I used my turn signals to make a right hand turn and my car turned off. No lights, turn signals, dash lights, brakes were soft, and steering was hard. If I had been on the freeway when this happened I would have been in a car accident. This has happened two times now and I am now unable to start my car at all at this point in time. What is this all about? And why haven't anyone found a fix? Help me please.
1998 Buick Regal: loss of power steering
9 of the 302 complaints about the 1998 Buick Regal describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 9
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- typical mileage
- 95,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Loss of power steering by model year
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 buick regal. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, the power steering failed. The contact mentioned that he attempted to make a left turn but had difficulty maneuvering the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 buick regal. While driving approximately 15 MPH on normal road conditions, the power steering failed when proceeding to make a turn. The contact exerted more effort to turn the steering wheel. The failure occurred intermittently. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The authorized dealer was notified. Through research, the technician discovered the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v527000 (steering;rack and pinion). The contact experienced failures identical to the ones mentioned in the recall. The failure and current mileages were 62,000. The ABS motor failed which prevented the rear brakes from working and also the ignition switch was faulty which caused the vehicle to stall when using the left turn signal. Updated 03/04/09.
I was leaving a parking lot when the power steering failed to assist when turning right, turning left was o k. I managed to get the car home, it was a short distance. This occurred on or about 8/2/07. On 8/13/07 I looked under the car with a mirror and was able to find a open cavity on the bottom of the steering unit. There was a shaft and nut in the cavity but could not discern a bearing. I looked on the internet for relevant information and found that a recall had been issued for this problem. I went to the local dealer and found out that the dealer had accomplished the recall on the vehicle. I came home and found the invoice for the recall, it indicates a date of july 27, 2004, a mileage of 58,373 and that the power steering gear lower bearing was replaced. The car now has 96,644 miles on it. I have an appointment with the dealer on 8/17/07 to ascertain what needs to be done to remedy the situation. No parts are available. Just thought you might like to know.
Dt*: the contact stated while making left turns, the steering became hard. The vehicle was not inspected. There was a the federal safety agency recall, # 03v527000, regarding the rack and pinion. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.
Dt: the vehicle turns properly to the right, but when turning to the left, it feels as though there is no power steering. The vehicle is currently at dealership being repaired, and consumer was told it was a problem with rack and pinion. Vehicle is not part of the current recall.*ak
I have a 1998 buick regal. In december the power steering went out, I was able to turn to the right and with great difficulty, able to turn to the left. The automobile has only 14343 miles on it and the VIN no. Is [xxx]. *ak I would like to report this because if my wife was driving I feel there would have been a serious problem she being not as strong am me. I reported this to buick and they told me there was a recall but my VIN no. Was not included. I feel that all 1998 buicks should be recalled and checked. Thank you. Updated 07/30/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
While driving and making left turns it was difficult to steer, and the steering became stiff. Dealer determined a steering problem, but there was no recall.
While traveling at 55 to 60 MPH engine died. No power brakes and no steering it was impossible to get off the road. Took vehicle to buick, and they duplicated the problem, but couldn't fix it. Please provide any further information.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Steering: rack and pinion
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
- Risk
- If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on february 5, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080; chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438; oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537; or pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668.
Recall number 03V527000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 Buick Regal power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 1998 Buick Regal?
9 of 302 owner complaints about the 1998 Buick Regal (3%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 1998.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Buick Regal?
There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Buick Regal
Fire or smoke 31Stalling 25Headlights 14ABS 8Wipers 8Loss of power 6Power windows 6Check engine light 5Engine failure 5Fuel pump 5Premature wear 5Steering lock-up 5Tire blowout 5
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