1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE Steering Problems

STEERING LOCKED UP ON '97 VENTURE VAN WHILE BEING OPERATED AT 70 MPH ON A STRAIGHT HIGHWAY. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED, RACK AND PINION AND STEERING PUMP REPLACED.

Mileage: 58,000

NEEDS REPLACED FRONTEND HUBS ,TIEROD,PINION REPAIRS/RECALL THIS VAN NEEDS A NEW OWNER!!! NOTHING BUT COSTLY REPAIRS CHEVY NEEDS TO RECALL ALL THEM VENTURES. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT GOING TO HONOR THE RECALL FOR THE STEERING RACK AND PINION BECAUSE HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. ACCORDING TO THE NHTSA MANUFACTURER NOTICES TO DEALERS (ETC RCMN-02V286-8630.PDF), THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A RECALL FOR THE STEERING RACK AND PINION. THE POWERTRAIN AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,197.

Mileage: 100,197

I BOUGHT MY 97 VENTURE A YEAR AGO, ENDED UP GETTING A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT 3 MONTHS LATER FOR THE REAR DOOR HANDLES. BROUGHT TO DEALER TO HAVE FIXED, TO FIND OUT OTHER RECALLS WEREN'T FIXED. I HAD THE STEERING RECALL DONE. WELL NOW NOT EVEN A YEAR LATER AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. I HAVE 4 CHILDREN UNDER 6 YRS OLD AND THIS VEHICLE IS A SAFETY HAZARD, IM AFRAID TO TRAVEL IN IT!! EVERY TURN BE IT RIGHT OR LEFT I FEEL THE STEERING KIND OF POP AND STICK ITS SCARY I THINK GM NEEDS TO REEVALUATE ITS SO CALLED FAMILY SAFE VEHICLE AND REIMBURSE ALL OF US OWNERS!! *NM

ON 28 JULY 2003, THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN MY 97 CHEVY VENTURE UNDER A RECALL SCHEME. I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN IT BACK IN, SINCE THEY LEFT THE VEHICLE WITH THE STEERING OFFSET TO THE RIGHT BY ABOUT 15 DEGREES, BUT IT WAS SUCH A HASSLE DEALING WITH THEM THAT I DIDN'T BOTHER. AROUND THE START OF FEBRUARY 2006, I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WHEN STEERING TO THE RIGHT. IT WAS AS IF THE POWER STEERING WASN'T WORKING. WHEN I DRIVE THE VAN, I HAVE TO BE CONSTANTLY PREPARED TO WRESTLE THE WHEEL WITH BOTH ARMS, ALTHOUGH THE FAULT IS STILL INTERMITTENT. I HAVE YET TO RAISE THE MATTER WITH THE DEALERSHIP, BUT NOTE THAT THERE ARE MANY SIMILAR ACCOUNTS, ALTHOUGH MOSTLY RELATING TO STEERING TO THE LEFT, FOR SIMILAR 97 VENTURES AND OTHER GM VEHICLES. *JB

Mileage: 83,000

DT: THE CALLER BOUGHT A VEHICLE AND FOUND OUT ABOUT A RECALL BEFORE HE GOT THE VEHICLE. THE RECALLED PART WAS THE STEERING RACK BEARING. HE WAS TOLD THE REPAIR WAS DONE. HE SAYS THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO TURN WHEN TURNING RIGHT. HE WILL NOT LET HIS WIFE DRIVE THE VEHICLE ANYMORE BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. HE THOUGHT THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS FAULTY. DEALER SAID THEY MIGHT NOT DO THE WORK FOR FREE. MANUFACTURER SAID THEY WOULD PAY THE REPAIR COSTS, THE FIRST TIME HE CALLED, IF IT WAS THE PART IN QUESTION. THE SECOND TIME THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT. *AK *JB

Mileage: 91,000

STEERING RACK BROKE. DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY STEERING WHEEL CAN ASSUME POSITIONS ANYWHERE BETWEEN 10 TO 2 O'CLOCK WHILE STILL GOING STRAIGHT. STEERING ACTION IS NOT POSITIVE. AT TURNS, MORE STEERING MOVEMENT IS NEEDED AND VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPONSE AS BEFORE. FOUND OUT THERE IS A RECALL NHTSA #02V286000 FOR THE STEERING RACK LOWER PINION BEARINGS THAT THE DEALER WOULD REPLACE THE LOWER PINION BEARING OR REPLACE THE STEERING RACK. WE TOOK THE CAR IN 5/28/05 FOR THIS RECALL AND I BELIEVE THE LOWER PINION BEARING WAS REPLACED. CONTACTED CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE 1/17/05. TOLD TO HAVE CAR INSPECTED BY DEALER. LANNAN CHEVROLET CONFIRMED THAT DAMAGE IS INSIDE STEERING RACK AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TALKED WITH CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE 1/20/05, THEY DECLINE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CURRENT PROBLEM AND SAID THAT IT IS DUE TO "WEAR AND TEAR". HE BLAMED IT ON OTHER THINGS SUCH AS HYDRAULIC HOSE LEAK. THE HYDRAULIC HOSE HAS BEEN "WET" SINCE THE EARLY DAYS (1 OR 2 YEARS) AFTER WE PURCHASED THE CAR. THE LEAK IS NOT SIGNIFICANT AND THE LEVEL HAS BEEN CHECKING EVERY 1-2 WEEK. WE BELIEVE THIS CURRENT PROBLEM IS A SAFETY DEFECT AND THE WORK DONE FOR THE STEERING RACK RECALL DID NOT CORRECT THE UNDERLINING PROBLEM. EITHER THERE ARE ADDITIONAL STEERING RACK DEFECTS OR INTERNAL DAMAGE HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE. *JB

Mileage: 102,500

WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT SIDE VIEW MIRROR FELL COMPLETELY OFF. THE SEAT BELT WAS DAMAGED ON THE SECOND ROW PASSENGER SIDE. THE HEAD LIGHT COVERS CONTINUOUSLY FELL OFF. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE BULBS CONSTANTLY. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC TO HAVE THE TIRES CHANGED AND WAS TOLD THE TIRE ROD WAS BENT AND THAT IT COULD NOT BE FIXED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.

ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2004 CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL 02049 FROM THE MANUFACTURER CONCERNING RACK AND PINION FAILURE. , PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE RECALL LETTER, CONSUMER HAD ALREADY FIXED THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO OBTAIN REIMBURSEMENT, AND THEY INDICATED THEY WON'T HONOR THE RECALL. *AK

THE CAMPAIGN 02049 WAS COMPLETED ON 30 APRIL 2003 THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING BEARING. THE VEHICLE STEERING SLOWLY BECAME STIFF AND GAVE RESISTANCE IN MAY 2004 WHEN TURNING OR MAKING STEERING CORRECTIONS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER IN JUNE OR JULY AS IT WAS GETTING WORSE. ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER IT REQUIRED A LOT OF EXERTION TO STEER. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THE RACK AND PINION FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACED. I ASKED ABOUT THE RECALL TO CHECK THE GEAR AND IF IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THAT RECALL. HE STATED NO NOT RELATED. AFTER THE REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS BEHAVING ERRATICALLY ON THE ROAD. STEERING CORRECTIONS WERE SLOPPY YOU HAD TO MOVE IT LEFT OR RIGHT 3 OR MORE INCHES TO TURN. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER HE HAD SOME ADJUSTMENT DONE AND THE STEERING SEEMED FINE. ONLY NOW A GROANING CLUNK UPON TURNS AND ACCELERATION. I WAITED A FEW DAYS THEN A COMPONENT FELL FROM THE UNDERSIDE ONTO MY DRIVEWAY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK AGAIN AND VOICED MY CONCERNS OVER THE COMPONENT AND THE NOISE. THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE NOISE AND THAT THE COMPONENT WAS NO PROBLEM ONLY A LOOSE WIRE BRACKET. I ASKED TO SPEAK TO THE MECHANIC AND DROVE AROUND TO SHOW HIM THE NOISE. HE HEARD THE NOISE AND WOULD BE ABLE TO DUPLICATE IT. NEXT THE SERVICE WRITER TOLD ME THE STRUT BRACKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I REQUESTED THE MECHANIC TO INSPECT THE STRUTS FOR DAMAGE FROM THE FAULTY STRUT BRACKETS AND LET ME KNOW IF THEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SERVICE WRITER CALLED AND SAID THE STRUTS WERE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. I HAD PURCHASED LIFETIME REPLACEMENT FROM FIRESTONE SO I HAD IT PUT BACK TOGETHER AND I PAID FOR THE REPAIRS AND DROVE OVER TO FIRESTONE TO HAVE THE STRUTS REPLACED. THE MECHANIC AT FIRESTONE SAID THE STRUTS WERE FINE BUT REPLACED THEM ANYWAY. THE ONLY ABNORMALITY THE FIRESTONE MECHANIC NOTED WAS THAT THE STRUT SPRINGS WERE NOT PROPERLY SEATED. AFTER THE STRUT REPLACEMENT THE SAME NOISE WAS PRESENT. IT IS STILL BEING REPAIRED. NOT SURE OF THE START ORIGINAL DATE). *AK

WHILE DRIVING A SQUEAKING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN, AND THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO MOVE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN POWER STEERING FAILED. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE WAS THROWN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. DEALER STATED THAT RACK AND PINION MALFUNCTIONED. NO IMPACT WAS REPORTED. *AK

Mileage: 35,800

1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE VAN REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP AND RACK PINION STEERING, WRITER QUESTION IF HIS VEHICLE IS INCLUDED WITH RECALLED CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V286000. *PH *MR *SC *JB.

VEHICLE REQUIRES EXCESSIVE FORCE TO STEER TO THE RIGHT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO STEER TO THE LEFT. THIS IS AFTER RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 02V286000 (02049) WAS ACCOMPLISHED ON 03/19/03 @ 103819 MILES. *CB

Mileage: 120,000

WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS THE RIGHT STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED. *AK

NHTSA RECALL 02-V-286-000 MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE. THIS RECALL FAILED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK *CB

I AM THE OWNER OF A 1997 VENTURE CHEVROLET VAN THAT I PURCHASED IN MAY OF 1997. I HAVE SEVERAL CONCERNS AFTER REVIEWING YOUR WEB SITE. FIRST, I JUST CHARGED ON MY CREDIT CARD ALMOST $2,000 (DECEMBER 2003) TO FIX THE RACK AND PINION STEERING AND TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THERE WAS A RECALL IN NOVEMBER 2002 THAT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED FOR THE RACK AND PINION. SECOND, I HAVE JUST LEARNED THAT THERE IS A RECALL RELATED TO THE POWER PUMP STEERING. IT IS NOT BY CHANCE THAT BOTH OF THESE ITEMS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED ON MY VEHICLE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE EXERTION ON MORE PRESSURE TO MAKE TURNS AND THIS IS SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT ARE RELATED TO THE RECALL. I CAN NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE OF THE INCIDENTS WHEN THE ISSUES FIRST STARTED BUT IT IS FAIR TO SAY IT STARTED SOMETIME IN 2003. WHAT PROCEDURES SHOULD I FOLLOW TO GET THESE CHARGES TAKEN OFF OF MY CREDIT CARD? SINCE I PAID FOR OR IS CHARGED TO MY CREDIT CARD, I CAN NOT GET THE REPAIRS FREE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A COPY OF BILLS - PLEASE LET ME KNOW. ALSO, I HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE LEAKING OF BREAK FLUID IN 2001. AFTER VIEWING YOUR WEB SITE IT APPEARS THAT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY ANOTHER DEFECT. I DO NOT THINK IT IS JUST BY CHANCE THE THREE MAJOR REPAIRS THAT I HAVE PAID FOR ON MY VEHICLE ARE RECALLS FROM YOUR ORGANIZATION. *LA

I AM THE OWNER OF A 1997 VENTURE CHEVROLET VAN THAT I PURCHASED IN MAY OF 1997. I HAVE SEVERAL CONCERNS AFTER REVIEWING YOUR WEB SITE. FIRST, I JUST CHARGED ON MY CREDIT CARD ALMOST $2,000 (DECEMBER 2003) TO FIX THE RACK AND PINION STEERING AND TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THERE WAS A RECALL IN NOVEMBER 2002 THAT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED FOR THE RACK AND PINION. SECOND, I HAVE JUST LEARNED THAT THERE IS A RECALL RELATED TO THE POWER PUMP STEERING. IT IS NOT BY CHANCE THAT BOTH OF THESE ITEMS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED ON MY VEHICLE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE EXERTION ON MORE PRESSURE TO MAKE TURNS AND THIS IS SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT ARE RELATED TO THE RECALL. I CAN NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE OF THE INCIDENTS WHEN THE ISSUES FIRST STARTED BUT IT IS FAIR TO SAY IT STARTED SOMETIME IN 2003. WHAT PROCEDURES SHOULD I FOLLOW TO GET THESE CHARGES TAKEN OFF OF MY CREDIT CARD? SINCE I PAID FOR OR IS CHARGED TO MY CREDIT CARD, I CAN NOT GET THE REPAIRS FREE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A COPY OF BILLS - PLEASE LET ME KNOW. ALSO, I HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE LEAKING OF BREAK FLUID IN 2001. AFTER VIEWING YOUR WEB SITE IT APPEARS THAT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY ANOTHER DEFECT. I DO NOT THINK IT IS JUST BY CHANCE THE THREE MAJOR REPAIRS THAT I HAVE PAID FOR ON MY VEHICLE ARE RECALLS FROM YOUR ORGANIZATION. *LA

WHEN MAKING A TURN AT 15 MPH STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE, AND THEN LOCKED UP. WITH ENOUGH FORCE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK

Mileage: 80,000

LOSS OF POWER STEERING LED TO THE DEATH OF DRIVER'S INFANT DAUGHTER AS STATED BY THE CONSUMER'S LAWYER. *LA WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S STEERING LOCKED UP. THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH THEN RAN OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A TREE. IN JANUARY 2003 THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE'S RACK AND PINION. *NM

I MADE A LEFT HAND TURN ONTO THE STREET I LIVE ON, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND RELEASED. IT RIPPED OUT OF MY HANDS AND SENT ME RIGHT ON ONTO SOMEONE'S FRONT LAWN NEARLY MISSING A TREE. I REGAINED CONTROL JUST IN TIME AND GOT IT BACK ON THE ROAD. I LIMPED IT HOME AND PARKED IT. I CALLED THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM AND DID NOT BELIEVE ME AND WOULD NOT HELP, SO I STARTED LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT VEHICLE WITH HELP FROM MY PARENTS. FOUND A DEALER SHIP 3 CITIES AWAY AND SAID BRING IT IN AND WE'LL HELP YOU. THEY CALLED IN SAGINAW STEERING PLANT REP. AND IT DID IT TO HIM AND SAID WE'LL REPLACE FOR FREE JUST PAY LABOR. SEEING IT WAS NOT COVERED BY MY EXTENDED WARRANTY I ACCEPTED AND TRADED IT IN ON A S-10 PICK-UP. *NLM

Mileage: 82,000

CONSUMER SEEKING FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS DONE TO 1997 CHEVROLET VENTURE REGARDING THE RACK AND PINION. *MR *TS *JB

VEHICLE STEERS TO THE RIGHT AT ALL TIMES. DEALER REPLACED RACK ANDPINION AND IT IS PULLING ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE. *AK

Mileage: 67,000

THE RACK AND PINION FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION 02V-286000. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS DENIED. *AK *NLM

THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR RECALL REPAIR 02V286000 ON 03/31/03. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LOWER PINION BEARINGS BUT ADVISED THE CONSUMER THAT THE RACK ASSEMBLY WAS BAD BUT THIS REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER RECALL. DEALER ADVISED CONSUMER THAT THEIR AGREEMENT WITH MANUFACTURER WAS TO REPLACE BEARINGS ONLY. *NLM

THE RECALL WHICH WAS PERFORMED ON THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE FAILED. RECALL # 02 V 286 000. *JB *TT

THE POWER STEERING FAILED. SHE HAD RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING STEERING AND HAD THE REMEDY WORK PERFORMED. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED.

CONSUMER WAS INFORMED NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE REGARDING THE RACK AND PINION RECALL 02V286 000.*JB

THE RACK AND PINION FAILED.*DT *JB

WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP NEARLY CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS NOW HAPPENS CONSTANTLY TO THE POINT WHERE WE DON'T EVEN WANT TO DRIVE THIS MINIVAN. THE LAST TIME I DROVE IT, THE STEERING LOCKED UP A TOTAL OF 15 TIMES. IT IS DEFINITELY A HAZARD TO MY WIFE AND CHILDREN.*AK

WHILE IN MOTION, CONSUMER WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AND THE STEERING LOCKED. CONSUMER HAD TO APPLY CONSIDERABLE FORCE TO OVERCOME THE RESISTANCE. DRIVING ABOUT 100 FEET AND TURNING LEFT THE STEERING LOCKED AGAIN. CONSUMER WAS LATER INFORMED THAT A SEAL IN THE RACK AND PINION HAD FAILED AND THE ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER DISASSEMBLED THE PINION GEAR AND THE SEALS WERE IN TACT. THE SEALS DIDN'T FAIL. FURTHER INSPECTION AND CONSUMER DISCOVERED THAT THE LOWER PINION BEARING WAS DAMAGED AND ALL OF THE BALL BEARINGS WERE GONE. CONSUMER BELIEVES THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY THAT POSES A RISK TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE COMPENSATED FOR MONIES PAID TO REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY. *JG

THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED PREVENTING THE STEERING WHEEL FROM TURNING AND UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS NOT A CASE OF THE POWER STEERING FAILING AND IT WAS HARD TO STEER. THE STEERING COULD NOT BE TURNED AND I COULD FEEL THE POWER STEERING PREVENTING ME FROM TURNING THE WHEEL. THIS HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT, AT SLOW SPEED, WHERE I COULD PULL OVER AND HAVE THE CAR TOWED. THE CAR COULD NOT BE DRIVEN SAFELY.*AK

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. TOOK VEHICLE TO RERPAIR SHOP, IN WHICH THEY HAD REPAIRED AND STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION WILL NEED REPLACING. *JB CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. (06/26/02) *SCC

WHEN DRIVING AND MAKING LEFT TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP AND OWNER COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE. *AK RACK AND PINION FAILED. AFTER REPLACEMENT, AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS ON. *TT

LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKE ASSISTED WHEN GOING THROUGH SHALLOW PUDDLE. BATTERY LIGHT WENT ON AND OFF. ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND OFF. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT, IT WAS RAINING AND THE ROAD WAS WET WITH SOME PUDDLE IN THE ROAD. WHEN I HAVE TO USE THE RIGHT LANE TO MAKE RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, I HAVE TO GO THROUGH SOME WATER THAT PONDED ALONG THE GUTTER LINE, THE STEERING SEIZE ON ME AND REQUIRED FORCEFUL TURN. BRAKE PADDLE WAS HARD TO PRESS AND DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE APPROPRIATELY.*AK

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.*AK

WHILE DRIVING RACK AND PINION STEERING SYSTEM FAILED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED BY DEALER.*AK

AT 10 MPH, WHILE TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, STEERING WHEEL MADE A POPPING NOISE, THEN IT LOCKED UP ON CONSUMER. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK *TT

DEFECTIVE STEERING

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

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.

WHILE DRIVING STEERING BECAME TIGHT; THEN, FAILED REPEATEDLY. MADE LEFT TURN AND STEERING LOCKED UP AND FROZE. COULD NOT TURN STEERING WHEEL. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK

WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE STEERING WENT OUT, DEALER DETERMINED THAT RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK *SLC

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.*AK

SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING CAR, HEADLIGHTS FILLED WITH MOISTURE CAUSING LIGHTS TO BURN OUT. DEALERSHIP STATED THERE WERE NO REPLACEMENTS EVEN MADE YET. AT ALMOST 100,000 MILES ENGINE DIED, POWER STEERING FAILED, BELT SLIPPED AND AC WENT OUT WITHIN DAYS OF EACH OTHER. 1800CHEVUSA REP "JASON" SAID "CHEVY ONLY BUILDS THEIR VEHICHLES TO LAST 100,000 MILES". NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY CHEVY. NOT AFTER WHAT JASON SAID.*AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID IT WAS RACK AND PINION. *AK *SLC

MY 19 YR OLD SON LOST ABLITY TO STEER THE VAN AFTER LEAVING THE PARKING LOT, AFTER A SOCCER GAME. THE CAR WOULD NOT STEER LEFT AND WAS HARD TO MAINTAIN DRIVING STRAIGHT WITH ANY TYPE OF CONTROL. THE VAN WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERS THE NEXT DAY. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VAN AND CONFIMN THE LOST OF STEERING. I AM UNDER THE IMPRESSION FROM THE DEALER THAT ALL THE STEERING UNIT NEED TO BE REPLACED . ALSO THE DEALER REPORTED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG COIL BROKE WHEN THE STEERING WENT OUT AND COULD HAVE CAUSED UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG. STEERING WAS REPAIRED UNDER EXTENTED WARRENTY. REPAIR TO DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG COIL WAS NOT UNDER WARRENTY AND PAID FOR BY CUSTOMER. ALL REPAIR HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.

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.*AK

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.

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.

WHEN VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN AND A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN IS MADE, A THUMPING NOISE OCCURS WITHIN STEERING RACK. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE REBUILT, NEW FUEL PUMP, FRONT/REAR SHOCKS & STRUTS,INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY, BRAKES. I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING EXTREMELY WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE AND IT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.

WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

POWER STEERING GOES OUT WHEN DRIVING THROUGH A WATER PUDDLE. BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON, AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MAY OR MAY NOT STOP.

WHILE GOING AROUND A CURVE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. VAN HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. A BROKEN STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY WAS FOUND. DEALERSHIP AND OWNER SPLIT REPAIR COST. *AK

WHILE GOING AROUND A CURVE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. VAN HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. A BROKEN STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY WAS FOUND. DEALERSHIP AND OWNER SPLIT REPAIR COST. *AK

END CAP AT END OF RACK AND PINION STEERING POPPED OUT, CAUSING STEERING TO LOCK UP WHILE MAKING A TURN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

STEERING GEAR SUDDENLY FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET; UNABLE TO TURN WHEEL TO THE LEFT AND MARKED DIFFICULTY TURNING WHEEL TO RIGHT. FORTUNATELY OLDSMOBILE DEALER ONE BLOCK AWAY WHO EVENTUALLY REPAIRED CAR.

RACK AND PINION STEERING CRACKED. NO REASON FOR HAPPENING, JUST TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND HEAR A LOUD THUD. COULD NOT MAKE FULL TURNS.*AK

VEHICLE COULD NOT BE TURNED LEFT BECAUSE OF A CHIPPED GEAR IN THE RACK AND PINION UNIT. NLM

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. *AK *ML

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. *AK

STEERING COLUMN STOPPED FUNCTIONING. ALSO, BEARINGS BROKE SOMEWHERE UNDER DRIVESHAFT. *AK

#1. IT IS VERY HEAVY TO PUSH UP THE TAILGATE WITHOUT THE USE OF THE HYDRAULICS. IT GOES UP EASILY ONLY PART OF THE WAY. #2. MY SEAT AND POCKET SHOULD NOT BE RIPPING AS EASILY AS THEY HAVE. I DO NOT HAVE LITTLE KIDS TUGGING AT THEM. #3. THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER DOES NOT WORK . IT HAS BEEN ALLEGEDLY FIXED SEVERAL TIMES. #4. THE INTERIOR SIDE DOOR PANELS ARE HARD PLASTIC AND THEY ARE ATTACHED BY VELCRO. THEY DON'T ALWAYS STICK TO THE VELCRO AND COME LOOSE. ONE HAS ALREADY BROKEN AND REPLACED. THEY ARE STILL LOOSE. #5. THE FRONT SEATBELTS DON'T RETRACT ALL THE WAY ON THEIR OWN AND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEATBELT TWISTS ON A REGULAR BASIS. #6. THE RANGE OF DISTANCE ON THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY IS BEING BASICALLY ON TOP OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT . IT IS MY FIRST AMERICAN MADE VEHICLE AND PROBABLY MY LAST. I THINK I REALLY BOUGHT A LEMON. *AK

THE FRONT END LOCKED UP CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY DUE TO RACK AND PINION AND AIR BAG COIL FAILURE. *MJS

PAD OVER THE AIR BAG IS TOO THICK. HORN BUTTON DIFFICULT TO PUSH. DEALER SAY'S NO PROBLEM

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

NO SUMMARY.

STEERING WHEEL BROKE OF AT 35MPH, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED BY THE DEALER . THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

WHEN THE ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT GETS WET THERE IS A VERY GOOD CHANCE THAT THE POWER STEERING WILL STOP WORKING. MY WIFE WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AT AN INTERSECTION AND WENT THROUGH A PUDDLE. SHE IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER STEERING AND ALMOST CRASHED INTO ANOTHER CAR. I HAVE HAD IT HAPPEN TO ME AS I TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY. I HAVE CONTACTED CHEVROLET AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON MY VAN. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER (NOT THE ONE LISTED HERE) AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. LOSING POWER STEERING IN A MINI VAN WHILE MAKING A TURN CAN HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. *AK

STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. AFTER VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED, DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE BEARING ON THE STEERING COLUMN "DISINTEGRATED" CAUSING THE SHAFT TO SLIP LOWER INTO THE RACK AND PINION. THIS CAUSED RACK AND PINION GEARS TO GO BAD.

STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. AFTER VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED, DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE BEARING ON THE STEERING COLUMN "DISINTEGRATED" CAUSING THE SHAFT TO SLIP LOWER INTO THE RACK AND PINION. THIS CAUSED RACK AND PINION GEARS TO GO BAD.

LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHEN GOING THROUGH SHALLOW WATER. *AK

DESIGN OF STEERING WHEEL MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO FIND AND ACTIVATE THE HORN.

STEERING INTERMITTENTLY GRABBED/STUCK AND LOCKED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN, THE DRIVING BELT SLIPS APPARENTLY AND THE STEERING CEASES, THE SERVO FOR THE STEERING FAILS.

ALARM SYSTEM/REMOTE STARTER FAILED, CAUSING DRIVER TO BE LOCKED INSIDE VEHICLE.

SEAT BELTS ON THE PASSENGER'S/DRIVERS/SECOND ROW, AND THE LAST ROW GET STUCK, CANNOT BE PULL OUT FOR BUCKLING UP. SOMETIMES LEAVING THE PASSENGERS WITHOUT PROTECTION. CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE FIVE TIMES TO DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, HORN EXTREMELY HARD TO BEEP/ALARM SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, AND SECOND ROW- REAR SEAT DOES NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. *AK

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S STEERING IDLER ARM FELL OFF DUE TO A MISSING BOLT, THIS CAIUSES BOTH FRONT TIRES TO POINT INWARD AND LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. *AK