My 1996 chevy cavalier, steering wheel locked up , while driving 50 MPH on a busy road.I totally lost power and I pulled over, after almost being hit by several other cars. This is another major concern for this vechile.gm, should inquire more about this problem!
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier: steering wheel locks up
9 of the 503 complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier describe steering wheel locks up.
- owner complaints
- 9
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 1 service bulletin for this area of the car. See below
Steering wheel locks up by model year
What owners say
Having problems with stalling, placed other complaints recently. Steering locking up and fixed more part in vechile, now might be relating to the ignition switch recall, which my mechanic has found was inproperlly placed in car. Called the dealership and since it has been over 1 year and 12,000 miles, they will charge me a labor fee and also the part fee. Could this become any worse gm??????
I was driving down the street. While accelerating all the lights on the dashboard lit up - the car shut off and the steering wheel locked. Thankfully I was able to pull over in time and I was not driving that fast. Also I was able to pull over safely without hitting anyone.
When the consumer attempted to the vehicle, the steering wheel froze up, which almost caused the consumer to lose control, the mechanic informed consumer a new rack and pinion was needed.mr *ts
While trying to make a left turn the steering wheel locked and the vehicle crashed into a guard rail. The consumer received a recall notice campaign # 02v28600 with the subject power steering assembly. The consumer contacted the manufacturer chevrolet. The representative stated that the vehicle was under that recall and a gm representative would make contact and test the vehicle. The gm representative called the consumer and stated that the recall part would be fixed but no other assistance would be provided.
Consumer state while traveling without any indication steering wheel locked up causing consumer to have a vehicle crash. Manufacture has been contacted please provide further information. Ts
Steering wheel locked up. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer said it was rack and pinion steering that needed to be replaced.
Steering wheel locks up for no reason.
While driving 35mph, under wet conditions, steering wheel locked up. Dealer and manjufacturer have 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 steering lock-up
Is steering wheel locks up a common problem on the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier?
9 of 503 owner complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier (2%) mention steering wheel locks up. 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 9Knocking 7Fuel pump 6Jerking 5Power steering loss 5Pulling 5
VIN decoder
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