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
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.
Wife making left turn onto busy road, van would not respond to to turning the wheel. Side impact at 40 mile + from semi. Injuries sustained by wife, broken hip crushed left arm , fractured tail bone and fractured base of skull. Daughter and friend also injured but released with minor injuries. We did not know there was a problem with the van until after the accident. That is when I recieved the recall notice. Nothing could be done at this point because the van had been crushed into a cube of scrap metal. I waited this long to file a complant due to legal advice, but as you can see the big guy almost always wins. We recieved no compensation from GM.
My vehicle was taken to; tinney Chevrolet, 11249 w. Carson city rd., greenville, mi 48838 for two (2) ea. Recall notices; 1) power sliding door 2) steering bushing results of recalls: 1) power sliding door worked fine till one week after tinney servie dept. Worked on it. (doesn't work with power buttons @ all now ) 2) upon picking-up vehicle from the steering (bushing) repair we noticed that steering wheel was cocked to left, steers hard & pulls to right tinney Chevrolet was notified of both problems and said that they had nothing to do with problems. The vehicle was fine prior to taking it to them for the recalls. Upon confronting them the second time, we were informed to check our own fuses etc.
The owner received a recall notice for the lower pinion bearing and power steering gear. The consumer took the vehicle in for servicing and the work was completed. Now the vehicle is pulling to the right. This occurred only after having it worked on for the original recall. Now the dealership is telling the consumer that the defect that is currently being experienced is no fault of the work that was done for the recall. The dealership is not willing to repair the current problem unless the owner pays out of pocket. Provide further details.
While turning right, the steering wheel failed with no control. The consumer was able to stop vehicle. The dealer was notified. The consumer stopped a stop sign at an intersection when the steering wheel started to spin around. It was discovered the intermediate shaft at the base of the steering column had come loose. The air bag light was on and the clock spring had broken.
This vehicle is having multiple problems, GM never lets me know of any recalls. I understand that today they have recalled them again for a problem in the steering but I cannot find any information. Very upset that I have to pay to get this thing fixed! Really need a new car now. The gas gauge or tank is empty when the gauge shows 1/2 tank. Side door we unplugged because it would not close and the light still shows on my dash as open. Many times it simply would not open. In a crash we would not be able to open any doors if the vehicle was running. The transmission is leaking badly. We replaced it once only to have this happen again. We use a lot of fluid and oil. The engine is running very poorly, would not pass emissions. Interior lights will not work. Van looks new on outside except the hood which had no primer ed and now has chips on it. …
In reference to NHTSA campaign id number : 02V286000 I think you should investigate whether or not it should be extended to the 1995 model year for GM Mini-vans. I own a 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport that had the exact same symptoms described in the recall. It took several attempts for a local auto repair shop (non-dealer) to diagnose the problem. The final resolution was to replace the steering rack. The mechanic commented that it is very unusual for a steering rack to fail under normal wear. I learned of the recall when my mother received a notice from GM for her 1996 Chevrolet lumina apv.
Related recalls (1)
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.
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 Pontiac Trans Sport years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (54), 1998 (26), 1996 (7) and 1995 (5) model years. Steering complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Trans Sport steering problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 02V-286 (rack and pinion, Nov 4, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Pontiac Trans Sport steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles; 16% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rack and pinion (29 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist system (19).
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.