Heard a "popping" noise, then lost power steering when turning left. Right turns work fine, but no power steering to the left.

- Omaha, NE, USA

Rack and pinion steering failed while driving, would not allow a left turn. Right turning can be accomplished with one finger, however left turns require tremendous strength. Recall issued for Grand Prix and similar 97 Pontiac's, but not the Bonneville.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

While making a left hand turn vehicle lost power steering. Consumer had to use force to turn steering wheel. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The consumer notified the manufacturer who stated that there was no recall on the vehicle but there were recalls on other models with the same rack and pinion. The consumer was told that his vehicle was not produced at the plant of the recalled cars.

- New Kensington, PA, USA

1997 Pontiac Bonneville rack& pinion steering the power steering suddenly failed when turning to the left only. Turning right was still functioning with power assist. The problem increased over a short period of time to where the car wouldn't turn left at all (even manually). Complaint was made to dealership as well as manufacturer with absolutlely no resolution.

- Brick, NJ, USA

While turning left in parking lot, my wife heard a pop/thump noise and then could not continue left turn. Steering wheel would turn right with power assist but very difficult to turn steering wheel left. Vehicle towed to dealer who reported "power steering rack broke inside". dealer replaced rack and pinion assembly.

- Antelope, CA, USA

While leaving a parking lot vehicle fails to turn to left. Vehicle can turn to right, but steering wheel is very hard. Owner believes that failure was due to rack and pinion.

- Springfield, IL, USA