1997 Pontiac Bonneville steering problems

Filed Apr 1, 2014 · Engine, Steering · 118,515 miles · MI

The car lost all power while driving on several occasions. It would just quit and I would have no brakes or steering and all gauges would shut down. Sometimes it would lose power and then it would come back on while I was still driving cutting in and out repeatedly. It happened a lot when I was idling at a corner and then would start through the intersection. It would quit going through the intersection. Sometimes it wouldn't start after driving it a short distance. After it sat for a few minutes, a few hours or sometimes overnight it would just start like there wasn't any problem with it. It didn't sputter or act like it wasn't getting gas or anything, it just wouldn't do anything and had a total loss of all power. We took it in for repair several times and they could never replicate the problem and diagnostics didn't show any problems that would cause this issue. I asked a couple of times if there were any recalls and the service garage said no. I finally quit driving the car because I was tired of being stranded and with taking my chances with it loosing power driving down the highway or through intersections in heavy traffic. It sounds like the same issue that they are currently recalling some gm models for because of an ignition switch spring but bonneville aren't on the recall list.

Filed Aug 12, 2006 · Steering · 126,000 miles · NE

Heard a "popping" noise, then lost power steering when turning left. Right turns work fine, but no power steering to the left.

Filed May 3, 2006 · Steering · 130,000 miles · NY

Rack and pinion steering failed while driving, would not allow a left turn. Right turning can be accomplished with one finger, however left turns require tremendous strength. Recall issued for grand prix and similar 97 pontiac's, but not the bonneville.

Filed Aug 5, 2004 · Steering · 100,000 miles · PA

While making a left hand turn vehicle lost power steering. Consumer had to use force to turn steering wheel. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak the consumer notified the manufacturer who stated that there was no recall on the vehicle but there were recalls on other models with the same rack and pinion. The consumer was told that his vehicle was not produced at the plant of the recalled cars.

Filed Jul 20, 2004 · Steering · PA

When turning the steering wheel towards the left, the steering wheel would lock-up, causing the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. The owner took the vehicle to the dealership to be inspected. Please provide any further details.

Filed Apr 10, 2004 · Steering · 69,845 miles · NJ

1997 pontiac bonneville rack& pinion steering the power steering suddenly failed when turning to the left only. Turning right was still functioning with power assist. The problem increased over a short period of time to where the car wouldn't turn left at all (even manually). Complaint was made to dealership as well as manufacturer with absolutlely no resolution.

Filed Feb 3, 2004 · Steering · 180,000 miles · WV

When making a left turn power steering went out. Also, this occurred when vehicle was driven at low speeds. This vehicle experienced the same defects as the pontiac, grand prix which was recalled for the same problem.

Filed Sep 2, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · 39,000 miles · SC

Consumer stated while driving vehicle at 25 MPH suddenly all electrical components died. No brakes/ no power steering. Took vehicle to dealer, dealer popped hood, and noticed battery acid all over the engine compartment, and battery cables were loose. Dealer replaced cables, and put jelly around them. Five days later, cables were loose again. Cause unknown. The cable has loosen again and vehicle stalled and lost all power. Consumer was left stranded.

Filed Jan 7, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · AR

Nar 1/29/2003. The vehicle was delivered to the consumer with a bent water pump and a bent wheel. The alternator, power steering pump, transmission and egr valve were replaced.

Filed Aug 2, 2002 · Steering · CA

While turning left in parking lot, my wife heard a pop/thump noise and then could not continue left turn. Steering wheel would turn right with power assist but very difficult to turn steering wheel left. Vehicle towed to dealer who reported "power steering rack broke inside". Dealer replaced rack and pinion assembly.