1997 Chevrolet Cavalier: sudden loss of power

Filed Mar 19, 2003 · Steering · PA

Lower pinion bearing in power steering gear may separate causing a loss of power steering assist when making left turns at low speed.

Filed Jan 14, 2003 · Steering · 80,000 miles · MA

I have 1997 chevrolet, cavalier which I took delivery on july 28, 1997. The car is now undriveable. I went on line to the general motors recall list and located a recall for cars built between january 1, and october 31, 1997. The recall involves the lower pinion bearing in the power steering gear may separate, permitting movement of the pinion shaft. Report indicate loss of power steering. There have been 15 report of crashes and three injuries that may be related to the condition, but no fatal injuries. I called general motors, described to them the problem with the car, which I had to have towed to my house. I gave them my VIN # and the reply I got was that I am not involved in the recall. I have recalls for minor repairs but I am not on this recall list. I am a bit disturbed with this reply. My vehicle was built within the time frame of which was described. Due to this problem I was nearly in a fatal accident. I was told to have the repairs done and then if my car fell under the recall I could fight to be reimbursed. So what their trying to tell me is drive the car, which cannot be driven at this point, get in an accident then they don't have to put me the recall list because the car has been totaled. This is a very poor way of taking care of a person's life when they know there is something wrong with the car. Meanwhile we have no means of transportation for work. I first heard about this recall on the news on tv back in november 2002. Can you help? Please!!!!!!

Filed Jul 3, 2001 · Engine · AL

Mechanic at dealership said that they had received letters that this was occuring on these vehicles due to small hole for oil to chain clogging but I had no recalls or warnings of this. This car has relatively few miles on it and at the time this happened, I had just stopped to turn into a parking lot. There could have been a serious accident if it had happened during the turn or if I had been driving down the road as the car lost power immediately. If the dealerships are receiving letters, why aren't the owners. I realize that there can be failure of this part, but if the failure is due to the clogging of the area that keeps the chain oiled, then this is a defect in the car not the wear of the part.

Filed Dec 6, 2000 · Electrical · CT

I have called this morning (12/06/00) to the federal safety agency, you said you will send me a form to fill out. But then I got into this website. So I would like to file and document asap becasue I feel very unsafe while driving. I am sure my vehicle has a defect or problem which could cause an accident or injury or death to myself and others. The problem first appeared in early july/00: soon after starting the car, warning lights (oil pressure and charging system) lit up and the car stalled and lost power. Power brake was gone, and I was heading down a steep slope! Luckily I managed to stop the car without causing an accident. I can restart the car and drive on. It happened 2 times more and I took it to the dealer to check. It cannot repeat the condition, so nothing was done. For the next short while nothing like that happened, although several times 2 other warning lamps will lit up (enhanced traction system off and malfunction indicator). I called the dealer to make an appointment but the lights will go off, and I cancelled the appointment... On the night of 11/28/00, the same dangerous situation occurred again. Since the dealership was not immediately available, I took it to a mechanic who ran a computer test on my car, and found taht faulty code #704 had occurred intermittently in my transmision system. But again, the mechanic cannot duplicate the condition, so cannot fix anything. I called gm's customer assistance and the dealer to see what I can do. The advice is that there is no similar incidents reported. And I just have to wait for the condition to happen again somehow. But the dilemma is that even if the stalling happens, the car can restart, then the condition will not exist and even if I bring/tow it to the dealer, they won't know what to fix!! So I have no recourse to take except to drive the car around with this danger on my mind all the time! There must be a better way to have the car fixed or the matter resolved, I would think/hope? Thankyou.

Filed Jun 5, 2000 · Engine, Steering · OH

While driving all signal lights came on, and engine lost power. There was no steering, and finally vehicle had to be towed. Vehicle had been repaired for the same problem onc ebefore.

Filed Jul 21, 1999 · Engine · SC

Car lost power and shut off when A/C changed to vent recranked easily.