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 | ||||||||||||||||
| 09E005000 | DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC. | E (Equipment) | 979 | 02/23/2009 | MFR | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 02/17/2009 | 02/17/2009 | ||||||||
| Defect Summary | Dorman 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 Summary | A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dorman 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | This 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 . | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||||
| 060232009 | 08/01/2007 | 060232009A | 10022924 | Overview of steering system noises. *nj | 10/05/2007 |
| 060232011 | 10/01/2006 | 10020817 | Revised power steering tightening specifications. *kb | 01/23/2007 | |
| 010232001F | 02/01/2006 | 10019516 | Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation. *tt | 03/21/2006 | |
| 050232007 | 11/01/2005 | 10018690 | Power steering moan or groan noise while driving. *jb | 01/10/2006 | |
| 050232003 | 06/01/2005 | 10017515 | Revised outer tie rod end nut tightening specification/tie rod end jam nut tightening specification added. *tt | 11/09/2005 | |
| 040232001 | 08/01/2007 | 040232001C | 10012694 | Release of steering gear stub shaft bearing kit for service. *tt updated 08-15-07. *kb updated 10/09/07. *nj | 03/10/2005 |
| 01-02-32-001 | 04/01/2008 | 010232001O | 618086 | Concerns with clunk noise from front of vehicle turning maneuver / steering wheel rotation.*jb (lubricate or replace intermediate shaft as appropriate). updated 10/05/07. *nj updated 4/1/08. *nj updated 7/1/2008 *pe | 04/03/2001 |
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||||
| 4105 | 10020049 | Steering column damage when suspending cradle from intermediate shaft. *tt | 07/14/2006 | ||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | |||||
| PB-09132 | 11/01/2009 | 10032330 | Pontiac/chevrolet: power steering hose leak. vehicles may have a condition in which the power steering cooler line may leak or split. when started in cold weather, the pressure on the hose is substantially higher than in warmer weather a | 03/05/2010 | |
| 060232014 | 11/01/2006 | 10020769 | Power steering fluid leak. *kb | 01/09/2007 | |
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID | |||||
| 06072 | 10/01/2006 | 10020657 | Power steering hose leak. *kb | 12/08/2006 | |
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||||
| 050232004 | 06/01/2005 | 10017514 | Revised power steering pump mounting bolt torque specification. *tt | 11/09/2005 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | ||||||
| PE09025 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 05/13/2009 | 10/02/2009 | POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS - FIRES | ||
| General motors (gm) initiated a customer satisfaction campaign in october of 2006 to address a failure of the power steering hose and/or clamps that could occur when the engine is started in vehicles primarily operated in the following states that experience extremely cold temperatures:alaska, maine, minnesota, montana, new hampshire, north dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin and wyoming.at the time this preliminary evaluation (pe) was opened, only 1 of the 33 complaints received by the office of defects investigation (odi) was from a state covered by the customer satisfaction campaign.in response to an information request sent by the odi, gm provided information that included 6 alleged fires and 1 alleged minor crash potentially related to the alleged defect. one of the alleged fires is a duplicate of a report received by odi.of the fire incidents, 2 of the 6 alleged fire incidents occurred after the remedy detailed in the customer satisfaction program was performed.one of the vehicles was totaled as a result of the incident.it is undetermined whether the incidents were related to the alleged defect or were a by product of the repair.of the other four alleged fire incidents, 1 incident involved smoke only and no visible flames.based on the information provided, the remaining 3 fire incidents were localized events that primarily involved damage to the power steering components and surrounding wiring.all 3 of these vehicles were subsequently repaired.none of the alleged fire incidents occurred while the vehicle was unattended.odi is aware of 1 additional alleged fire incident that was not included in gm's information request response.based on the consumer's description of the incident, the fire was quickly extinguished by a friend and the vehicle was subsequently repaired at a dealership.in total odi is aware of 6 alleged fire incidents where the consumer alleged flames were visible.all of the alleged fire incidents occurred while the vehicle was still attended. odi is aware 1 minor crash alleged to be related to a power steering fluid leak.the consumer alleged a minor crash occurred as the consumer was attempting to pull into a driveway and had difficulty negotiating the turn due to experiencing high power steering efforts and struck a snow bank.in a letter dated september 21, 2009, gm informed odi that a customer satisfaction program will commence in december of 2009 for the entire us. as a remedy the power steering hose assembly for vehicles with v8 engines and the power steering return hose and clamps for vehicles with v6 engines will be replaced with upgraded components.based on the low frequencies and minor severities of the alleged fire incidents and crash,no safety related defect trend has been identified in the subject vehicles.gm's expanded customer satisfaction program will provide free repairs to vehicles excluded from the original campaign.accordingly, this investigation has been closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted. | ||||||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID | ||||||
| PE09025 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 05/13/2009 | 10/02/2009 | POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS - FIRES | ||
| General motors (gm) initiated a customer satisfaction campaign in october of 2006 to address a failure of the power steering hose and/or clamps that could occur when the engine is started in vehicles primarily operated in the following states that experience extremely cold temperatures:alaska, maine, minnesota, montana, new hampshire, north dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin and wyoming.at the time this preliminary evaluation (pe) was opened, only 1 of the 33 complaints received by the office of defects investigation (odi) was from a state covered by the customer satisfaction campaign.in response to an information request sent by the odi, gm provided information that included 6 alleged fires and 1 alleged minor crash potentially related to the alleged defect. one of the alleged fires is a duplicate of a report received by odi.of the fire incidents, 2 of the 6 alleged fire incidents occurred after the remedy detailed in the customer satisfaction program was performed.one of the vehicles was totaled as a result of the incident.it is undetermined whether the incidents were related to the alleged defect or were a by product of the repair.of the other four alleged fire incidents, 1 incident involved smoke only and no visible flames.based on the information provided, the remaining 3 fire incidents were localized events that primarily involved damage to the power steering components and surrounding wiring.all 3 of these vehicles were subsequently repaired.none of the alleged fire incidents occurred while the vehicle was unattended.odi is aware of 1 additional alleged fire incident that was not included in gm's information request response.based on the consumer's description of the incident, the fire was quickly extinguished by a friend and the vehicle was subsequently repaired at a dealership.in total odi is aware of 6 alleged fire incidents where the consumer alleged flames were visible.all of the alleged fire incidents occurred while the vehicle was still attended. odi is aware 1 minor crash alleged to be related to a power steering fluid leak.the consumer alleged a minor crash occurred as the consumer was attempting to pull into a driveway and had difficulty negotiating the turn due to experiencing high power steering efforts and struck a snow bank.in a letter dated september 21, 2009, gm informed odi that a customer satisfaction program will commence in december of 2009 for the entire us. as a remedy the power steering hose assembly for vehicles with v8 engines and the power steering return hose and clamps for vehicles with v6 engines will be replaced with upgraded components.based on the low frequencies and minor severities of the alleged fire incidents and crash,no safety related defect trend has been identified in the subject vehicles.gm's expanded customer satisfaction program will provide free repairs to vehicles excluded from the original campaign.accordingly, this investigation has been closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted. | ||||||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | ||||||
| PE09025 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 05/13/2009 | 10/02/2009 | POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS - FIRES | ||
| General motors (gm) initiated a customer satisfaction campaign in october of 2006 to address a failure of the power steering hose and/or clamps that could occur when the engine is started in vehicles primarily operated in the following states that experience extremely cold temperatures:alaska, maine, minnesota, montana, new hampshire, north dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin and wyoming.at the time this preliminary evaluation (pe) was opened, only 1 of the 33 complaints received by the office of defects investigation (odi) was from a state covered by the customer satisfaction campaign.in response to an information request sent by the odi, gm provided information that included 6 alleged fires and 1 alleged minor crash potentially related to the alleged defect. one of the alleged fires is a duplicate of a report received by odi.of the fire incidents, 2 of the 6 alleged fire incidents occurred after the remedy detailed in the customer satisfaction program was performed.one of the vehicles was totaled as a result of the incident.it is undetermined whether the incidents were related to the alleged defect or were a by product of the repair.of the other four alleged fire incidents, 1 incident involved smoke only and no visible flames.based on the information provided, the remaining 3 fire incidents were localized events that primarily involved damage to the power steering components and surrounding wiring.all 3 of these vehicles were subsequently repaired.none of the alleged fire incidents occurred while the vehicle was unattended.odi is aware of 1 additional alleged fire incident that was not included in gm's information request response.based on the consumer's description of the incident, the fire was quickly extinguished by a friend and the vehicle was subsequently repaired at a dealership.in total odi is aware of 6 alleged fire incidents where the consumer alleged flames were visible.all of the alleged fire incidents occurred while the vehicle was still attended. odi is aware 1 minor crash alleged to be related to a power steering fluid leak.the consumer alleged a minor crash occurred as the consumer was attempting to pull into a driveway and had difficulty negotiating the turn due to experiencing high power steering efforts and struck a snow bank.in a letter dated september 21, 2009, gm informed odi that a customer satisfaction program will commence in december of 2009 for the entire us. as a remedy the power steering hose assembly for vehicles with v8 engines and the power steering return hose and clamps for vehicles with v6 engines will be replaced with upgraded components.based on the low frequencies and minor severities of the alleged fire incidents and crash,no safety related defect trend has been identified in the subject vehicles.gm's expanded customer satisfaction program will provide free repairs to vehicles excluded from the original campaign.accordingly, this investigation has been closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 01/14/2011 | 58200 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2005 pontiac grand prix gtp. while driving approximately 5-10 mph the vehicle became very difficult to steering to the left. the contact stated the failure had been on going since friday january 14, 2011 with steering just to the left. the vehicle had not been taken to the dealer of the failure. he called the manufacturer and he was advised they would get back with him today january 18, 2011. the contact stated the vehicle was no longer under warranty. the vin was not available. the failure mileage was 58,200 and the current mileage was 58,224. | |||
| 09/14/2009 | 111000 | 1 | |
| My 2005 grand prix has an issue with power steering fluid leaking which led to a loss of power steering assistance. i've had the steering gear replaced about 3 months ago, and now the return line was replaced. after all of this it is leaking again. *tr | |||
| 07/20/2009 | 31000 | 1 | |
| I purchased a 2005 grand prix gt, on april 28, 2009. it was a used vehicle and had 28,000 when purchased from used car dealer. when i test drove the vehicle i noticed a knock with the steering system. they told me that it was a problem and the dealers were aware of. they said they would fix it once the knock or the system got worst. i am going to the dealer that i purchased the car from as the steering system is getting more pronounced. i called our local pontiac dealer that was still in business and he said that there was no recall on the power steering set up. i have found information on the web site that states that there is a problem with the steering. there was a recall id 09e005000 steering, it was related to the dorman company recalling 979 steering knuckles supplied by them. there were also service bulletins referring to the steering problem. there were odi complaints filled concerning the problem. i can reference the numbers if you need them. i have talked to another pontiac dealer who has lost his franchise but stated to me that it was a problem and that he would fix it for me. i told him that where i purchased the car they would fix it. this is a major safety problem and there should be a recall. i am sure you have received complaints on this subject. the system has not failed but until i get this corrected i will not let anyone drive the vehicle but me. can you help me with this problem, can we get a recall on this. gm has taken stimulus dollars and they will not stand by there product. thanks for any thing that you can provide me in this safety issue. i did not incur an accident but the steering is acting up and i will get it fixed. *tr | |||
| 02/15/2009 | 1 | ||
| Power steering pump is losing fluid,this has happened twice now. car was taken into dealer and no leaks,or fluid was found under car. all they would do is fill up pump with more fluid.the fluid must be going somewhere? my car makes a very high whining sound when it gets low on fluid. i was told this is a valve problem in pump by other people. *tr | |||
| 12/22/2008 | 72775 | 1 | |
| 2005 pontiac grand prix gt 3.8 l v6 engine: the rack and pinion steering system failed to work properly. when attempting to make a left turn, the power steering function unexpectedly failed, causing loss of control. i was able to stop the vehicle in time to avoid running off of the road. also, i was almost rear-ended by the vehicle turning behind me. i was not able to continue with the turn at the location of the failure. it was necessary to back up into traffic in order to adjust the steering wheel so that i was able to pull off of the roadway. the steering wheel was not able to turn to the left (no power assist). the steering wheel was able to turn freely to the right (power assisted). due to the immediate nature of the failure, this issue could result in a severe accident which could cause significant damage or injury. the vehicle was repaired at a local repair shop. the technician replaced the rack and pinion for the vehicle. during his analysis, he spoke to a local pontiac dealer. their repair shop representative stated that they were aware of similar occurrences, but general motors had not issued any form of safety recall. during my initial attempt to troubleshoot the problem, i read several similar complaints online. most reported an immediate loss of power steering, typically in one direction. the total repair for this item was $521.00. the replacement part was $300, labor was $200, and indiana tax (7%) was $21. i would appreciate any assistance that you may offer in resolving this safety issue. thank you for your time. *tr | |||
| 09/10/2008 | 66290 | 1 | |
| I have a general motors 2005 grand prix. it has developed a 'knocking' sound when driving. the same noise corresponds with bumps you can feel in the steering wheel. i took the car to a goodyear service center. they put the car on the lift, removed the front tires and did a complete examination of the front end. they reported that there was a problem in the steering column. i called pontiac's customer hot-line out of the back of the owners manual. they would not acknowledge the problem. they did state that they would not cover the cost of the repair to the steering column. i asked for that information in writing. the phone operator said he would not provide that to me. i asked for his supervisor. he promptly hung up on me. i called back. i opened a new case #71-663-678745. the operator informed me that they would have to verify the information via an authorized dealer. we conference called with bob brown chevy. they said they knew of this problem, but would charge me $89 to diagnose it...even though it is a known problem. according to the goodyear service center - thousands of vehicles are affected..and gm won't acknowledge it. they don't want to recall the product. bob brown chevy gave an 'off the cuff' estimate of $300 to replace the lower steering column extension. if it has a knocking sound and can be felt in the steering wheel, i feel that the car is now unsafe. i am afraid to drive the car and will not buy another gm car until i am satisfied that the steering column won't become unattached and allow the car to veer to the side at will. i don't know how many cars are affected, or if any crashes have been attributed to loss of steering due to a design flaw in the steering column. in 30 years of driving, i have never experienced this problem in dozens of cars from all types of manufacturers - either owned or rented. *tr the repair includes replacement of the lower column extension arm. updated 11/07/08. *jb | |||
| 12/22/2006 | 33000 | 1 | 12/15/2006 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2005 pontiac grand prix. the failure mileage was 33,000, and the current mileage was 36,150. a very loud noise was heard coming from the steering column. the contact stated that he had components of the column replaced, such as the rack, pump and hoses. the problem still existed. the dealer and manufacturer were unable to diagnose the failure. *ak updated 05/22/07*tr | |||
| 01/02/2007 | 69381 | 4 | 07/16/2006 |
| I took my car in to an certified automotive center to receive a diagnostic check because the car had completely stopped on the bay bridge and i could not accelerate. thank god i was completely over into the left hand lane because the steering wheel had completely locked. the automotive center could not find anything wrong but detected that the model and year had a recall on intergrated circuit chip damage that controlled the car. so they told me to go back to the dealership for that recall so when i went back to the dealer they stated that there was no recall. so i had to pay an additional fee to get my car checked by the dealer. since i purchased this vehicle in july 2005 i have had several problems with transmission, sensors, fuel filter and had to put on rotors twice since i purchase my mileage is 69,000. i am asking for investigations on this car to see whether or not i was sold a lemon. *jb | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||
| 09/27/2009 | 46000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2005 pontiac grand prix. while driving the steering column, and accelerator and brake pedal makes a clicking noise. the vehicle was taken to a local repair facility and a technician concluded that the steering column needed to be replaced. the current and failure mileages were 46000. | |||
| 01/01/2008 | 30000 | 1 | 08/01/2005 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2005 pontiac grand prix. the contact stated that the steering wheel makes a clicking noise when it is turned. the dealer stated that the steering column metal was failing and the steering column rod will need to be replaced. the manufacturer acknowledged the steering failure with the gmc pick up trucks; however, they would not acknowledge that the failure also existed in the passenger vehicles. the vehicle exceeds the 36,000 mile warranty; therefore, the manufacturer would not assist. the part for the repair costs $107. the failure mileage was 30,000. updated 05/19/08. *lj | |||
| STEERING - ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 04/23/2007 | 62000 | 1 | 06/30/2005 |
| During the second week of april 2007, i noticed my 2005 grand prix gt was making a sort of whizzing noise when i accelerated. i noticed this noise was particularly pronounced when i turned. on april 13, 2007, i checked the power steering fluid level. i was alarmed to find that there was little to no fluid! i added fluid to the reservoir immediately and decided to check the gauge again ,the next morning. upon doing so the next day, i found the power steering fluid to be acceptable. i decided to check the fluid level for the next few days to track the rate of leakage --- again on sunday, april 15, the fluid level seemed ok. i drove my car to the airport that same day and left it for the entirety of the following week while i was on business. i picked it up on sunday night, april 22 and drove it home (30 miles) with no trouble. on my way to work the morning of monday, april 23, several lights came on in my car -- service traction control system, service variable effort steering, service abs. at the moment these lights appeared, steering became *severely* diminished! it was extremely difficult to turn and drive the car. i immediately took it to shop where the car was diagnosed as leaking power steering fluid in 2 places. the hoses and pump were replaced. the car was returned to me on april 24. on my way to work on april 26, the lights returned and again, i lost the ability to steer. concerned about my safety, i took the car back to the shop where it was diagnosed as having a faulty sensor (linked to the power steering) on one of the rear wheels. that sensor has since been replaced. to have this kind of extreme degradation and failure on such a new vehicle is extremely dangerous and clearly a quality defect. *tr | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | |||
| 11/29/2007 | 12000 | 5 | 07/28/2005 |
| My horn has failed on 5 occassions. pontiac has issued a service bulletin to fix this intermission horn failure, but the fix does not work. i have had several close calls where other motorists have pulled out in front of me and i have not been able to warn them, as the horn failed. i hope this issue can be corrected properly before and accident occurs. also, pontiac has a problem with a known defect in their steering gears that they only replace when it fails and only cover if it is in the warranty period. this problem is caused by an internal leaking of the power steering fluid that is not detected because there are no external signs of the leak. this too is a safety concern. *tr | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT PITMAN | |||
| 02/19/2008 | 25300 | 1 | |
| Tie rod failure drivers side then leak in tie-rod rack and pinion driver's side as a result of repair. notified dealer while under warranty that power steering fluid was low and they did not assist in a check. i had to pay after warranty expiration for repair. fuel tank band loose had to be retied. *tr | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT SECTOR | |||
| 04/23/2006 | 30000 | 1 | 11/30/2005 |
| Dt*: the contact stated when vehicle was turned in either direction there was a chocking noise. the dealership determined that the intermediate steering shaft was defective. but he dealership offered only a temporary solution, the could lubricate the shaft so that the chocking noise will not be heard. but, there was no permanent solution to the problem. *ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES | |||
| 02/19/2008 | 25300 | 1 | |
| Tie rod failure drivers side then leak in tie-rod rack and pinion driver's side as a result of repair. notified dealer while under warranty that power steering fluid was low and they did not assist in a check. i had to pay after warranty expiration for repair. fuel tank band loose had to be retied. *tr | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK | |||
| 02/19/2008 | 25300 | 1 | |
| Tie rod failure drivers side then leak in tie-rod rack and pinion driver's side as a result of repair. notified dealer while under warranty that power steering fluid was low and they did not assist in a check. i had to pay after warranty expiration for repair. fuel tank band loose had to be retied. *tr | |||