While driving at 55 MPH, the engine died. There was no power steering or brakes and the consumer was to pull over. The dealer inspected the vehicle and could not duplicate or correct the problem. *ak the service dealer could not duplicate the problem. *sc
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier: loss of power steering
5 of the 503 complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 1 service bulletin for this area of the car. See below
Loss of power steering by model year
What owners say
Engine failure- stalling at high/low speeds. No steering,brakes, very frightening!! Already spent enormous amounts of money at mechanics to find problem. Probably another recall on vehicle. Almost becoming many accidents due to this problem.
Consumer stated while driving the vehicle at 55mph, it shut off. There was a loss of power steering and brakes which caused the consumer to pull off the road. Two dealers inspected the vehicle several times and could not duplicate or correct the problem. Please provide any further information.
Power steering failed on 2 separate occasions. Had problem fixed first time dealer wants to total vehicle second time. Gm did not own up to the problem. Said car did not fall under the recall period, even though problems have been occurring frequently. *ts **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis**770164
In wet conditions the regulator belt will get wet, resulting in a loss of steering control and brake loss. The dealer has been notified.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Steering: rack and pinion
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles and 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.
- 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 january 24, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, pontiac at 1‑800‑762‑2737, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.
Recall number 02V286000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier?
5 of 503 owner complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier (1%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier?
There is 1 recall and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
Stalling 33ABS 28No deployment 17Check engine light 17Brake failure 13Fire or smoke 13Loss of power 12Overheating 12Transmission failure 12Won't start 11Engine failure 9Headlights 9Seat belt 9Steering lock-up 9Knocking 7Fuel pump 6Jerking 5Pulling 5
VIN decoder
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