1998 Pontiac Sunfire steering problems

14 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 97,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints: 14
of this car's complaints: 12%
typical mileage: 97,000
crashes: 1
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Rack and pinion
5
Column
2
Rack and pinion: pinion shaft
1
Linkages: tie rod assembly
1
Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
1
Hydraulic power assist system
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Pontiac Sunfire steering problems in other years

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

What 1998 Pontiac Sunfire owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 27, 2018 · Electrical, Steering · 165,000 miles · FL

While driving the vehicle will shut down and the theft system light with start flashing will start again and but shut down again I was driving on a city street and had it at a dealer they replaced the ecu the gauges and the ignition they replaced the ecu 3 times with no avail this has happened to all 4 of my pontiacs

Filed Oct 3, 2011 · Steering · 66,241 miles · OK

Apparently, their is a known issue w/the 98 pontiac sunfire steering rack and pinion gear making it feel like their is a total loss of power steering, even though the power steering pump is working properly. I purchased this car in january of 2011 off a little old lady, who kept it in a garage and barely drove it, the car only had 51,000 miles on it. She advised that she didn't know of any recalls, so she didn't take it in for any of the recall repairs. I have check the federal safety agency website as well as several other reputable sites and have found their have been several recalls on this vehicle. However, upon calling pontiacs recall hotline, they are telling me that these recalls on your website never existed for my 98 pontiac sunfire and went on to say that you can believe every thing you read on the internet (how funny, your average moron could have figured that out). But regardless, it appears that pontiac is saying that they will not fix these recalls. Please investigate and let me know if my concerns are legitimate. I don't want to pay for a repair, when the car should have been fixed under their recall. Thanks.

Filed Dec 3, 2010 · Steering · 97,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 pontiac sunfire. While driving less than 15 MPH, the contact was unable to turn left. The contact vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact had to reverse and reposition the vehicle to make the turn. The contact called the dealer who referred him to the manufacturer. The contact referenced recall 02v286000 (steering: rack and pinion) but the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included. The failure occurred several times in a day. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 97,000.

Filed Sep 21, 2006 · Steering · 100,000 miles · NE

Dt*: the contact stated six to eight months ago, when turning left, a pop was heard in the steering column. Since that time, the steering has been harder to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who determined the rack and pinion and power steering hose needed to be replaced.

Filed Jul 8, 2005 · Steering · 60,000 miles · FL

A clicking noise was coming from the steering column. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs twice, and results indicated that the steering column needed to be greased, otherwise the consumer could lose steering while driving. *ak the noise was the sound of metal on metal. Gm was aware of the problem. *sc

Filed Apr 25, 2005 · Steering · NC

The federal safety agency recall campaign 02v286000; general motors issued a steering assembly recall. This vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. But at certain times the power steering failed when making turns, making the ability to maneuver the vehicle difficult, and increasing the risk of a crash.*ak vehicle power steering performs like it has no power stering , just like recall describes. Dealer refused to take action cause VIN is not in lot of #'s recalled.

Filed Aug 12, 2004 · Steering · VA

My car makes a clunking noise whenever I turn to the right or left. The first time I had the repair was in 2002 at a pontiac dealership and was covered by warranty. However the problem has returned and I contacted the dealership. They have told me that they only guarantee work done for a year, which leaves me to pay for the repair. I have also contacted gmc and they will not help cover any charges, even though this is the second time I will need this same problem fixed. It seems to me that this "shaft" problem should be taken care of either by the dealership or gmc. By reading the other reports here, it's obvious to me that there are others who are complaining about the same problem. So why hasn't there been a recall? Why am I responsible for the payment when it's a manufacturer issue?

Filed Aug 2, 2004 · Steering · OH

This is an ongoing problem with my steering column. When I turn my steering wheel to the right or left, it makes a bumping noise. It happens every time the wheel is turned to the right or left. Now it has gone out and the recalls r the same but they say it does not cover my car I need to know how this is going to be fixed.

Filed Feb 15, 2004 · Steering · MS

Filed Aug 5, 2003 · Steering · 65,000 miles · MA

Vehicle experienced the same defect with its steering as stated in recall 02 v 286 000. But this vehicle was not included in recall due to VIN.

Questions about the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire steering

Does the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire have steering problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Pontiac Sunfire steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 97,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire steering?

Yes, 1 recall: 02V286000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Pontiac Sunfire have bad steering?

The Pontiac Sunfire model years with the most steering complaints are 1997 (42 complaints), 1996 (19 complaints) and 1998 (14 complaints).