The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manual steering. The pinion bearing cage in the steering gear can separate under high steering system load conditions, such as parking lot or similar low speed maneuvers.
The risk
This could result in the pinion gear disengaging from the rack causing a loss of steering control.
The fix
Dealers will replace the manual steering gear assembly.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V-138 (97V138000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion) |
| Report date | August 29, 1997 |
| Owners notified | August 29, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 14,580 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the steering
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V-138 repair free?
Yes. Saturn dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the manual steering gear assembly.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 14,580 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.