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
This complaint is for a defect in a 2001 Oldsmobile-siloutte van.as I was driving on a main highway at 55mph(cruise set) the van went out of control and almost rolled. The van swerved also in oncoming traffic. I managed to get it under control but was a very scary ordeal! I had the van towed to my car dealer and found out a sensor attached to the motor (approx 2ft long) came loose and got caught in the serpetine belt. The car dealer repair department re-attached this part where it belonged. Luck- there was no on-coming traffic!!
Dt*: the contact stated while navigating a turn at 45 MPH, the steering wheel started turning freely without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who replaced the steering shaft and driver air bag coil.
While driving at highway speeds, driver lost control of the vehicle due to a defective steering shaft. Dealer has replaced steering shaft. Consumer had no steering, however was able to get the vehicle off of the road safely into a ditch.
The 2 outer tie rods, reported of a lot of noise in the front end from 5K to 23K+ miles. Consumer/mechanic thought that this noise could be from a loose bumper, therefore clips were added, but the rattle noise is still there.
I have had this vehicle since 3/99. In which time I have had to bring it back for transmission problems, electrical problems, leaking fuel injectors, brakes, non working cruise control which LED to the dealer replacing the compressor. Front end leaked anti freeze which LED to another major job. I am not a happy motorist here. The steering column squeeked. They greased it. Turned out there was a problem with the rackinpinion. I know something about cars and I know that for the amount I pay for this vehicle, I shouldn't be having these major problems. Bandade fixes don't cut it with me. Nlm
1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette motor had fallen down. The discovered the cradle bolt on the passenger side was gone. The consumer unscrewed the drivers bolt and saw that it contained rust. The manufacturer would not cover the cost because they stated it had been tampered with before the consumer purchased the vehicle. The outer tie rods and hub bearings were replaced.
While driving at 65 MPH vehicle suddenly lost power steering. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled off the road. Vehicle was towed to dealership. A bearing blew through the lower casing, resulting in loss of power fluid. The power steering rack was repaired. This failure occurred because of the defect described in recall 02V286000 concerning power steering assembly. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette. The contact stated that while exiting a parking space, the steering wheel failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed of NHTSA campaign id number: 02V286000 (steering:rack and pinion) but was advised that his vehicle was not part included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 107,519.
Related recalls (2)
Steering › Rack and pinion
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.
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.
Steering › Gear box › Shaft sector
Vehicle description: passenger Mini vans. The left and/or right front lower insulator to cradle center metal sleeve is collapsed, which can result in loss of clamp load in the joint. If the clamp load is reduced or lost, the bolt can be lost or broken and the joint can separate.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right front lower cradle-to-suspension insulators and the attaching bolts.
NHTSA investigations
Steering rack and pinion
Odi has received 200 complaints fromt consumers and 1,238 from GM alleging failure or lockup of the steering rack and pinion unit (r&p).this alleged condition can result in the loss of steering control of the vehicle and a crash can result.GM has reported six crashes in which eight people have sustained injuries ranging from bruises, airbag burn, seat belt abrasion, facial injury, neck and back pain.all crashes were…
Power rack and pinion steering failure
The lower pinion bearing in the rack and pinion steering assembly May fail.GM will recall 1997-98 grand prix built between 1-mar-96 and 31-oct-97; and 1996-98 u-vans/j-cars built between 1-jan-96 and 31-oct-97.see attached summary.
Frequently asked questions
Which Oldsmobile Silhouette years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (20), 1998 (14) and 2001 (5) model years. Steering complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Oldsmobile Silhouette steering problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 02V-286 (rack and pinion, Nov 4, 2002); 99V-071 (shaft sector, Apr 12, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Oldsmobile Silhouette steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rack and pinion (13 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist system (11).
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.