The contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that his vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number 02V286000 (steering:rack and pinion) and repaired at 135,000 miles. While driving 10 mph, he could no longer make a left hand turn and the vehicle would turn right automatically. The dealer stated that the lower bearing was destroyed and the cover for the bearing was missing. The contact stated that it was the exact same failure as stated in the recall. He also stated that he experienced no steering failure until the recall repair was performed. GM stated that nothing could be done. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 176,193 and failure mileage was 165,000.

- Nampa, ID, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. While idling at a traffic light, the contact attempted to make a left turn, but the steering wheel would not turn. The steering wheel would turn to the right, but not to the left. The vehicle has not been repaired and is unable to be driven. NHTSA campaign id number 02V286000 (steering: Rack and pinion) does not apply to her VIN. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage is 160,406 and failure mileage was 160,402. Updated 03/05/08.

- Evansville, IN, USA

Received 02V286000) for defective steering. I could not safely drive car. Pontiac told me if the part they replacedwas also defective they were not obligated to fix it past 3 months or 3,000 miles. That did not seem right. If they replaced the original defective part with another defective part shouldn't they have to fix it?

- N. Huntingdon, PA, USA

My name is [xxx], my daughter, [xxx] bought a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire about a year ago. In about 2/06 she started having trouble steering the car. The steering was much harder in one direction, as if there were no power assist. Finally in May 06, she brought it to me and I looked at your website and found a recall describing the exact problems she is having with the car. I told her to take it to a GM dealer and they should fix it for free. She took the car to 'grand Pontiac' in thorton co., and after 3 days, they called her and told her the car was not covered under the recall and gave her a verbal estimate of $2100, or gave her an option to trade it in on another car. I then got involved, and was told the same, I requested an estimate and was faxed a hand written unreadable piece of nothing. 2 days later, the service mgr.([xxx]) at grand Pontiac called me and told me that the car was covered under the recall, but the GM area vehicle manager ([xxx]) would not approve the repair. [xxx] then told me to call Pontiac Consumer Affairs. I did that on 6/14/06, and gave them the story. On 6/15, a GM rep named [xxx] called me and said the car was not covered going by the VIN. I told her that rick duncan said it was, and that NHTSA showed it to be. She called [xxx], and called me back and said she would have to do further research and call back. NHTSA campaign # 02V286000, bullitin# 02049 the car is a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 4 dr, 2.2, auto. 99634.99K miles. Please look into this and help us if possible. My kid needs her car badly, and it looks like GM just doesn't want to pay for their mistake. Thank you very much. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Lakewood, CO, USA

Recall on pinion bearing in 1997 Sunfire. The consumer received the recall notice in the mail after the accident occurred. The vehicle was totaled. Recall# 02V286000

- Sterling, OK, USA

Rack and pinion steering failed. As a result, steering became difficult to turn.

- Saint Joseph, MO, USA

Vehicle was taken to dealer a year ago for recall repairs on the lower pinion bearing. The steering wheel was sticking when turning left. Consumer felt lucky no other vehicle had been in the other lane when this happened.

- Warren, MI, USA

Prior to recall notification, the consumer had the rack and pinion replaced, however the consumer requested reimbursement and the dealer refused.

- Cave City, AR, USA

The steering wheel did not turn left, and was taken to the dealer who replaced the rack and pinion. The power steering rack was binded and leaked at the steering shaft, also the pressure hose leaked. Later, recall#02V286000 was issued, but the consumer was denied reimbursement due to the technician not specifying (lower pinion bearing separation), which was not the actual cause. Mr scc

- Cornwall On Hudson, NY, USA

The rack and pinion failed, which made the vehicle difficult to turn.

- Cornwall On Hudson, NY, USA

After recall 02V286000 regarding the rack and pinion was performed, the problem recurred.

- Littleton, CO, USA

Consumer was informed no parts were available regarding the recall for the steering rack and pinion.

- Madison, IN, USA

Lost control causing an accident due to a faulty rack and pinion. Dealer has been notified. Consumer received a recall letter on 02/01/03.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

1997 Pontiac Sunfire all of a sudden, would not turn left and I hit a pole, come to find out the rack and pinion suddenly went out. I had to have rack and pinion replaced, this is very scary and dangerous, dealer said they have heard of no problems with rack and pinion, and were of no help at all.

- Corona, CA, USA

At low speeds 5-25 mph steering completely locks up when turning left #EA02-003.

- Corona, CA, USA

Power steering locked up at all speeds when trying to turn left. Took to repair, was told that rack & pinion gear was coming apart quickly & needed to be replaced. Upon doing more research, I see that this is already being investigated under NHTSA # EA02-003. It appears I am not the first person that this has happened to. Cost to replace will approach $900, not covered by warranty. This is a real safety issue that should be covered in a recall by GMC.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

While driving at 20 mph, rack and pinion assembly shaft broke in half, resulting in total loss of steering control.

- Dayville, CT, USA

No summary listed for abov evehicle.

- St.George, UT, USA

Steering to the left started to get bad at 38,000 miles. Now the car locks up at all most every left handed turn was almost hit 2 times. Not good!

- Cape Coral, FL, USA