While pulling out of a parking lot the steering wheel locked up to the left and I had to put the car into reverse to move the wheel once the wheel became moveable it felt very loose. Later on the same nigt I was leaving work and luckilly it wasnt a very busy time because I went to make a right turn and the wheel locked and the car pulled to the left causing me to barely miss hitting a light post, I then proceeded to park the car while trying to get to a space it locked up about six time as I was pulling into the space it locked up again and turned the car to the left almost like I was doing a u-turn. The next day I had the car towed and I was told it was the rack and pinion and it would cost $1400 to replace. I am very upset about all this it seems nobody not even the manufacturer feels that this issues is important enough to help someone out. My car is now parked because I cannot afford to pay for the repair right now, I hope that there is a recall of some sort to keep other people safe but it seems that pontiac/gm is waitng for a fatal accident to prove there really is an issue with the part. Although at this point it wouldnt be an accident.
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix steering complaints
Page 6 of 8: complaints 131 to 160 of 216, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Car is very hard to steering, especially in the morning hours. When making turns the car all shuts off also, im not sure if this is due to the steering problem. Along with the hard steering there is a loud shreeking noise coming from the steering when I turn the wheel. Ive almost been in several accidents due to the steering being so hard and the car just dying in the middle of the road. Thank you>ak (tiresize: 225/60-16)
While driving 40 MPH rack and pinion steering broke, causing loss of steering control. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.
While driving, the vehicle would bind when turning making consumer use force to guide vehicle back onto the road. Dealer replaced rack and pinion.
Experiencing several steering problem, defective rack and pinion.
Consumer was making a turn and had some trouble with steering. Had taken vehicle to dealer, and they found out that rack and pinion was defective. Please provide more information.
While making a left turn at an intersection and without prior warning steering froze up. Onsumer was able to manage steering wheel manually. Dealership was aware of problem.
The steering started to lock up while turnig to the left and then the wheel would not return to center after making a turn without actualy turing the wheel back. I'm not sure how long the problem was there before we started noticing the steering difficulty but the fluid was really contaminated from the racks failure thus ruining the power steering pump also. We have had both replaced but the magna/steer is still inoperable, they are going to install another rack and pinion. When these racks fail it is very dangerous, thank you for your time and effort. Please let us know if pontiac will remburse us for this failure, we have over a $1,000. In it and it's still not right. Again thank you for your time.
While making a left-hand turn into office parking lot on 07-03-2000 I felt the snap of something breaking in the steering. I took the car to local tire center and they visually found nothing wrong. One week later traveling northbound on il 394 going over the bridge that turns left to merge onto 94 northbound the steering went completely out! I had to muscle it to keep the car from hitting concrete wall. Dealer said a shaft broke inside the power-steering rack. Probably broke 3/4 when I noticed and the rest of the way when I went over bridge. Dealer fixed for 1170.96 -no warrenty coverage- replaced entire power steering rack.
While trying to make a left turn at low speeds (approx 20- 30 MPH) the steering wheel locked up. This almost resulted in a head-on crash, since I was unable to properly make my left turn. The car was taken to an independent shop, where I learned that the rack and pinion failure was becoming a common problem with the pontiac grand prix. The dealer was able to describe the problems I was having with the car perfectly. After paying approximately $1700 to have the parts totally replaced, the car now works fine.
When steering sharply to the left,,,the car would fight the input to straighten the car after the turn...so while turning the wheel to the right after a sharp turn to the left,,the steering would become very stiff, almost like reverting to manual steering and not power steering. Became dangerous because of the driver input needed to maintain directional control. The steering wheel would try to stop your input of a turn. Very dangerous situation if involved in a maneuver to avoid something in road. Had to have steering rack replaced. Thank you.
Steering gradually began locking up on turns, so we were fortunate to discover the problem before it caused an accident.
While making a left hand turn the steering rack failed causing my car to crash. Gm unwilling to discuss issue.
Engine completely shut off while driving, steering column locks, brakes barely functioned. Alternator replaced twice. Diagnosed with same problem. Once in july 2001, again in august 2001. Service engine light comes on again. Drives ok now, but worried it will continue to give me problems. In and out of shop 4 times in past year for same problem. Back in shop today for who knows what.
Entire rack and pinion steering system replaced at my cost of $829.00 on january 3, 2002. Dealer indicated similar problems with pontiacs and gmc models. I have written to gmc customer care center requesting reimbursement.
Consumer stated that rack and pinion gear assembly and hoses failed causing the steering to lock up while making a left turn, manufacturer notified.
While driving, steering locked up and wheel would not turn left. Dealer inspected vehicle, and replaced rack and pinion.
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
Power steering loss when turning, steering wheel feels like it is locking causing driver to overcompensate.
The power steering is extremly hard to turn when the vehicle is cold. This condition occurs for approximately 10-15 minutes after startup. I now warm the car up for a while before begining to drive.
While turning vehicle, the steering wheel locked up, consumer had the vehicle towed to dealership, mechanic determined rack and pinion caused the problem.*ak consumer stated the vehicle would only go foward.
While driving, consumer lost complete steering ability, steering would not turn left or right. Completely locked up. *ak dealer installed remanufactured rack and pinion, replaced power steering hose, and a four wheel alignment was also performed.
Consumer is afraid that rack and pinion steering will lock up. Consumer has not yet had a problem, but is afraid it will lock up while she is driving along.
When making a left turn power steering wheel becomes extremely hard to maneuver due to a malfunction within rack and pinion sttering .*ak consumer stated the fuel pump and alternator was also replaced.
Steering wheel became difficult to steer due to loss of power steering fluid. Dealer has replaced rack and pinion. *ak the steering wheel would lock up all of a sudden and become very difficult to steer, especially when turning the wheels.
Consumer stated it was difficult to steer vehicle, after inspection of vehicle by the dealer, it was determined that the steering unit needed to be replaced. *ak
Steering wheel would not return to center after turning. Then it started to lock up completely. Then we replaced the steering rack and pinion.
Pe-01038; steering wheel becomes difficult to steer. Power assist fells like it's missing. Problem is intermittent. *ak the consumer stated that the power steering was difficult especially in low speed and cold morning. The engine makes a rattling noise.
One day while driving the car, I tried to make a left turn. The steering began to tighten until it was almost unable to rotate. It is not as difficult to turn at high speeds, yet it is still very resistant. The steering has not been repaired yet due to financial difficulties. To turn the wheels at a stand still is almost impossible. I am stronger than the average male (220lbs. 5'11"). My wife is unable to move it. I saw an article in the USA today that mentioned that you were investigating reports of this situation occuring in specifically, the 1997 grand prix. I would very much appreciate it if you could contact me so that I may answer your questions and also keep me updated on whether this repair will be covered by the oem.
Car suddenly became hard to steer. Felt as though power steering fluid was low. Dealer says steering rack and pinion needs replacing. $600 part from g.m. I' m not happy.
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