Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Pontiac Sunfire owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl * the contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that smoke was emitting from the steering column. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that there was an electrical short causing the wires to melt together. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch malfunctioned. As a result, the steering column and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 200,000.
1997 Pontiac Sunfire all of a sudden, would not turn left and I hit a pole, come to find out the rack and pinion suddenly went out. I had to have rack and pinion replaced, this is very scary and dangerous, dealer said they have heard of no problems with rack and pinion, and were of no help at all.
When turning to the left, the steering wheel became locked and the consumer hit a pole. Driver feels very lucky that the steering wheel didn't lock while at a high speed. The vehicle was totaled.
I am furious about the way the recall service has been handled on my 97 Pontiac Sunfire. I will never buy another Pontiac. I scheduled for the recall service (rack & pinion/bearings) to be replaced on my vehicle. After my car had been at the dealer all day, I was told late that afternoon that the recall part needed to service my vehicle would not be in for 1 to 2 weeks (closer to 2 weeks). I was also told at that time that it was highly recommended, due to danger reasons that I did not operate this vehicle, because my vehicle was severely damaged in the recall area. They even said, that most of the bearing balls were gone or damaged. I was then told that they did not even know if they could release my vehicle back to me in this condition. …
Tl contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that his vehicle was included in NHTSA 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.
Vehicle made a grinding noise when turning. Dealer determined that rack and pinion had to be replaced. 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.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire coupe. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle would not turn left at all. There was no difficulty making right turns. The vehicle was serviced by an independent mechanic and it was discovered that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that her VIN was not included in the recall for the rack and pinion. The NHTSA campaign id number was unknown. The failure mileage was 130,000 and current mileage was 138,000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. While idling at a traffic light, the contact attempted to make a left turn, but the steering wheel would not turn. The steering wheel would turn to the right, but not to the left. The vehicle has not been repaired and is unable to be driven. NHTSA campaign id number 02V286000 (steering: rack and pinion) does not apply to her VIN. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage is 160,406 and failure mileage was 160,402. Updated 03/05/08.
While traveling at approximately 60mph consumer lost control of vehicle. Vehicle went off of freeway and impacted a cement barrier. Insurance adjuster and dealership examined vehicle and determined that inner tie rod sheared off which caused loss of control. Please provide any additional information/attachments. Mechanic at dealership referred to 4 previous incidents which resulted in deaths because of this.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact called about safety recall # 02V286000 regarding rack and pinion steering. This vehicle was excluded from the recall due to the VIN. The steering wheel wasa difficult to maneuver when turning left at any speed. The failure occurred since January of this year. The current mileage was 121,337, and failure mileage was 121,250.
Related recalls
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 complaints in other Sunfire years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 22% of the model year's 190 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Pontiac Sunfire steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-286 (rack and pinion, Nov 4, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Pontiac Sunfire steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.