While driving between 65-70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. When this occurred the vehicle lost power steering and brakes. The vehicle was towed to the mechanic. The mechanic performed a diagnostic test which indicated that the engine had locked. The engine has to be taken apart to identify what caused the lock. The oil pan was full when this incident occurred.
1997 Chevrolet Venture: loss of power steering
11 of the 431 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Venture describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- 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
- 20001
- 19991
- 19985
- 199711
What owners say
When making a right hand turn power steering failed. As a result, vehicle was thrown into oncoming traffic. Dealer stated that rack and pinion malfunctioned. No impact was reported.
Loss of power steering LED to the death of driver's infant daughter as stated by the consumer's lawyer. *la while driving the vehicle's steering locked up. The consumer lost control of the vehicle which then ran off the road and struck a tree. In january 2003 the manufacturer issued a recall for the vehicle's rack and pinion.
The power steering failed. She had received the recall notice concerning steering and had the remedy work performed. However, the problem persisted.
Loss of power steering and power brake assisted when going through shallow puddle. Battery light went on and off. Engine light went on and off. At the time of the incident, it was raining and the road was wet with some puddle in the road. When I have to use the right lane to make right or left turn, I have to go through some water that ponded along the gutter line, the steering seize on me and required forceful turn. Brake paddle was hard to press and did not stop the vehicle appropriately.
While driving rack and pinion steering system failed, resulting in loss of steering control. Vehicle has been checked by dealer.
Shortly after purchasing car, headlights filled with moisture causing lights to burn out. Dealership stated there were no replacements even made yet. At almost 100,000 miles engine died, power steering failed, belt slipped and AC went out within days of each other. 1800chevusa rep "jason" said "chevy only builds their vehichles to last 100,000 miles". Never again will I buy chevy. Not after what jason said.
While making a routine rt turn, the gear assembly of the rack and pinion assembly "blew-out". This event locked my steering up. No warranty in place to recover loss. But, the nature of the event was unusual. That is, the mechanical failure of the gear(s)fracturing and exploding it's housing causing loss of steering is highly questionable? At a higher speed this would have cause injury or loss of life. A certified mechanic with 20+ years experienced indicated that he has never seen a rack and pinion assembly "blow-out" like the one I am presenting in this case. The supervisor mechanic further indicated, "that this could have caused a serious accident". I have the rack and pinion assembly in my possession and I have also contacted general motors customer service (doc# 000029454 gm). Gm has denied my request for reimbursement regarding the repair costs and has indicated no interest in having gmc engineers look at the failed system. This is a public safety concern.I believe strongly that a valid liability does exist that and that there is a mft defect with this product. I have high hopes that you also have an interest in my concern. I will wait for your response before I go public regarding this issue. Thank you, mike johnson.
The front end locked up causing loss of steering ability due to rack and pinion and air bag coil failure.
When the accessory drive belt gets wet there is a very good chance that the power steering will stop working. My wife was making a right hand turn at an intersection and went through a puddle. She immediately lost power steering and almost crashed into another car. I have had it happen to me as I turned into my driveway. I have contacted chevrolet and was told that there are no recalls on my van. I took it into the dealer (not the one listed here) and they could find nothing wrong with it. Losing power steering in a mini van while making a turn can have serious consequences.
Loss of power steering assist when going through shallow water.
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 1997 Chevrolet Venture power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 1997 Chevrolet Venture?
11 of 431 owner complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Venture (3%) 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 1997 Chevrolet Venture?
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 1997 Chevrolet Venture
Headlights 55Overheating 21Steering lock-up 17ABS 15Wipers 15Door locks 14Stalling 13Engine failure 12Loss of power 9Grinding brakes 8Transmission failure 8Fire or smoke 7Tire blowout 7Seat belt 6Fuel pump 5
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