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.
When negotiating curves (while driver is turning steering wheel and holding fairly consistant pressure on the wheel to maintain the turn), the steering wheel will suddenly turn (twitch) in the direction you are turning. This sometimes causes an oversteer to correct. Problem is worse when veh. Is cold and does it mostly around 35 mph although regularly does it at all speeds also. My sense of the problem is not that the vehicle is "steering itself", but that there is a sudden change in boost to the steering (defective speed sensitive pwr steering?) and since the driver is holding pressure on the wheel in a curve, the sudden change in steering boost causes the driver to oversteer and than overcorrection in steering, which to some complainants apparently is perceived as a loss of steering. My wife perceives it as a loss of steering and I drive the veh as much as her and can tell you the loss of steering is in the mind due to "pucker factor"! I can tell you without a doubt that the problem is very real and I have had 1 or 2 near misses with a car and jersey barricade as I oversteered with the sudden change of boost. What you need to understand is that the sudden change in boost probably occurs regularly at the appropriate speed, ( as designed into the speed sensitive steering system), but when the driver has turning pressure on the steering wheel, and the normal steering wheel back-pressure is suddenly released (or signifigantly reduced)the 1st action is a sudden oversteer (as though someone quickly jerked the wheel loose from your hands in the same direction you are already turning). I see many similiar complaints in the complaints database and a NHTSA action # EA99011 open investigation since May 12, 1999, seems that this is a definite widespread problem. Is there a fix on the horizon" I see that some dealers have replaced the steering speed sensor, but it is not clear if that is the cure. Any suggestions"
While making turns steering sensor goes out intermittently, and steering becomes very loose, no resistance. Consumer checked our complaints database, and on January 3 found 40 complaints with same problem.
EA99011, intermittently while driving, steering system malfunctioned, causing vehicle to wander which could result in a crash. Dealer could not determine cause.
EA99011, due to a defective steering speed sensor, steering system malfunctioned, causing erratic steering while driving in high speeds. This could result in a crash. Dealer was aware of problem, and would extend the warranty only if the he could duplicate the problem. Common problem.
Consumer was traveling 55mph on the highway went to make a slight turn, and the steering wheel was fighting with him. After turning the ignition off at a rest area, the problem went away for awhile. After it reoccured, owner had faulty evo sensor replaced, no problems since.
The vehicle's power steering is over sensitive and will react to the slightest movement of the steering wheel. Dealer says it needed a new steering box. Problem still exist. The steering sensor has been replaced to correct problem.
Intermittently when driving at various speeds steering wheel will turn to the left, sharp and fast. Dealer has not been notified. The slip yolk went dry, causing vehicle to lurch forward after stopping.
The play in the steering increases and becomes loose with high speeds. The ves system is working the opposite of what it is suppose to do. Truck will be checked by the dealership on Jan.25-1999..et.
While driving there is tension on the wheel. When slowing down to to turn, the tension loosens and jerks to the left. The dealer has ordered the parts to repair vehicle.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Fairfax Station, VA, USA