I received a recall notice on my 1997 pontiac grand prix (campaign id 02v286000) regarding the rack and pinion steering. At the end of december, 2002, I started experiencing the problem described in the recall notice. However, prior to my receiving the recall notice, I took my car into the pontiac dealer because I was having difficulty making left turns. At that time, I was told the gear box assembly needed to be replaced. I opted to get a second opinion, and in the meantime I went to the federal safety agency website and discovered the recall. I received my recall notice mid-february but had to wait several weeks to get into the dealer due to the number of people already scheduled with this recall problem. My car is at the dealer's right now (3-25-03) and I'm being told that since the bearing is not damaged, they can't replace the gear box assembly under the recall. I was told that early on, they were replacing gear box assemblies to correct the steering problem even though the bearing wasn't bad, but when they sent them to the manufacturer for reimbursement, they were told that since the bearing wasn't bad they should not have replaced the gear box, and therefore weren't reimbursed. Needless to say, all they are doing now is replacing the bearing, whether or not it's damaged which they have done to my car. Bottom line, I still have the same problem with difficulty making left turns, but because my bearing wasn't damaged, if I want it fixed, it will be at my expense. I'm extremely unhappy that the manufacturer so obviously has figured in a loop hole to limit their exposure under this recall, since from what my dealer told me there have been others who have been forced to pay to correct the situation for the same reason. I believe this recall needs further investigation and amendment to the policy.
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix steering complaints
Page 4 of 8: complaints 71 to 100 of 216, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While driving and without warning the driving belt snapped and caused the steering wheel to lock up. Dealer notified.
The vehicle was taken to the dealership for a recall regarding the rack and pinion, however when the recall was finished, consumer stated the vehicle began to experience problems with the steering.
Consumer stated that in 11/02 the rack and pinion failed on vehicle. Consumer had it replaced with a reputable private mechanic because he could not afford the dealers price for the repair. On 02/01/02, consumer received recall notice for rack and pinion. He applied for and received reimbursement from the manufacturer. Now consumer wants mfr to install authentic gm replacement rack and pinion because he wants to be covered if any future defects exist. The manufacturer refuses.
The dealer did not have the tools to perform the recall regarding the rack and pinion.
The vehicle still experienced steering problems after the recall was performed, recall #02v286000.
The federal safety agency#02-v-286-000 the vehicle only turned to the right when driving. Recall work performed, but now the problem is worse.
Reference recall 02v286000-pontiac grand prix-1997-rack and pinion problem-my son matt was driving in snowy weather and was making a slow left turn into an apartment complex. The car veered to the right on him and he hit a utility pole. He just assumed that he hit ice, etc and it went off the road. The next day matt received a recall notice for the steering problem in the mail. I filed a report with pontiac - claim number 1-72613849. They just notified me that they have rejected the claim because the ball bearings were not visibly broken. My contention is that the problem could be intermitent causing the same problem to occurr that resulted in the recall. However the gears / assembly may not appear to have any damage that is recognizable by human inspection. That's all they are doing now is having a mechanic perform an inspection. So if there are more events that happen such as these, that the car exibits these symptons during a slow left turn and gm rejects the failure because a mechanic did not see any obvious damage, then maybe the probem is a lot more complex than gm now knows. As I told gm you may think that you know all about this problem, but please just keep an open mind.
The rack and pinion in my 1997 pontiac grand prix is not allowing me to turn left with the assistance of power steering. There was a recall on a lower pinion bearing, which I had replaced. The problem still exists after all of the recall repairs were finished. I believe that when the lower pinion bearing went out it caused more damage to the steering rack.
Consumer stated that they have the same problem as recall#02v286000 power steering. Dealer will not repair because VIN# was not included. Ts
The federal safety agency#02-v-286-000 rack and pinion bearing in the power and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs where not crimped properly, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turn and back down as the steering wheel is moved back. Consumer stated experienced the same problem with his vehicle. Manufacturer was notified and stated they had no knowledge of recall. Please provide further information.
While attempting to make a left hand turn. The vehicle steering wheel locked up, steering wheel became very stiff. Took to a mechanic and they stated that the rack and pinion failed. Had vehicle repaired & corrected before receiving a recall notice.
I am driving my father-in-law's grand prix (he is in a nursing home). The power steering on my 97 grand prix gtp failed completely. Had the car not been on a side street (as opposed to an expressway), it could have caused a serious accident. I've contacted several pontiace dealers and gm/pontiac and was told they no nothing of a recall and that I should pay to have it fixed and they might reimburse me if they find out about a recall and if it meets their specs. Even after I gave them the federal safety agency campaign id they still said they had no knowledge of this. How could they not??? I heard about it months ago on the news.
I was doing some research on campaign number 02v286000. I am being told by the manufacturer that my vehicle is not affected by this recall. My VIN is [xxx]. I am concerned because my vehicle is having the same symptoms that the campaign describes. It is of my opinion that the safety of my vehicle has degraded greatly do to the fact that I am unable to steer the vehicle accurately when in operation. I would ask that you would research my problem and give any assistance possible. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Received a recall notice on steering after she paid to have the repair done.
Consumer noticed an oil leak coming from under vehicle. Took to dealer and parts are not available. Please provide any further information. Ts
The power steering failed as I attempted a left hand turn. The dealer has corrected the problem but at a cost of $1200 to me. This cost included the replacement of the water pump and 60,000 mile inspection. Although I was not injured or caused property damage, the failure of the power steering is incredibly dangerous. Dt
Consumer stated having the same problems as recall#02v286000 rack and pinion. Dealer will not repair because VIN number is not included. Ts
Consumer stated having the same problems as recall#02v286000 rack and pinion. Dealer will not repair because VIN number is not included. Ts
I have located the vehicle in question. I hadn't reported anything because their was no recall until 11/06/02. Dt
No summary. Dt
Power steering fails while backing out of home driveway. Full power assist while turning to the right, but no power assist turning left. No warning lamps indicated on dashboard. Steering seems harder to turn than if no assist at all. Not safe for driving will have to be towed or followed by another car to dealership for repair. Dt
3 steering racks, 2 power steering pumps out of pocket expense $1594.98. Prior to fixing by king motors. Dt
Attempting to make left turn, lost atleast 1/2 of turn capability. Dt
Steering fails when making left turns, have had a problem with the serpentine belt, which I have just learned was a result of my rack going bad. Can not turn to the left now, and steering wheel stays "cock-eyed" when driving, instead of in the middle. Very difficult for me to handle, and I am scared too being 4 mths pregnant and also having a 2 yr old in the back seat. Am curious if gm is addressing this problem, because I read numerous complaints about the same thing on your web site! To top it off I can't even find a replacement part nearby!! Please inform me if there is anything further I can do to possibly get this recalled! It is not safe! Dt
No summary. Dt
Consumer states while driving steering wheel became tight, then w/o warning the steering wheel snapped and turned sharply to the left. Consumer lost control and ran off the road. *ts *nlm
Almost impossible to turn left. Turns to right with no problem. Power steering pump replaced with new one. Problem still exists. Steering wheel is off center, tilted to left. Mr
Mr
Consumer states the vehicle's front head light lenses dropped and the dealer replaced both lamp assemblies.
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