Rack and pinion steering failed. As a result, steering became difficult to turn.
1997 Pontiac Sunfire steering complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 42, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Vehicle made a grinding noise when turning. Dealer determined that rack and pinion had to be replaced. *ak the vehicle also lost power steering when making right turns. Initially the dealer said the problem was with the rack and pinion. The consumer contacted the manufacturer three times. The manufacture wanted the dealer to recheck the vehicle at which time the dealer changed their mind and said that the tie rod was the problem. The consumer believes they changed their minds to get out of performing the recall for free.
Vehicle was taken to dealer a year ago for recall repairs on the lower pinion bearing. The steering wheel was sticking when turning left. Consumer felt lucky no other vehicle had been in the other lane when this happened.
When turning to the left, the steering wheel became locked and the consumer hit a pole. Driver feels very lucky that the steering wheel didn't lock while at a high speed. *ak the vehicle was totaled. *scc
While backing out of parking space steering wheel kept spinning. Consumer was unable to steer the vehicle. Dealer replaced the steering column. *ak while backing out of a parking space vehicle's steering wheel kept spinning. Mechanic has replaced steering rack and steering column.
Prior to recall notification, the consumer had the rack and pinion replaced, however the consumer requested reimbursement and the dealer refused. *mr ph
The steering wheel did not turn left, and was taken to the dealer who replaced the rack and pinion. The power steering rack was binded and leaked at the steering shaft, also the pressure hose leaked. Later, recall#02v286000 was issued, but the consumer was denied reimbursement due to the technician not specifying (lower pinion bearing separation), which was not the actual cause. Mr scc
While the driver made a turn the steering wheel locked up which caused the vehicle to fall into a ditch.
The consumer didn't receive recall repair on the vehicle due to the dealer not having the tool. (recall #02v286000/steering rack and pinion) the consumer lost control of the vehicle due to a sudden loss of power steering while turning left. The consumer has demanded reimbursement of the vehicle at blue book value and the towing fee. Mr scc
Consumer dissatisfied with recall repairs of power steering system. Had to rent a car for a week because dealer did not have the part for the recall.
Power steering gear defect recall to replace the lower pinion bearing. Dealer needed to have vehicle for up to 2 weeks in order to perform recall repairs. Recall stated repairs would take from 30 minutes to 2-1/2 hours. Consumer found dealer's repair time frame unacceptable. *tt
I am furious about the way the recall service has been handled on my 97 pontiac sunfire. I will never buy another pontiac. I scheduled for the recall service (rack & pinion/bearings) to be replaced on my vehicle. After my car had been at the dealer all day, I was told late that afternoon that the recall part needed to service my vehicle would not be in for 1 to 2 weeks (closer to 2 weeks). I was also told at that time that it was highly recommended, due to danger reasons that I did not operate this vehicle, because my vehicle was severely damaged in the recall area. They even said, that most of the bearing balls were gone or damaged. I was then told that they did not even know if they could release my vehicle back to me in this condition. And although this is my only means of transportation, the pontiac dealer told me that they were not obligated to provide a loaner or rental vehicle to me. This is insane. This should be against the law. They sent out recall notices that stated that we have cars serviced by the dealer asap, but they won't fully stand by there product enough to make the customer safe and satisfied. I will not allow my children nor myself to be endangered due to the fault they these cars are not safe.
The rack and pinion failed, which made the vehicle difficult to turn.
After recall 02v286000 regarding the rack and pinion was performed, the problem recurred.
Consumer was informed no parts were available regarding the recall for the steering rack and pinion.
The parts for the power steering recall 02 v 286 000 is not avialable. The dealership ramsey pontiac gmc;mahwah nj;201‑512‑0002. Ph
Lost control causing an accident due to a faulty rack and pinion. Dealer has been notified. Consumer received a recall letter on 02/01/03. Please provide further information. Ph
1997 pontiac sunfire all of a sudden, would not turn left and I hit a pole, come to find out the rack and pinion suddenly went out. I had to have rack and pinion replaced, this is very scary and dangerous, dealer said they have heard of no problems with rack and pinion, and were of no help at all.
Consumer states when started the car smoke start coming from the steering column, states that the relay kit caught fire. Nlm
At low speeds 5-25 MPH steering completely locks up when turning left #ea02-003.
My poser steering has suddenly become difficult at slow speeds. Unable to turn left/right at corners until speed is increased. Turning while slowing is very difficult. Brake fluid checked fine. Must be a problem with pump or rack/pinion.
Power steering locked up at all speeds when trying to turn left. Took to repair, was told that rack & pinion gear was coming apart quickly & needed to be replaced. Upon doing more research, I see that this is already being investigated under the federal safety agency # ea02-003. It appears I am not the first person that this has happened to. Cost to replace will approach $900, not covered by warranty. This is a real safety issue that should be covered in a recall by gmc.
While driving at 20 MPH, rack and pinion assembly shaft broke in half, resulting in total loss of steering control.
While traveling at approximately 60mph consumer lost control of vehicle. Vehicle went off of freeway and impacted a cement barrier. Insurance adjuster and dealership examined vehicle and determined that inner tie rod sheared off which caused loss of control. Please provide any additional information/attachments. *the mechanic at dealership referred to 4 previous incidents which resulted in deaths because of this.*ak
Steering system malfunctioned due to steering column breaking. Also, seatbelt locked up when making a hard right turn. Dealer replaced seatbelt, but problem is still reoccurring. Please provide further information.
When driving through any puddle more than 2-3 inches deep, power steering goes out, battery light comes on, and if lights are on they dim down almost to off. I live in a place where it rains a lot everyday and this is a big problem when trying to make a turn. The authorized dealer in my area has stated that there has been at least 3 other reports of the same problem with this make and model to his dealership (atkins kroll, guam). There should be a recall on this problem.
No summary listed for abov evehicle.
While daugther was driving about 30 MPH she hit a guardrail and vehicle rolled over. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy, and vehicle was totaled.
Steering to the left started to get bad at 38,000 miles. Now the car locks up at all most every left handed turn was almost hit 2 times. Not good!
Gm does not care about the safety of its consumers. When driving my 1997 pontiac sunfire through any water, even a small 3-5 foot wide puddle of only 1-2 inches deep water, the power steering belt becomes wet and starts squealing loudly. The power steering then becomes extremely difficult to turn and very unresponsive. This has happened numerous times for over a year. Don bohn autoplex says they have contacted pontiac and also a gm manufacturers representative. Don bohn reports to me that pontiac and gm do not have a fix for the problem at this time and said nothing is to be done. It has been said to me by don bohn management and also a pontiac representative on their 1-800 service number that this condition of the power steering is a 'characteristic' of the 1997 'j' body type cars of gm and there is no present fix for the problem. My car is very unsafe to drive not only when it rains but even when there is a 'small' puddle on the highway. Even though I still have one year left on my manufacturers warranty, pontiac and gm refuses to do anything about my dangerous problem. When I mentioned to the service manager at don bohn autoplex, eddie sattler (or saddler) that I did not feel I should take the car home because the car was unsafe to drive, he got angry and threatened to tow my car to my home if I refused to take delivery. I took the car home and am extremely despondent and frustrated. Please advise or help me. Thank you. Carroll albarado
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1997 Pontiac Sunfire?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history