shallow water. *ak
STEERING - LINKAGES
308/01/1997
 #1. it is very heavy to push up the tailgate without the use of the hydraulics. it goes up easily only part of the way. #2. my seat and pocket should not be ripping as easily as they have. i do not have little kids tugging at them. #3. the cigarette lighter does not work . it has been allegedly fixed several times. #4. the interior side door panels are hard plastic and they are attached by velcro. they don't always stick to the velcro and come loose. one has already broken and replaced. they are still loose. #5. the front seatbelts don't retract all the way on their own and the front passenger's seatbelt twists on a regular basis. #6. the range of distance on the remote keyless entry is being basically on top of the vehicle. i have had nothing but problems with this vehicle since the day i bought it . it is my first american made vehicle and probably my last. i think i really bought a lemon. *ak
STEERING - LINKAGES - ARM - IDLER AND ATTACHMENT
06/13/1997
 While driving the vehicle's steering idler arm fell off due to a missing bolt, this caiuses both front tires to point inward and lost control of the car. *ak
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
10/01/20041
 While driving, the right side view mirror fell completely off. the seat belt was damaged on the second row passenger side. the head light covers continuously fell off. the consumer had to replace the bulbs constantly. the consumer took the vehicle to the mechanic to have the tires changed and was told the tire rod was bent and that it could not be fixed. please provide any further information.
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
12/20/2007100197102/01/2005
 Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet venture. the contact stated that the manufacturer was not going to honor the recall for the steering rack and pinion because her vin was not included. while making a right turn at 5 mph, the steering wheel locked. the failure occurs intermittently. according to the nhtsa manufacturer notices to dealers (etc rcmn-02v286-8630.pdf), the vin was included in the recall. the dealer stated that they could not find a recall for the steering rack and pinion. the powertrain and recall number were unknown. the current mileage was 160,000 and failure mileage was 100,197.
10/17/200391000210/15/2003
 Dt: the caller bought a vehicle and found out about a recall before he got the vehicle. the recalled part was the steering rack bearing. he was told the repair was done. he says the vehicle was hard to turn when turning right. he will not let his wife drive the vehicle anymore because she could not turn the steering wheel. he thought the replacement part was faulty. dealer said they might not do the work for free. manufacturer said they would pay the repair costs, the first time he called, if it was the part in question. the second time they said they would not. *ak *jb
01/15/2005102500106/30/1997
 Steering rack broke. driving down highway steering wheel can assume positions anywhere between 10 to 2 o'clock while still going straight. steering action is not positive. at turns, more steering movement is needed and vehicle does not response as before. found out there is a recall nhtsa #02v286000 for the steering rack lower pinion bearings that the dealer would replace the lower pinion bearing or replace the steering rack. we took the car in 5/28/05 for this recall and i believe the lower pinion bearing was replaced. contacted chevrolet customer service 1/17/05. told to have car inspected by dealer. lannan chevrolet confirmed that damage is inside steering rack and it needs to be replaced. talked with chevrolet customer service 1/20/05, they decline responsibility for the current problem and said that it is due to wear and tear. he blamed it on other things such as hydraulic hose leak. the hydraulic hose has been wet since the early days (1 or 2 years) after we purchased the car. the leak is not significant and the level has been checking every 1-2 week. we believe this current problem is a safety defect and the work done for the steering rack recall did not correct the underlining problem. either there are additional steering rack defects or internal damage had already been done. *jb
01/24/20021
 Loss of power steering led to the death of driver's infant daughter as stated by the consumer's lawyer. *la while driving the vehicle's steering locked up. the consumer lost control of the vehicle which then ran off the road and struck a tree. in january 2003 the manufacturer issued a recall for the vehicle's rack and pinion. *nm
09/08/20041
 On september 4, 2004 consumer received a recall 02049 from the manufacturer concerning rack and pinion failure. , prior to receiving the recall letter, consumer had already fixed the vehicle. consumer called the manufacturer to obtain reimbursement, and they indicated they won't honor the recall. *ak
07/15/2004203/21/1999
 The campaign 02049 was completed on 30 april 2003 the dealer replaced the power steering bearing. the vehicle steering slowly became stiff and gave resistance in may 2004 when turning or making steering corrections. i took it to the dealer in june or july as it was getting worse. on the way to the dealer it required a lot of exertion to steer. the dealer informed me the rack and pinion failed and needed replaced. i asked about the recall to check the gear and if it would be covered under that recall. he stated no not related. after the repair the vehicle was behaving erratically on the road. steering corrections were sloppy you had to move it left or right 3 or more inches to turn. i took it back to the dealer he had some adjustment done and the steering seemed fine. only now a groaning clunk upon turns and acceleration. i waited a few days then a component fell from the underside onto my driveway. i took the vehicle back again and voiced my concerns over the component and the noise. the dealer said they could not duplicate the noise and that the component was no problem only a loose wire bracket. i asked to speak to the mechanic and drove around to show him the noise. he heard the noise and would be able to duplicate it. next the service writer told me the strut brackets needed to be replaced. i requested the mechanic to inspect the struts for damage from the faulty strut brackets and let me know if they needed to be replaced. the service writer called and said the struts were in need of replacement. i had purchased lifetime replacement from firestone so i had it put back together and i paid for the repairs and drove over to firestone to have the struts replaced. the mechanic at firestone said the struts were fine but replaced them anyway. the only abnormality the firestone mechanic noted was that the strut springs were not properly seated. after the strut replacement the same noise was present. it is still being repaired. not sure of the start original date). *ak
07/25/2004358004
 When making a right hand turn power steering failed. as a result, vehicle was thrown into oncoming traffic. dealer stated that rack and pinion malfunctioned. no impact was reported. *ak
105/01/1997
 1997 chevrolet venture van replaced power steering pump and rack pinion steering, writer question if his vehicle is included with recalled campaign id number 02v286000. *ph *mr *sc *jb.
01/09/200412000010
 Vehicle requires excessive force to steer to the right, followed by unintended power assist to steer to the left. this is after recall campaign number 02v286000 (02049) was accomplished on 03/19/03 @ 103819 miles. *cb
07/16/2003105/20/1997
 I am the owner of a 1997 venture chevrolet van that i purchased in may of 1997. i have several concerns after reviewing your web site. first, i just charged on my credit card almost $2,000 (december 2003) to fix the rack and pinion steering and to replace the power steering pump. there was a recall in november 2002 that i was not notified for the rack and pinion. second, i have just learned that there is a recall related to the power pump steering. it is not by chance that both of these items have malfunctioned on my vehicle. i have experienced the exertion on more pressure to make turns and this is some of the issues that are related to the recall. i can not give a specific date of the incidents when the issues first started but it is fair to say it started sometime in 2003. what procedures should i follow to get these charges taken off of my credit card? since i paid for or is charged to my credit card, i can not get the repairs free. if you would like to have a copy of bills - please let me know. also, i had an issue with the leaking of break fluid in 2001. after viewing your web site it appears that this could have been caused by another defect. i do not think it is just by chance the three major repairs that i have paid for on my vehicle are recalls from your organization. *la
09/15/2003109/10/2000
 Nhtsa recall 02-v-286-000 mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. these and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. this recall failed. the dealer was notified.*ak *cb
05/30/20031
 Consumer seeking full reimbursement for repairs done to 1997 chevrolet venture regarding the rack and pinion. *mr *ts *jb
09/10/199982000411/12/1998
 I made a left hand turn onto the street i live on, the steering wheel locked up and released. it ripped out of my hands and sent me right on onto someone's front lawn nearly missing a tree. i regained control just in time and got it back on the road. i limped it home and parked it. i called the dealer i bought it from and did not believe me and would not help, so i started looking for a different vehicle with help from my parents. found a dealer ship 3 cities away and said bring it in and we'll help you. they called in saginaw steering plant rep. and it did it to him and said we'll replace for free just pay labor. seeing it was not covered by my extended warranty i accepted and traded it in on a s-10 pick-up. *nlm
670001
 Vehicle steers to the right at all times. dealer replaced rack andpinion and it is pulling on the opposite side. *ak
07/26/20021
 The rack and pinion failed prior to recall notification 02v-286000. the consumer requested reimbursement but was denied. *ak *nlm
1
 Consumer was informed no parts were available regarding the rack and pinion recall 02v286 000.*jb
08/10/20021
 The rack and pinion failed.*dt *jb
09/04/2002509/01/2002
 While driving and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel locked up nearly causing a major accident. this now happens constantly to the point where we don't even want to drive this minivan. the last time i drove it, the steering locked up a total of 15 times. it is definitely a hazard to my wife and children.*ak
07/29/20021
 While in motion, consumer was making a left turn and the steering locked. consumer had to apply considerable force to overcome the resistance. driving about 100 feet and turning left the steering locked again. consumer was later informed that a seal in the rack and pinion had failed and the assembly had to be replaced. consumer disassembled the pinion gear and the seals were in tact. the seals didn't fail. further inspection and consumer discovered that the lower pinion bearing was damaged and all of the ball bearings were gone. consumer believes there is a design flaw in the rack and pinion assembly that poses a risk to the general public. consumer would like to be compensated for monies paid to replace the assembly. *jg
07/16/2002106/26/1997
 Consumer states while driving 25 mph, the steering wheel locked up. took vehicle to rerpair shop, in which they had repaired and stated that the rack and pinion will need replacing. *jb consumer stated that the warranty had expired. (06/26/02) *scc
07/11/200203/01/2097
 Worsening over the course of one week occurring at all speeds power steering locks up while turning left. chevrolet dealership chevy chase maryland states rack and pinion cracked requiring replacement, power steering flush and hose replacement, and alignment required for tires after placement of new rack and pinion. no mention made of history of gm 1997 model rack and pinion similar problems though history of same found over internet.*ak
06/17/2002107/01/1997
 While driving rack and pinion steering system failed, resulting in loss of steering control. vehicle has been checked by dealer.*ak
03/27/2002205/01/1998
 I sent a report earlier this week regarding the steering failure of my van on 3/18/02. i brought our minivan to iron trail to be repaired. on 3/28/02 we called to find out when the repairs would be complete and the mechanic told us that the replacement rack he installed in our van broke when he was taking it for a test drive after installation. he also told us that this is the second chevrolet venture that he needed to replace the rack and then the replacement rack also broke. this seems to be a failure on the part of chevrolet in that the rack is defective. this is a major problem since the vehicle can not be steered at all when this occurs. i feel this is a serious safety issue and that it needs to be investigated futher. there are probably many people out there that don't realize that their steering can freeze at any time. a minivan is a family vehicle and a person should not be concerned about getting in a serious accident because of steering failure. please contact me regarding what is done with these type of reports and what follow up there is. thank you. nlm
03/27/2002205/01/1998
 I sent a report earlier this week regarding the steering failure of my van on 3/18/02. i brought our minivan to iron trail to be repaired. on 3/28/02 we called to find out when the repairs would be complete and the mechanic told us that the replacement rack he installed in our van broke when he was taking it for a test drive after installation. he also told us that this is the second chevrolet venture that he needed to replace the rack and then the replacement rack also broke. this seems to be a failure on the part of chevrolet in that the rack is defective. this is a major problem since the vehicle can not be steered at all when this occurs. i feel this is a serious safety issue and that it needs to be investigated futher. there are probably many people out there that don't realize that their steering can freeze at any time. a minivan is a family vehicle and a person should not be concerned about getting in a serious accident because of steering failure. please contact me regarding what is done with these type of reports and what follow up there is. thank you.
10/08/20011
 While driving 5 mph, the steering went out, dealer determined that rack and pinion needed to be replaced.*ak *slc
08/18/2001
 While driving approximately 10 mph in a parking lot heard a noise coming from vehicle, and the steering wheel locked up suddenly, preventing consumer from controlling direction of vehicle. steering wheel would lock up and release intermittently. dealership informed consumer that rack and pinion steering broke. please provide any additional information / attachments.*ak
08/06/2001110/01/2000
 No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
06/01/20011
 While backing out of a driveway steering wheel locked up. vehicle was towed to dealer, and they said it was rack and pinion. *ak *slc
04/27/2001103/01/1997
 The steering locked-up and could not be turned to the left. dealer replaced the entire rack and pinion gear system. even though the van was out of warranty, gm covered 50% of the cost of the repair. this could have been a fatal situation.
04/01/1999
 Consumer's wife was driving at approximately 55 to 60 mph when power assisted steering failed. took the vehicle to a dealership, which determined that a bracket broke loose, causing a loss of control in rack and pinion gear. consumer complained is that vehicle was about ready to experience same problem again due to handling and steering vibrations. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
09/16/2000108/01/1997
 Vehicle became extremely difficult to steer to the left at highway speed. it was somewhat intermittent but very pronounced during parking. replaced pump and rack/pinion.
 End cap at end of rack and pinion steering popped out, causing steering to lock up while making a turn. please give any further details.*ak
08/01/1999103/01/1997
 Rack and pinion steering cracked. no reason for happening, just turning into a parking space and hear a loud thud. could not make full turns.*ak
06/19/20001
 Vehicle could not be turned left because of a chipped gear in the rack and pinion unit. nlm
05/30/200002/01/1998
 While driving rack and pinion steering broke in half, causing fluid to leak out. tensioner and serpentine belt were damaged. this allowed steering wheel to spin freely, breaking the tape that connects to airbags and disabling air bags. dealer has inspected vehicle. *ak *ml
12/28/1999112/01/1998
 While making a routine rt turn, the gear assembly of the rack and pinion assembly blew-out. this event locked my steering up. no warranty in place to recover loss. but, the nature of the event was unusual. that is, the mechanical failure of the gear(s)fracturing and exploding it's housing causing loss of steering is highly questionable? at a higher speed this would have cause injury or loss of life. a certified mechanic with 20+ years experienced indicated that he has never seen a rack and pinion assembly blow-out like the one i am presenting in this case. the supervisor mechanic further indicated, that this could have caused a serious accident. i have the rack and pinion assembly in my possession and i have also contacted general motors customer service (doc# 000029454 gm). gm has denied my request for reimbursement regarding the repair costs and has indicated no interest in having gmc engineers look at the failed system. this is a public safety concern.i believe strongly that a valid liability does exist that and that there is a mft defect with this product. i have high hopes that you also have an interest in my concern. i will wait for your response before i go public regarding this issue. thank you, mike johnson. *ak
107/16/1997
 The front end locked up causing loss of steering ability due to rack and pinion and air bag coil failure. *mjs
05/14/1999207/01/1997
 No summary.
08/01/199907/01/1997
 This failure occurred while driving out of a supermarket parking lot. the steering wheel seized and had to be forcefully righted. this occurred twice more and the vehicle was brought into a local shop for diagnosis and repair. gm was notified of the repai
06/07/1999104/01/1997
 Steering wheel locked while making a left hand turn. after vehicle was towed and repaired, dealer informed me that the bearing on the steering column disintegrated causing the shaft to slip lower into the rack and pinion. this caused rack and pinion gears to go bad.
STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK
03/31/20031
 The consumer took the vehicle in for recall repair 02v286000 on 03/31/03. the dealer replaced the lower pinion bearings but advised the consumer that the rack assembly was bad but this repair would not be covered under recall. dealer advised consumer that their agreement with manufacturer was to replace bearings only. *nlm
03/17/2003109/10/2000
 The recall which was performed on the consumer's vehicle failed. recall # 02 v 286 000. *jb *tt
 When vehicle is being driven and a right or left turn is made, a thumping noise occurs within steering rack. please give any further details.*ak
09/26/2000104/01/1997
 While going around a curve steering wheel completely locked up, resulting in loss of control. van had to be towed to dealership. a broken steering rack assembly was found. dealership and owner split repair cost. *ak
STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
06/02/2002106/01/2000
 When driving and making left turns, the steering wheel locks up and owner could not control vehicle. *ak rack and pinion failed. after replacement, air bag light remains on. *tt
11/15/2001105/22/2001
 At 10 mph, while trying to make a left turn, steering wheel made a popping noise, then it locked up on consumer. cause unknown. dealer notified.*ak *tt
 While making a left turn steering wheel locked up, causing loss of control. please provide further information.*ak
09/26/2000104/01/1997
 While going around a curve steering wheel completely locked up, resulting in loss of control. van had to be towed to dealership. a broken steering rack assembly was found. dealership and owner split repair cost. *ak
02/07/2000
 Steering column stopped functioning. also, bearings broke somewhere under driveshaft. *ak
09/30/199809/01/1998
 Pad over the air bag is too thick. horn button difficult to push. dealer say's no problem
06/22/1999
 Steering wheel broke of at 35mph, resulting in loss of control. the vehicle is being repaired by the dealer . the manufacturer has been notified. *ak
09/13/1998109/12/1998
 Design of steering wheel makes it difficult to find and activate the horn.