1998 Pontiac Trans Sport steering problems

26 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,000.

owner complaints: 26
of this car's complaints: 11%
typical mileage: 90,000
crashes: 0
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Rack and pinion
8
Hydraulic power assist: pump
4
Hydraulic power assist system
4
Steering wheel/handle bar
1
Rack and pinion: rack
1
Linkages: tie rod assembly
1
Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
1
Column locking: anti-theft device
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 Trans Sport steering problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Steering lock-up 7

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 Trans Sport owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 13, 2006 · Steering · 189,000 miles · GA

While driving my 1998 pontiac trans sport montana, my steering wheel locked up and wouldn't turn to the left, almost causing an accident. When I took the vehicle in for inspection, it was determined that it was a rack and pinion steering gear assembly.

Filed Dec 5, 2005 · Engine, Seat belts · 88,000 miles · OH

Seat belts "sticking", steering making loud "pop" noises when turning wheel, transmission shifting very hard from park to reverse on a angle. Now my engine locked up, was hesitating when accelerating.

Filed Feb 16, 2005 · Steering · NY

While making a left turn at a low speed the steering wheel locked up and could not be turned to the right without using excessive effort. *ak once the steering wheel was turned to the right it would jump back to the left casing a sudden change in the vehicle's direction. The vehicle was towed to the dealer.

Filed Nov 16, 2004 · Airbags, Engine · 5,262 miles · IN

Where do I start? Same complaints as all other pontiac minivan owners. Since original purchase in 1998, headlight assembly faulty, ABS warning light malfunction, air bag warning light malfunction, and malfunctioning (still) passenger automatic sliding door. Recently had head gasket replaced due to antifreeze leak, as well as front left wheel hub. This is the worst (and most costly) vehicle I have owned with respect to maintenance.

Filed Oct 25, 2004 · Steering · 34,000 miles · TN

During sharp left turns, steering has a certain amount of resistance and a loud thud sound is heard, along with vibration. Symptoms have been intermittent for several years, but are becoming more frequent. Independent repair shop referred us to recall #02v286000. Local pontiac dealer said our VIN# is not included in the recall although admitting it is likely the same problem.

Filed Oct 19, 2004 · Steering · MI

Re: complaint of unsatisfactory transaction. *bf the steering locked when the consumer made a left turn. The consumer was informed there was a recall regarding the problem he experienced. The consumer contacted customer service about the recall and was told his vehicle was about 200 vehicle out of the range recall.(recall#02v286000).

Filed Aug 23, 2004 · Steering · 107,000 miles · IL

Steering suddenly went out...... Steering wheel locked up when turn left. Very dangerous condition. We were in non busy area. Found out there is a recall concerning this, however, my van was not covered. Makes no sense. Van is in shop now getting rack and oinion replaced.

Filed Jun 18, 2004 · Steering · 90,000 miles · 00

This vehicle was experiencing the same failure as described in the steering assembly recall 02v286000. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.

Filed Oct 27, 2003 · Steering · 40,000 miles · DE

Vehicle experienced the same defect as stated in recall 02v286000 concerning power steering assembly failure; but, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.

Filed Sep 10, 2003 · Steering · WV

When the steering wheel was turned to the left it locked up which caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle.

Questions about the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport steering

Does the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport have steering problems?

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport, 11% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport steering?

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

What year does the Pontiac Trans Sport have bad steering?

The Pontiac Trans Sport model years with the most steering complaints are 1997 (54 complaints) and 1998 (26 complaints).