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.
Worsening over the course of one week occurring at all speeds power steering locks up while turning left. Chevrolet dealership Chevy chase Maryland states rack and pinion cracked requiring replacement, power steering flush and hose replacement, and alignment required for tires after placement of new rack and pinion. No mention made of history of GM 1997 model rack and pinion similar problems though history of same found over internet.
I sent a report earlier this week regarding the steering failure of my van on 3/18/02. I brought our minivan to iron trail to be repaired. On 3/28/02 we called to find out when the repairs would be complete and the mechanic told us that the replacement rack he installed in our van broke when he was taking it for a test drive after installation. He also told us that this is the second Chevrolet Venture that he needed to replace the rack and then the replacement rack also broke. This seems to be a failure on the part of Chevrolet in that the rack is defective. This is a major problem since the vehicle can not be steered at all when this occurs. I feel this is a serious safety issue and that it needs to be investigated futher. There are probably many people out there that don't realize that their steering can "freeze" at any time. A minivan is a family vehicle and a person should not be concerned about getting in a serious accident because of steering failure. Please contact me regarding what is done with these type of reports and what follow up there is. Thank you.
I sent a report earlier this week regarding the steering failure of my van on 3/18/02. I brought our minivan to iron trail to be repaired. On 3/28/02 we called to find out when the repairs would be complete and the mechanic told us that the replacement rack he installed in our van broke when he was taking it for a test drive after installation. He also told us that this is the second Chevrolet Venture that he needed to replace the rack and then the replacement rack also broke. This seems to be a failure on the part of Chevrolet in that the rack is defective. This is a major problem since the vehicle can not be steered at all when this occurs. I feel this is a serious safety issue and that it needs to be investigated futher. There are probably many people out there that don't realize that their steering can "freeze" at any time. A minivan is a family vehicle and a person should not be concerned about getting in a serious accident because of steering failure. Please contact me regarding what is done with these type of reports and what follow up there is. Thank you. Nlm
While driving approximately 10 mph in a parking lot heard a noise coming from vehicle, and the steering wheel locked up suddenly, preventing consumer from controlling direction of vehicle. Steering wheel would lock up and release intermittently. Dealership informed consumer that rack and pinion steering broke. Please provide any additional information / attachments.
The steering locked-up and could not be turned to the left. Dealer replaced the entire rack and pinion gear system. Even though the van was out of warranty, GM covered 50% of the cost of the repair. This could have been a fatal situation.
Consumer's wife was driving at approximately 55 to 60 mph when power assisted steering failed. Took the vehicle to a dealership, which determined that a bracket broke loose, causing a loss of control in rack and pinion gear. Consumer complained is that vehicle was about ready to experience same problem again due to handling and steering vibrations. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Vehicle became extremely difficult to steer to the left at highway speed. It was somewhat intermittent but very pronounced during parking. Replaced pump and rack/pinion.
While driving rack and pinion steering broke in half, causing fluid to leak out. Tensioner and serpentine belt were damaged. This allowed steering wheel to spin freely, breaking the tape that connects to airbags and disabling air bags. Dealer has inspected vehicle.
While making a routine rt turn, the gear assembly of the rack and pinion assembly "blew-out". this event locked my steering up. No warranty in place to recover loss. But, the nature of the event was unusual. That is, the mechanical failure of the gear(s)fracturing and exploding it's housing causing loss of steering is highly questionable? at a higher speed this would have cause injury or loss of life. A certified mechanic with 20+ years experienced indicated that he has never seen a rack and pinion assembly "blow-out" like the one I am presenting in this case. The supervisor mechanic further indicated, "that this could have caused a serious accident". I have the rack and pinion assembly in my possession and I have also contacted General Motors customer service (doc# 000029454 GM). GM has denied my request for reimbursement regarding the repair costs and has indicated no interest in having GMC engineers look at the failed system. This is a public safety concern.I believe strongly that a valid liability does exist that and that there is a mft defect with this product. I have high hopes that you also have an interest in my concern. I will wait for your response before I go public regarding this issue. Thank you, mike johnson.
This failure occurred while driving out of a supermarket parking lot. The steering wheel seized and had to be forcefully righted. This occurred twice more and the vehicle was brought into a local shop for diagnosis and repair. GM was notified of the repai
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