The contact stated that the torque sensor in the steering column had to be replaced. There was an accident in January because the steering locked. The dealership stated there were multiple cars of this make and model that had this problem. The consumer received a recall notices on the power steering and the brakes, but the recall notices were received after the accident. The vehicle was not inspected after the accident to determine the cause of the accident, but it was taken to a body shop to be repaired. The police report stated that the contact's vehicle hit another vehicle in the rear. The contact contacted the manufacturer, and received a letter stating there was no basis for reimbursement for the deductible.

- Cedar Grove, NJ, USA

The power steering locks and causes the vehicle to pull to the left, making it difficult to control the vehicle. Manufacturer was contacted for repair, but they fail to correct the problem.

- Hyattsville, MD, USA

Power steering light comes on consistently. Also, steering wheel locks while driving.

- Rialto, CA, USA

On March 22, 2004 at 2,715 miles steering column locked while driving 56 mph. During the attempt to unlock the steering column consumer broke the steering wheel. At the present time, vehicle stalled while driving 45 mph. Consumer believed the problem was due to the computer module. Dealer was not contacted during both incidents. Ea04018_cat

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

When coming to a stop power steering failed, and the steering wheel locked up. Consumer had to restart the vehicle to stop. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Ea04018_cat found the wheel position sensor not reading consistently. There was an intermittent grinding noise.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

While driving steering wheel locked up and the consumer lost power steering. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Ea04018_cat (duplicates voq 10089025- same VIN/driver)

- Hixson, TN, USA

While driving at 30 mph steering wheel locked up and wouldn't turn in any direction. When this occurred a wrench icon illuminated on the dashboard. Consumer veered off the highway, turned the vehicle off, and restarted it. This unlocked the steering wheel. A service representative indicated that was a common problem with these vehicles, that resulted in accidents. Ea04018_cat

- Middletown, NY, USA

When turning steering wheel towards the right steering wheel locked up, causing the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealership to be inspected. When failure occurred, there was virtually no assist but drove the vehicle home. The next day the steering was normal. Dealer replaced the steering column. Repair order provided.cw pe04031_cat

- Keller, TX, USA