1999 Pontiac Grand Am: loss of power steering

Filed Apr 23, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · NJ

In approximately 2000 to 2002, our 1999 pontiac grand am stalled with engine shutdown, loss of braking power, and loss of steering on the nj garden state parkway at high speed, when my knee hit a few keys and my key ring along with the pontiac key in the ignition, I.e. Shutting off the car. This was a very dangerous situation. Fortunately, with almost no steering, braking, or engine power, I was able to steer the vehicle into the break down lane and stop the car. I am reporting this now because it never dawned on me then that it could be a car defect, and I am concerned that others might be injured or killed by these older gm vehicles if faulty ignition switch is an issue for them, given that gm is recalling millions of vehicles for faulty ignition switches. I believe the federal safety agency should investigate other models and ages of gm vehicles, including 1999 and later year pontiac grand ams, as the danger we experienced from that vehicle seems like it might be the same as what is now being reported. We no longer own the pontiac. You can see this incident made a big impact on me, because I remember it 12+ years later.

Filed Feb 24, 2005 · Brakes, Steering · 90,000 miles · WI

Driving in city at approximately 30 miles per hour the power steering failed and the engine stopped. I managed to pull it to the curb and walked approx. 1 mile home and went back, the car started back up and worked fine. I've also have had the brakes replaced three times. Currently the front end shakes sporadically when going 60-75 miles per hour.

Filed Jan 4, 2005 · Suspension · 68,700 miles · NY

1999 pontiac grand am gt was backed out of garage and a light thumping was noticeable from the front of the car. Vehicle backed out of driveway and proceeded down street - light thumping sound still noticeable. Suddenly, front left end of car dropped - steering became difficult and burning rubber smell was noticed along with some smoke coming from under front left wheel well. Car was turned around and returned home - 500 yds. Car was towed to dealer. Dealer diagonosed problem as broken spring - complete older break and new break identified in spring. Collapsing of spring also damaged strut. Spring, strut and mounting assemblies were replaced and covered under extended warranty of owner. Owner inquired about recalls and requested dealer to also replace front right spring and strut assembly. Dealer and gm representative refused to pay for front right replacement. Owner paid out of pocked $500 to replace undamaged front right assembly for fear of sudden future failure. Dealer would not allow owner to keep broken spring - indicated that it needed to be returned to the factory. Owner obtained spring/strut of undamaged front right assembly.

Filed Jan 22, 2004 · Steering · MA

Consumer complained about a power steering problem. While drving on an incline vehicle lost power steering. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, and was told that power steering needed to be replaced.

Filed Apr 29, 2002 · Steering · OH

When making a left turn consumer lost control of vehicle. *ak the consumer lost steering control several times in making left turns. The front part of the vehicle was damaged.

Filed Apr 27, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · NC

I think that my car is a major lemon! The car has been took in so many times for the brakes it's almost impossible to realize. I've took the car to two different dealerships and neither one can fix it right. The power steering went out in july 2000 and then in november 2000 and then started making the same noise a few months ago but I was told this time that it was normal. The throttle sticks once in awhile but again I'm told nothing found and wd-40 was sprayed on the throttle body. The car likes to keep going when applying the brake. The window motors have been replaced in all four windows 1-2 times each and need it again. The paint job and clear coat were peeling and bubbling and they spot sanded and painted my car. I've contacted pontiac at least 3-4 times about my car and I've also filled out lemon law papers through consumer protection agency of north carolina. Gm said they are investigating it and eller pontiac (the other dealership that I've took it to) said that they don't think that they are responsible because I didn't buy the car from them. I'd like to know who is responsible? Personelly I think the manufacturer is but of corse it's been about a month and still no word as to what they are going to do. I want the piece of junk bought back. The car has spent a total of 36 days in the shop not counting all the times I took it in and waited on it. It was in the shop 20+ days before 24,000 miles. The people at enterprise car rental know me already. When I walk in there, they ask me what's wrong with the car now! If you can help please do. My consumer protection file no. Is [xxx]. Thank you for possibly trying to help. Sincerely, [xxx]. *ak parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 15, 2001 · Steering · TX

Inner tie rod is breaking off, causing loss of steering control. Insurance group has 3 claims on this situation. Please provide further information.

Filed Feb 9, 2001 · Steering · IL

Power steering went out twice in vehicle, repaired under warranty. Consumer felt this could happen again.

Filed Feb 1, 2001 · Airbags, Brakes · PA · crash · 1 injury

While driving traction control light came, brakes locked up, no steering ability, vehicle just shut off, then spunned around two 360 degree circles, driver's side back hit guard rail first, then driver's side front hit guard rail, no deployment of air bags in crash. Cj

Filed Jun 16, 2000 · Steering · NY

While driving this car on city streets, I suffered a sudden loss of my power steering which made control of my car difficult. I was advised by a representative of the dealer that this is a known design flaw in this vehicle where one of the pressure fittings can fail. As a healthy male, driving on city streets at relatively slow speeds, there was no loss of control of the car but steering, especially turning, became extremely difficult. It appears that this "known defect" is not being aggressively addressed by pontiac but whether they are waiting for such failures before replacing the defective parts. I would hate to think of the consequences, even to myself, much less a smaller person, should such a catastrophe loss of steering control occur at high speeds or in isolated, rural areas.