This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina. While driving 35 mph, the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 228,890.
The contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina. The contact was attempting a left turn at 15 mph when the power steering failed. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to maneuver. The contact stated the failure would only occur when making a left turn. The contact checked the brake fluid levels which were adequate. He was able to locate a recall for the failure (NHTSA campaign id number: 03V527000- steering: Rack and pinion) but was advised by the manufacturer that his VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 110,000. Updated 11/03/10. Updated 11/04/10
Ltr fwd wmail fm (tx) re recall of a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina for defective steering column. The consumer's daughter was involved in an accident which resulted in fatal injuries. The vehicle has an open recall on the steering rack and pinion. If this part failed it could result in loss of steering control. The consumer believes the part failed and caused his daughter to loose control of the vehicle. As a result the vehicle crashed into a full size pickup which was pulling a stock trailer.
Contact received NHTSA campaign recall 03V527000 letter from Chevrolet on 7-7-05 concerning the power steering gear/ lower pinion bearing separation. When he called local dealer on 7-14-05, they told him they needed a special tool from GM to repair the recalled part, and they were unable to get the tool. They have been trying to get the tool for a month and a half. When consumer asked when they will get it they had no idea. They did not tell him why they could not get it... he has called GM, and could not reach anybody.. he has not had any problems with the car.
Ten months after the rack and pinion bearing/ steering recall 03V527000 repairs were performed it failed. While making a left hand turn the steering wheel locked up, causing the vehicle to go into a spin and crash into a guard rail. A mechanic inspected the vehicle after the crash and indicated that the rack and pinion broke.
- Cropseyville, NY, USA
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Problems with steering even after recall repair. After the recall repair the vehicle had significant steering and front end issues that were not present at the time the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The consumer indicated that the vehicle has not been repaired to her satisfaction.
Recall notice received for the replacement of the lower pinion of the rack and pinion gear assembly. Recall#03V527000. After the lower pinion was installed, a noise developed in the steering mechanism. The consumer was told that the rack and gear assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer refused to give approval to replace the rack and pinion again due to the high mileage on the vehicle.
Consumer not sure if rack and pinion was corrected. (recall #03V527000) the dealer invoice stated they were unable to perform the recall because, the vehicle had an after market steering rack installed.
Recall 03V527000 regarding steering gear bearings failure. The recall was done on the vehicle, but the bearings were the only thing replaced. Several days later, the steering went out. A certified mechanic determined that rack and pinion needed to be replaced. After the recall was performed, the vehicle was hard to turn to the right.
After the dealership replaced the lower pinion bearing as stated in recall 03V527000 the vehicle had a severe pull to the right and the steering wheel was hard to control. The consumer took the vehicle back to the dealership. The dealership then replaced the steering gear because they indicated the replacement of the lower pinion steering caused the steering gear to fail. The problem still exist.
The consumer received a recall letter#03V527000, regarding the steering gear bearings. Prior to receiving the recall letter consumer fixed the vehicle. Manufacturer refused to honor the expenses which were paid to fix the vehicle. The vehicle would not make a complete left turn. The consumer had to pull over and park the vehicle.
I own a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina that I received a recall notice from General Motors asking me to select a GM dealer to make the repairs to the rack and pinion steering for which the car was recalled. The dealership stated that it would be over a month before they could schedule my appointment and even then, they would require keeping the car for one full day to accomplish the repairs. My concern is that I am driving in a dangerous situation, because the car's left turn gets stuck when driving. I am also concerned about having to leave my car for a full day because my employer will not allow me to miss a day of work without reprimand and loss of wages. I need some assistance - the dealership nor GM is not showing any interest in providing transportation to and from work for me for one day.
Letter in reference to recall for Chevy Lumina which has experienced steering problems. The entire steering unit had become inoperative. There was a loud pop noise, suddenly the vehicle was not able to make left urns. The consumer made repairs to the pulley that was connected to the power steering unit. The consumer was driving down the road when power was lost again. The consumer discovered that the pulley was wobbly and the serpentine belt was fried. The consumer requested reimbursement.
While making left hand turn into a parking lot, the steering wheel locked up. The driver hit a parked car and both air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for analysis and the mechanic noticed that rack and pinion needed to be replaced. Recall#03V527000 followup letter sent by consumer. Consumer states that GM purposely desrtoyed the defective parts before they could be examined by an independient party. The vehicle crashed due to a low speed left hand turn steering failure which was documented before the recall occurred. Lower pinion bearing separation was mentioned on a local media channel as the reason for the recal 1997 Chevy Luminas
While driving, the steering had become difficult when making right and left hand turns. The dealer was notified and stated it was possibly the rack and pinion. The steering locked.
1997 Chevrolet Lumina locked up on left turn 2 times. Took into repair shop and they diagnosed as internal rack and pinion failure. Had rack and pinion replaced for $693.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Bristol, VA, USA