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 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While driving in the rain the power steering quits. It does not matter what speed I am going. I am left without stering and iam going to run-over someone if this is not fixed. I can carry 7 people in this van (and often do) what if I kill someone? This has hapened on many occasions. I have notified the dealer and they say it checks out fine. The automobile is unsafe,the dealer is not concerned and I am stuck with a car that I am afraid to drive. How can you help? Will you e-mail a response to me soon. Thanks joe barnett. It has not rained here inabout 8 months so I have forgotten aboutthis problem until this mornings shower (my steering failed again).
While driving in wet conditions, the steering "locks up" and it is almost impossible to turn the steering wheel. When I took it to the dealer the first time, they put a new "water belt" on. They said that this was "normal" and all of the vans did it. I shouldn't drive through puddles. I was almost in a head on collision yesterday when I attempted to turn onto my street and turned the wheel half way and it wouldn't turn anymore. Please tell me if this is a "normal condition".
Re: complaint of unsatisfactory transaction. 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).
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. 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.
Airbag light has been coming on since September 1998. Steering wheel would make a noise, but dealer could never duplicate problem. Dealer put in a steering gear, and steering pump a couple of times. Please provide any further information.
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 Trans Sport years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport, 11% of the model year's 227 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-286 (rack and pinion, Nov 4, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
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.