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1997 Pontiac Sunfire: loss of power steering

5 of the 189 complaints about the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire describe loss of power steering.

owner complaints
5
of this car's complaints
3%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 10 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Loss of power steering by model year

  • 2003
    1
  • 2002
    2
  • 2001
    1
  • 2000
    1
  • 1999
    1
  • 1998
    4
  • 1997
    5
  • 1996
    2

What owners say

Filed Apr 1, 2008 · Steering · 165,000 miles · ID

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that his vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v286000 (steering:rack and pinion) and repaired at 135,000 miles. While driving 10 MPH, he could no longer make a left hand turn and the vehicle would turn right automatically. The dealer stated that the lower bearing was destroyed and the cover for the bearing was missing. The contact stated that it was the exact same failure as stated in the recall. He also stated that he experienced no steering failure until the recall repair was performed. Gm stated that nothing could be done. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 176,193 and failure mileage was 165,000.

Filed Mar 16, 2004 · Steering · 87,000 miles · MO

Rack and pinion steering failed. As a result, steering became difficult to turn.

Filed Mar 3, 2004 · Steering · 34,579 miles · FL

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.

Filed Apr 2, 2003 · Steering · CA · crash

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

Filed Sep 25, 2001 · Steering · CT

While driving at 20 MPH, rack and pinion assembly shaft broke in half, resulting in total loss of steering control.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Steering: rack and pinionReported November 4, 2002 · 1,159,156 vehicles affected
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 1997 Pontiac Sunfire power steering loss

Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire?

5 of 189 owner complaints about the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire (3%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 1997.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire?

There is 1 recall and 10 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire

Headlights 10Stalling 10Wipers 10Fire or smoke 6No deployment 5

All model years of the Pontiac Sunfire

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