Consumer states while driving approximately 35-40mph, "softly" turned steering wheel to avoid an object in the road. Consumer loss complete control of vehicle's steering, travelled down an embankment and crashed into a tree. Consumer feels issue may be related to current recall 02v286000 ts
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier steering complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 54 of 54, newest first, as owners wrote them.
When turning steering wheel there is a clicking noise, which comes from rack and pinion. If rack and pinion breaks their will be no steering.
Approxiamately 2 months into owning the vehicle the problems started. First the seat belt covers snapped off, I've had to have the steering stabilizers replaced 3 times already, the air conditioner which is rarely used failed at about 55-60,000 miles, the battery busted and leaked on the entire right side under hood, the jack was warped, the gas guage reads incorrectly, the sunroof stopped working after 30000 miles, dash rattles, glove box will not stay closed, pass seat gets stuck when you move it forward, the gas pedal gets stuck and you have to apply more force than usual to get it moving, drivers door does not close all the way, more air than normal comes into vehicle, thermostat failed at 30000 miles, installed sidewinder 6500 car alarm which failed to operate after the battery busted, plus numerous other problems not mentioned here.
Rack & pinion steering failed for the 4th time, causing loss of control. Would hear noises coming from front of vehicle whenever turning. Had reported problem previously. Image #855501.
Consumer heard noise coming from underneath vehicle. *ak the vehcile make noise when turning the wheel due to steering gear failure. The consumer was in contact with the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was under repair with remanufactured parts for the clicking noise.
Air bag stays on, 3 modules replaced, problem still present. Horn would not work with steering wheel straight, replaced cancelling cam. Ok. Car would not drive straight, replaced steering gear box, ok. A/c rumbles at idle when hot, replaced belt and tensioner, problem still present but not as loud. Dome light stays on, replaced alarm module, ok.
Power steering pump failed causing a whinning noise to come from the engine, a new idler and new belt were also installed. Nlm
Both turn signals and horn do not work, both are inoperable. Consumer has contacted dealer five tiems. Dealer has made changes to steering column. But, problem still occurs. Please provide any further details.
The steering gear rack has failed several times.
While turning steering wheel consumer noticed popping noise. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further information.
I have had to have 3 major steering components replaced on my 1998 chevy cavailer and I am concerned about the future safety of the car. The rack and pinon steering has been replaced twice on vehicle to this date. My understanding from the dealership working on it they are using replacement parts instead of new parts. I have contacted the manufacture regarding this issue but no solution there. My next step is to make a complaint with md state's attorney office.
When trying to make a turn consumer could hear noise coming from the front of vehicle while turning, the vehicle had been served twice on the rack and pinion.
While making a turn power steering shaft pitman sheared off, causing a minor collision.
When first starting vehicle steering wheel locks up and continues not to move as a result of the wheel locking , brakes will also not work.
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