Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Clunking noise in front end/undercarraige, on turns or bumps, can be felt in steering, since 15000 miles (noticed sometime after imploded gas tank replacement). Four dealers worked on at least 10 times - replaced steering gear, lubed intermediate shaft, replaced strut bearings, replaced intermediate shaft, replaced rear shock - still clunks over bumps and steering grinding noise is back since intermediate shaft replacement. After steering gear replacement at 26750, severe vibration was noticed; took four attemts (3 dealers) to make acceptable finally at 36137. Headlamps flicker intermittently, generator replaced at 30311, 4 dealers say is normal. Fuel filler door still sticks intermittently, at least 3 repair attempts. …
My 2002 Aurora 4.0l suddenly locked in the left turn steering mode. I was in a parking lot and was making a turn on the aisle. After the turn I tried to straighten the wheels and the steering wheel was locked. The engine was running. I applied the brakes and avoided hitting the oncoming car (the other driver did the same). I was able to move into a parking spot and confirmed the power steering belt was turning the power steering pump and the pump reservoir was full. By working the steering wheel back and forth the steering resumed to the right, but not to the left. This is scary. It happened the same way on my wife's 2008 enclave. GM replaced lots of parts before it started steering again. Is this a GM issue?
The engine randomly dies or stalls while in traffic at random times and will not turn back on for several minutes, the vehicle is in motion when the stalling occurs and thankfully only on city streets. Codes have not been present but the stalling and idle leads me to believe it is faulty crankshaft position sensors. In addition to this, the steering column makes an audible click noise when turning past the 12 o'clock position anytime the steering wheel is cranked, it does not happen sometimes, it happens every time. This is most likely do to poor lubrication of a bearing or joint in the steering column. The service stability system light comes on and vehicle chimes as well but the ESC works as it should, no matter the driving conditions it comes on, most likely a faulty circuit board.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora. The contact stated that while driving 25-30 MPH, the rack and pinion fractured, causing the contact to lose control of steering capabilities. As a result, the contact crashed into a ditch. She was not injured. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 186,000.
Dear sir: I have a 1999 Oldsmobile Aurora that I purchased new, with a delivery date of 09/22/1999. The car is used primarily by my wife with approximately 78,000 miles on the odometer. We have kept the car up and now find a very expensive repair that we feel is neither of our doing nor a normal ware item. In the past two (2) year the steering column has become loose internally. Today at the dealership, the service writer says the steering column needs to be removed to tighten the three (3) bolts that holds the column assembly together costing $540.00. My wife is having other items worked on today at the dealership, but is very reluctant to perform the steering column work because she believes, as I do, that this repair should be a safety item GM should pay for. We understand there have been other cars with the same problem, but there has not been any recall notice. …
Steering failed while turning left on 1999 olds Aurora with 34,000 miles with no indication of a steering problem before the failure. Turning right was fine, but the car could not make any left turn unless it was only a minor movement to the left while traveling at less than 10 MPH. GM paid for 50% of repairs, but a failure like this with no warning needs to be addressed. My wife was using the car and the steering failed while she was parking it. If the failure had happened while she was driving the car I can guarantee there would have been an accident because when the steering fails, instantly, you can't make a left turn under normal driving conditions.
The vehicle exhibited power steering problems at low and zero speeds. Also, the vehicle experienced grinding, growling and steering wheel vibration when turning at a low speed or at stop. There was fluid leaking under the engine therefore the rack and pinion was replaced, and on other occasions the pump, o-ring, gear assembly, switch shields tie rod ends, and the tires were replaced when the vibration occurred at low speeds.
Intermittently while vehicle is in park at residence, alarm will go off , also headlight and horn will come on. Dealer put vehicle on computer, but could not determine cause. Defect was possibly due to electrical problems.
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile Aurora years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (29), 1995 (10), 1997 (10), 1996 (7) and 2002 (5) model years. Steering complaints make up 24% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile Aurora steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Oldsmobile Aurora model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Oldsmobile Aurora steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles; 22% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist system (12 mentions), followed by the column (8).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.