1999 Chevrolet Tracker problems

Filed Dec 23, 2014 · Brakes, Steering · 7,576 miles · CA

I am the original owner of a 1999 chevy tracker. Since day one of ownership, I have had problems with steering wheel binding and ignition key issues. Also, there has been a squealing noise that is loud and constant. It has been to the dealer many times with the same old recommendation of we can't find anything wrong, just keep driving it. Or, there is nothing to fix. The squealing is louder and from reading other issues with the chevy tracker, it seems is from the pulley and belt area that is causing the noise that a dealer refuses to fix. Also, my steering wheel locks up and the ignition switch does not take the key smoothly. Meaning, its hard to insert and hard to remove with out force. I have a 2008 hhr that was on recall due to this same ignition problem and the cylinder was replace. The problem is identical to this vehicle. I have 98,000 miles on this car and do not want to get hurt or jeopardize the safety of my family, so I am reporting this issues with my vehicle. I believe from owning only chevrolets, that your ignition cylinder problem dates way back, then what your willing to admit. So please investigate this issue, before you have more problems to deal with. Make that recall on the older cars, because some of them like mine are defective and unsafe.

Filed Oct 25, 2014 · Seat belts · 157,420 miles · MN

Both of my front seat belts have locked up, my driver side is completely locked up and can't be used, the passenger side will work at times but not always. I looked it up on google and found out that this is a common problem because the manufacturer installed mislabeled seat belts that were meant for the two door trackers into the four door trackers. I contacted gm about this and they denied that my problem was connected, instead chalked it up to a coincidence and told me I could go to a dealership and get it checked out but the cost would be out of pocket and they said since the warranty is expired that I would have to pay for the parts and labor because they are no longer liable because of the expired warranty. This is a safety defect and has absolutely nothing to do with a warranty, I am currently driving around illegally because I can't use my seat belt, and if I were to get into an accident I would likely die as a result. This is a serious problem and it needs to be dealt with immediately.

Filed Mar 9, 2012 · Electrical · 126,000 miles · CO

Car keeps having its battery drained after repairs. Replaced two alternators and a car computer. Seems to work for a few weeks after getting fixed and then burns up an alternator. Three times to the mechanic; currently shop. Problem occurred after new battery was inserted. Car has worked great for 10 years and then this requiring electrical problem; battery is dead (this with a new battery).

Filed Jan 6, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 207,000 miles · OH

Came to a stop at a stop sign and heart a pop. Tracker would then pull roughly to the left when brakes were applied. Upon inspection it was discovered that the passenger side of the crossmember broke where the inner suspension attaches. Called several dealerships and this is something that is not covered on a recall for this year vehicle. Found several forums that complain of the exact same problem on various years for the chevy tracker. This is very unfortunate since I am quite fond of my tracker and rely on it for work and travel with my children, especially in winter months. I am glad this was discovered before it caused a serious accident.

Filed Mar 31, 2011 · Body · 120,000 miles · OH

Front frame crossmember rusted through in multiple areas and has made vehicle unsafe to drive. The vehicle pulls violently to the left when the brakes are applied at high speeds or turning sharply.

Filed Nov 8, 2010 · Body, Suspension · 116,500 miles · MA

Driving on highway when the front suspension began to shudder violently. Applying brakes caused vehicle to swerve to the left. Inspection showed that front control arm mount had separated completely from the crossmember due to corrosion. Called chevrolet customer service and was told in carefully parsed words that according to my VIN there was no coverage or recall despite what I have found on lin: special coverage adjustment - front suspension crossmember corrosion #06186 - (10/17/2007) 1999-2004 chevrolet tracker.

Filed Oct 12, 2010 · Body · 73,312 miles · ME

My mother said to me that her car was pulling to the center line when she put her brakes on. She and I naturally thought she had a stuck caliper or something of that nature. She drove it to my house the next morning, and said it was pulling badly to the center line. I jacked up the car to find that the [suspension crossmember] subframe where it holds the front mount for the lower control arm to the car, was corroded and had actually broke, causing the front wheel to just move around making the car pull hard to the left. This car only has 70k miles on it and is well maintained in fact, it just passed vehicle inspection the previous month. This part in my opinion should not have failed this way. Her car is now out of service due to this problem. Please help her in any way you can. She did not have an accident but I'm not sure why this failure could have easily been tragic. Thank you

Filed May 27, 2010 · Body · 113,000 miles · KS

1999 chevy tracker front crossmember rusted through from the inside causing the car to pull very hard when braking. There was a recall on certain VIN #'s for this vehicle but mine was not part of the recall. I did develop the problem though. The front crossmember is rusted out from the inside and is just about to break off. This could have been very dangerous causing a loss of control of the vehicle. I reported to gm and they said they can do nothing to help. The vehicle does not have rust on the bottom of the vehicle yet this part completely rusted through.

Filed Jan 31, 2010 · Body · 150,957 miles · IN

I began to notice that the steering had started to feel a little loose requiring a lot of correction when driving, but I didn't think it was anything serious. I took the car in to the repair shop to have the brakes repaired and as soon as they raised it up on the lift they noticed that the "drivers side cradle/crossmember to suspension corroded and rusted through and the left front lower control arm detached". The mechanic stated that he had never seen anything like this happen and was very dangerous - could allow complete loss of steering or if on the interstate with more speed could cause the vehicle to flip over causing serious injury or death. The cradle/crossmember was replaced and all new bolts were used. Please do something about this before too many people are injured or killed - I was lucky.

Filed Nov 9, 2009 · Body · 91,000 miles · NY

1999 chevy tracker sub frame rotted out. On driver side. Vehicle shook violently and pulled very hard to the right. Almost drove off the road and crashed. Did not find any recalls. Chevy said the sell many of these parts but no recalls for problems.