When trying to start the car the steering locks up and you have to move the steering wheel back and forth for it to catch and finally will start like it keeps locking up. My son bought this car as his first car so no sure how long it has been like this doing this as we purchased from a friend and he did say that something was up with the steering when trying to start.
1997 Pontiac Grand Am steering problems
21 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 113,000. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 21
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 113,000
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Rack and pinion3
- Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections3
- Column locking: anti-theft device3
- Steering wheel/handle bar2
- Gear box (other than rack and pinion)2
- Linkages: tie rod assembly1
- Hydraulic power assist: pump1
- Hydraulic power assist system1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Pontiac Grand Am steering problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Power rack and pinion steering failure
Gm conducted a safety recall (the federal safety agency # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019.
RQ03001
What 1997 Pontiac Grand Am owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The most recent of problems is my steering went out on me while turning in to a parking lot. Had my mechanic look at it and he said it was the rack and pinion seal that caused it to pour out the fluid. I have also had many other problems such as gas leaking even though all lines were replaced. Power steering line replaced due to pin hole leaks, multiple wheel bearings, radiator. Ignition switch, and one of the sensors in the upper back side of the motor somehow came undone and melted the connector and caused a dead short in my car.
Passlock system turned car off in middle of highway had to push car to side of road with 100's of cars passing me at 65 MPH (life threatening) reset passlock but has done the same 4 times.
Dealer refused to repair steering recall for the bearing gear as stated on the recall notice.
Left side steering colum pin fell out steering wheel almost fell off dash
When a turn was made, the steering wheel produced a loud rubbing noise. Dealer notified. *ak there were high idle problems. The interior lights and the power locks were replaced. The check engine light had come on and the vehicle had started to run rough, the alternator light had come on and the alternator was replaced. The drivers side seat belt did not retract and was replaced, the lower front control arm was replaced, the blower motor was replaced, the compressor was replaced, when starting the engine cold, there was a knocking sound on the right side until the vehicle was warm ,then the noise would go away, surging would also occur and would worsen when the engine was warmed, the volume on the radio was erratic(had gone up when trying to turn down), the sensor throttle position shorted and was intermittent, the valve air control was replaced, and the fuel filter was replaced. *scc
While driving 30 MPH the steering failed.
Prior to october 1999 vehicle's steering wheel would lock up while attempting to make left turns. On one occasion consumer was coming out of a driveway when steering locked up, causing the vehicle to hit the curb. This incident caused some minor damage to bumper. *nlm.
When turning left or right steering wheel tightens up and is very difficult to steer. Cause is unknown. *akconsumer could not turn vehicle to the right as if power steering for the right side completely failed. Turning to the left posed no problem. Dealer informed consumer that the rack and pinion needed replacing.
While driving 20 to 25 MPH steering wheel locked up.when turning steering wheel it will lock up. Dealer contacted.
Questions about the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am steering
Does the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am have steering problems?
Owners have filed 21 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am, 5% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 Pontiac Grand Am steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 113,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am steering?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Pontiac Grand Am have bad steering?
The Pontiac Grand Am model years with the most steering complaints are 1999 (70 complaints), 1994 (56 complaints) and 2000 (34 complaints).
Other 1997 Pontiac Grand Am problems
Electrical 105Engine 83Brakes 71Airbags 41Acceleration 36Visibility 34Suspension 26Transmission 22Fuel system 19Lights 13Body 11Seat belts 10Tires 10Seats 8Wheels 5Locks 4
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