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 | ||||||||||||||||
| 08E063000 | DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC. | E (Equipment) | 3855 | 10/16/2008 | MFR | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 10/17/2008 | 10/20/2008 | ||||||||
| Defect Summary | Dorman products is recalling 3,900 intermediate steering shafts dorman part nos. 425-151, 425-152, and 425-153, (sold under dorman's oe solutions brand name), balkamp #'s 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (sold under the napa brand name), and platinum parts #'s 2425151, 2425152, and 2425153 manufactured during the month of september 2007. these replacement steering shafts can be used on the vehicles listed above. the weld connecting the inner tube to the outer tube may be defective. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dorman will notify owners and replace the steering shafts free of charge. the recall began on october 16, 2008. owners may contact dorman toll free at 1-800-523-2492. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | This recall only pertains to dorman's oe solutions brand name, balkamp's napa brand, and the platinum brand steering shafts and has no relation to any original equipment installed on vehicles manufactured by general motors corporation.customers may 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 | ||||||||||||||||
| 02V286000 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | from 07/01/1996 to 07/31/1997 | V (Vehicle) | 1159156 | 01/24/2003 | ODI | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 11/04/2002 | 11/06/2002 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | Certain 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 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 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Gm 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
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||||
| 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 | |
| 040235004D | 11/01/2005 | 040235004C | 10008657 | Clunk noise from front of vehicle during turning maneuver/steering wheel rotation. *tt *nm | 08/13/2004 |
| 010232001C | 09/01/2003 | 010232001B | 10004280 | Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle during a turning maneuver. *tt | 12/01/2003 |
| 010232001B | 07/01/2002 | 010203001A | 634803 | Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle during a turning maneuver. *tt | 10/09/2002 |
| 051101 | 11/05/2001 | 628094 | Some vehicles may exhibit a clunk type noise especially felt in the steering wheel while turning. *tt | 03/05/2002 | |
| 150900 | 09/15/2000 | 619039 | This message concerns vehicles exhibiting a clunk noise coming from the front of the vehicle. customers may state that a clunk noise is heard when turning the steering wheel. *tt | 05/11/2001 | |
| 180101 | 01/18/2001 | 618179 | Information on diagnosing clunk or bump noise usually heard when turning emitting from the front of the vehicle. this condition may also be felt through the steering wheel of vehicle with the car in park or moving slowly and the steering | 04/06/2001 | |
| 020601 | 02/06/2001 | 618119 | Customers may complain of a clunk noise from front end of the vehicle during turning maneuvers or steering wheel rotation. *jb | 04/04/2001 | |
| 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 | |||||
| 070232006 | 08/01/2007 | 10022926 | Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation (lubricate intermediate shaft [i-shaft]). *nj | 10/05/2007 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 02/24/2012 | 91000 | ||
| Heard and felt a loud thud sound from steering area driving home. power steering feels like it is gone when turning left, but turns easier when turning right at low speeds. steering wheel becomes off centered at times. almost feels as if i might loose control of front tires during turns or at higher speeds. | |||
| 12/10/2007 | 130000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire coupe. while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle would not turn left at all. there was no difficulty making right turns. the vehicle was serviced by an independent mechanic and it was discovered that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. the manufacturer stated that her vin was not included in the recall for the rack and pinion. the nhtsa campaign id number was unknown. the failure mileage was 130,000 and current mileage was 138,000. | |||
| 02/16/2003 | 34579 | 1 | |
| Vehicle made a grinding noise when turning. dealer determined that rack and pinion had to be replaced. *ak the vehicle also lost power steering when making right turns. initially the dealer said the problem was with the rack and pinion. the consumer contacted the manufacturer three times. the manufacture wanted the dealer to recheck the vehicle at which time the dealer changed their mind and said that the tie rod was the problem. the consumer believes they changed their minds to get out of performing the recall for free. *nm | |||
| 10/03/2003 | 54446 | 1 | |
| When turning to the left, the steering wheel became locked and the consumer hit a pole. driver feels very lucky that the steering wheel didn't lock while at a high speed. *ak the vehicle was totaled. *scc *jb | |||
| While the driver made a turn the steering wheel locked up which caused the vehicle to fall into a ditch. *nlm | |||
| 02/04/2003 | 1 | 06/03/1997 | |
| The parts for the power steering recall 02 v 286 000 is not avialable. the dealership ramsey pontiac gmc;mahwah nj;201-512-0002. ph | |||
| 01/06/2000 | 1 | 10/31/1997 | |
| While daugther was driving about 30 mph she hit a guardrail and vehicle rolled over. upon impact, air bags did not deploy, and vehicle was totaled. *ak | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||
| 12/01/2006 | 70000 | 1 | |
| Tilt steering wheel will not lock into place allowing steering wheel to move freely up and to the left. dangerous for steering during normal driving and in particular if evasive safety maneuvers are needed. fixed at repair shop but was told that the entire pivot unit may have to be replaced at a very high cost. *nm | |||
| 08/28/2003 | 1 | 02/27/1999 | |
| While backing out of parking space steering wheel kept spinning. consumer was unable to steer the vehicle. dealer replaced the steering column. *ak while backing out of a parking space vehicle's steering wheel kept spinning. mechanic has replaced steering rack and steering column.*mr | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | |||
| 03/16/1998 | 1 | 12/01/1996 | |
| Power steering return line failed causing noise. | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 02/24/2003 | 1 | ||
| The consumer didn't receive recall repair on the vehicle due to the dealer not having the tool. (recall #02v286000/steering rack and pinion) the consumer lost control of the vehicle due to a sudden loss of power steering while turning left. the consumer has demanded reimbursement of the vehicle at blue book value and the towing fee. mr scc | |||
| Consumer dissatisfied with recall repairs of power steering system. had to rent a car for a week because dealer did not have the part for the recall. *sc | |||
| 1 | |||
| Power steering gear defect recall to replace the lower pinion bearing. dealer needed to have vehicle for up to 2 weeks in order to perform recall repairs. recall stated repairs would take from 30 minutes to 2-1/2 hours. consumer found dealer's repair time frame unacceptable. *tt *nlm | |||
| 07/11/2002 | 100 | 01/01/2098 | |
| My poser steering has suddenly become difficult at slow speeds. unable to turn left/right at corners until speed is increased. turning while slowing is very difficult. brake fluid checked fine. must be a problem with pump or rack/pinion.*ak | |||
| 06/02/2002 | 1 | 01/01/2000 | |
| Power steering locked up at all speeds when trying to turn left. took to repair, was told that rack & pinion gear was coming apart quickly & needed to be replaced. upon doing more research, i see that this is already being investigated under nhtsa # ea02-003. it appears i am not the first person that this has happened to. cost to replace will approach $900, not covered by warranty. this is a real safety issue that should be covered in a recall by gmc. *ak | |||
| 05/01/2000 | 08/01/1998 | ||
| When driving through any puddle more than 2-3 inches deep, power steering goes out, battery light comes on, and if lights are on they dim down almost to off. i live in a place where it rains a lot everyday and this is a big problem when trying to make a turn. the authorized dealer in my area has stated that there has been at least 3 other reports of the same problem with this make and model to his dealership (atkins kroll, guam). there should be a recall on this problem. | |||
| 09/12/1999 | 8 | 04/01/1998 | |
| Gm does not care about the safety of its consumers. when driving my 1997 pontiac sunfire through any water, even a small 3-5 foot wide puddle of only 1-2 inches deep water, the power steering belt becomes wet and starts squealing loudly. the power steering then becomes extremely difficult to turn and very unresponsive. this has happened numerous times for over a year. don bohn autoplex says they have contacted pontiac and also a gm manufacturers representative. don bohn reports to me that pontiac and gm do not have a fix for the problem at this time and said nothing is to be done. it has been said to me by don bohn management and also a pontiac representative on their 1-800 service number that this condition of the power steering is a 'characteristic' of the 1997 'j' body type cars of gm and there is no present fix for the problem. my car is very unsafe to drive not only when it rains but even when there is a 'small' puddle on the highway. even though i still have one year left on my manufacturers warranty, pontiac and gm refuses to do anything about my dangerous problem. when i mentioned to the service manager at don bohn autoplex, eddie sattler (or saddler) that i did not feel i should take the car home because the car was unsafe to drive, he got angry and threatened to tow my car to my home if i refused to take delivery. i took the car home and am extremely despondent and frustrated. please advise or help me. thank you. carroll albarado | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | |||
| 05/04/2001 | 1 | ||
| While traveling at approximately 60mph consumer lost control of vehicle. vehicle went off of freeway and impacted a cement barrier. insurance adjuster and dealership examined vehicle and determined that inner tie rod sheared off which caused loss of control. please provide any additional information/attachments. *the mechanic at dealership referred to 4 previous incidents which resulted in deaths because of this.*ak *jb | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 03/03/2008 | 165000 | 150 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. the contact stated that his vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign id number 02v286000 (steering:rack and pinion) and repaired at 135,000 miles. while driving 10 mph, he could no longer make a left hand turn and the vehicle would turn right automatically. the dealer stated that the lower bearing was destroyed and the cover for the bearing was missing. the contact stated that it was the exact same failure as stated in the recall. he also stated that he experienced no steering failure until the recall repair was performed. gm stated that nothing could be done. the purchase date was unknown. the current mileage was 176,193 and failure mileage was 165,000. | |||
| 12/16/2007 | 160402 | 1 | 12/10/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. while idling at a traffic light, the contact attempted to make a left turn, but the steering wheel would not turn. the steering wheel would turn to the right, but not to the left. the vehicle has not been repaired and is unable to be driven. nhtsa campaign id number 02v286000 (steering: rack and pinion) does not apply to her vin. the powertrain was unknown. the current mileage is 160,406 and failure mileage was 160,402. updated 03/05/08. *lj | |||
| 01/07/2007 | 121010 | 1 | 08/22/2004 |
| Received 02v286000) for defective steering. i could not safely drive car. pontiac told me if the part they replacedwas also defective they were not obligated to fix it past 3 months or 3,000 miles. that did not seem right. if they replaced the original defective part with another defective part shouldn't they have to fix it? *ak | |||
| 06/15/2006 | 99000 | 1 | |
| My name is damon oswald, my daughter, jennifer oswald bought a 1997 pontiac sunfire about a year ago. in about 2/06 she started having trouble steering the car. the steering was much harder in one direction, as if there were no power assist. finally in may 06, she brought it to me and i looked at your website and found a recall describing the exact problems she is having with the car. i told her to take it to a gm dealer and they should fix it for free. she took the car to 'grand pontiac' in thorton co., and after 3 days, they called her and told her the car was not covered under the recall and gave her a verbal estimate of 2100.00, or gave her an option to trade it in on another car. i then got involved, and was told the same, i requested an estimate and was faxed a hand written unreadable piece of nothing. 2 days later, the service mgr.( rick duncan 303-301-2771) at grand pontiac called me and told me that the car was covered under the recall, but the gm area vehicle manager (dan kelly) would not approve the repair. rick duncan then told me to call pontiac consumer affairs. i did that on 6/14/06, and gave them the story. on 6/15, a gm rep named nicole johnson called me and said the car was not covered going by the vin. i told her that rick duncan said it was, and that nhtsa showed it to be. she called rick duncan, and called me back and said she would have to do further research and call back. nhtsa campaign # 02v286000, bullitin# 02049 the car is a 1997 pontiac sunfire, 4 dr, 2.2, auto. 99634.99k miles. please look into this and help us if possible. my kid needs her car badly, and it looks like gm just doesn't want to pay for their mistake. thank you very much. *jb | |||
| 12/11/2002 | 1 | ||
| Recall on pinion bearing in 1997 sunfire. *bf the consumer received the recall notice in the mail after the accident occurred. the vehicle was totaled. *jb recall# 02v286000 | |||
| 03/11/2004 | 87000 | 1 | |
| Rack and pinion steering failed. as a result, steering became difficult to turn. *ak | |||
| 1 | 08/01/2000 | ||
| Vehicle was taken to dealer a year ago for recall repairs on the lower pinion bearing. the steering wheel was sticking when turning left. consumer felt lucky no other vehicle had been in the other lane when this happened. *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Prior to recall notification, the consumer had the rack and pinion replaced, however the consumer requested reimbursement and the dealer refused. *mr ph *jb | |||
| 09/06/2002 | 1 | ||
| The steering wheel did not turn left, and was taken to the dealer who replaced the rack and pinion. the power steering rack was binded and leaked at the steering shaft, also the pressure hose leaked. later, recall#02v286000 was issued, but the consumer was denied reimbursement due to the technician not specifying (lower pinion bearing separation), which was not the actual cause. mr scc *jb | |||
| 09/11/2002 | 113527 | 1 | |
| The rack and pinion failed, which made the vehicle difficult to turn.*jb | |||
| 02/15/2003 | 2 | ||
| After recall 02v286000 regarding the rack and pinion was performed, the problem recurred. *jb | |||
| 02/11/2003 | 1 | ||
| Consumer was informed no parts were available regarding the recall for the steering rack and pinion.*jb | |||
| 01/18/2003 | |||
| Lost control causing an accident due to a faulty rack and pinion. dealer has been notified. consumer received a recall letter on 02/01/03. please provide further information. ph | |||
| 08/10/2002 | 99000 | 1 | 09/18/1997 |
| 1997 pontiac sunfire all of a sudden, would not turn left and i hit a pole, come to find out the rack and pinion suddenly went out. i had to have rack and pinion replaced, this is very scary and dangerous, dealer said they have heard of no problems with rack and pinion, and were of no help at all. *jb | |||
| 08/01/2002 | 09/01/2097 | ||
| At low speeds 5-25 mph steering completely locks up when turning left #ea02-003. *ak | |||
| 06/02/2002 | 1 | 01/01/2000 | |
| Power steering locked up at all speeds when trying to turn left. took to repair, was told that rack & pinion gear was coming apart quickly & needed to be replaced. upon doing more research, i see that this is already being investigated under nhtsa # ea02-003. it appears i am not the first person that this has happened to. cost to replace will approach $900, not covered by warranty. this is a real safety issue that should be covered in a recall by gmc. *ak | |||
| 09/12/2001 | 1 | 01/01/1999 | |
| While driving at 20 mph, rack and pinion assembly shaft broke in half, resulting in total loss of steering control. *ak | |||
| 01/10/2000 | 1 | 10/01/1999 | |
| No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak | |||
| 02/01/1999 | 500 | 09/01/1997 | |
| Steering to the left started to get bad at 38,000 miles. now the car locks up at all most every left handed turn was almost hit 2 times. not good! | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK | |||
| 04/05/2007 | 121250 | 1 | 08/09/2004 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. the contact called about safety recall # 02v286000 regarding rack and pinion steering. this vehicle was excluded from the recall due to the vin. the steering wheel wasa difficult to maneuver when turning left at any speed. the failure occurred since january of this year. the current mileage was 121,337, and failure mileage was 121,250.*ak | |||
| 03/03/2003 | 72000 | 03/06/2000 | |
| I am furious about the way the recall service has been handled on my 97 pontiac sunfire. i will never buy another pontiac. i scheduled for the recall service (rack & pinion/bearings) to be replaced on my vehicle. after my car had been at the dealer all day, i was told late that afternoon that the recall part needed to service my vehicle would not be in for 1 to 2 weeks (closer to 2 weeks). i was also told at that time that it was highly recommended, due to danger reasons that i did not operate this vehicle, because my vehicle was severely damaged in the recall area. they even said, that most of the bearing balls were gone or damaged. i was then told that they did not even know if they could release my vehicle back to me in this condition. and although this is my only means of transportation, the pontiac dealer told me that they were not obligated to provide a loaner or rental vehicle to me. this is insane. this should be against the law. they sent out recall notices that stated that we have cars serviced by the dealer asap, but they won't fully stand by there product enough to make the customer safe and satisfied. i will not allow my children nor myself to be endangered due to the fault they these cars are not safe. *nlm | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 09/03/2002 | 1 | ||
| Consumer states when started the car smoke start coming from the steering column, states that the relay kit caught fire. nlm | |||
| 01/01/1999 | |||
| Steering system malfunctioned due to steering column breaking. also, seatbelt locked up when making a hard right turn. dealer replaced seatbelt, but problem is still reoccurring. please provide further information.*ak | |||
| 08/01/1998 | 10/09/1996 | ||
| Consumer has abs brakes. while slowing down, brakes would not stop vehicle. also causing stiffness in the steering column. vehicle has been taken to dealers. cause unknown. *ak | |||