Tl* the contact owns a 1998 pontiac grand prix. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized, the vehicle overheated, and there was a burning odor. The failure recurred on various occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,000.
1998 Pontiac Grand Prix: steering wheel locks up
9 of the 498 complaints about the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix describe steering wheel locks up.
- owner complaints
- 9
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Steering wheel locks up by model year
What owners say
Steering locked up will not turn left
While driving steering wheel locked up. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, and they replaced the rock and pinion.
Consumer called complaining about having problems with the steering wheel lock.consumer was driving at 70 MPH and the steering wheel locked . He was aware that there was a recall o n the same type of vehicle.manufacturer was contacted, and stated that they were concerned, but have not yet done anything about it.
Consumer states when turning left the steering wheel locks up. Please provide any additional information. Ph
Since about 90,000 mi. The steering power assist has been erratic. At low speeds, it feels like there is no power assist. Just recently, at about 135,000, while making slow speed, right-hand turn, the steering locked entirely. At 111,000 miles, the dealer indicated that the steering rack was failing and would need to be replaced.
While driving approximately 20 MPH and making a ninety-degree left turn the steering wheel locked up and driver was unable to control direction of vehicle, consumer was able to stop vehicle in the lawn in front of an office building, an independent mechanic diagnosed that rack and pinion gears failed and had to be replaced. *ak
While driving steering locks up and makes a popping noise. Steering rack and pinion has been replaced. However, it did not solve the problem. Please provide any further information.
Steering locked as I was pulling into a parking space. Vehicle had to be towed to a garage. Entire rack and pinion unit replaced. I saw a newspaper article stating that your agency was investigating pontiac grand prixs that had this problem. Cost of replacement - $825.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Steering: rack and pinion
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
- Risk
- If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began january 24, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, pontiac at 1‑800‑762‑2737, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.
Recall number 02V286000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix steering lock-up
Is steering wheel locks up a common problem on the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix?
9 of 498 owner complaints about the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix (2%) mention steering wheel locks up. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix?
There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
Headlights 87Fire or smoke 42Stalling 23Power windows 12Wipers 12Airbag light 11Overheating 9Power steering loss 9Engine failure 8Loss of power 7Seat belt 7ABS 6Grinding brakes 6Fuel pump 5
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