NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
39 reportsClear category filter211,591 miles · Mar 23, 2016
Electrical SystemSeat BeltsSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR PANELS ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES WERE EXPOSED. ALSO, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN ON FROM OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO GET THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR TO OPEN AND CLOSE. THE CONTACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 CHEVROLET LUMINA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR PANELS ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES WERE EXPOSED. ALSO, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN ON FROM OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO GET THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR TO OPEN AND CLOSE. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT ALL OF THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO WORK EXCEPT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE STALLED MORE THAN ONCE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY TIGHT UPON MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE SAFELY DRIVEN AND A KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 91V005000 (SEAT BELTS) AND 90V054000 (SEAT BELTS). AN INDEPENDENT DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE INSPECTED, BUT DID NOT CONFIRM THAT AN INSPECTION WAS COMPLETED BEFORE SELLING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 211,591.
NHTSA ODI #10851201
Mileage unknown · May 30, 2006
Steering
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT. WHEN THE CONTACT REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS IN THE UPSIDE DOWN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED INTO A DRIVEWAY. UPON INSPECTION, THE SHAFT BETWEEN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE RACK AND PINION WAS OBSERVED TO …
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT. WHEN THE CONTACT REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS IN THE UPSIDE DOWN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED INTO A DRIVEWAY. UPON INSPECTION, THE SHAFT BETWEEN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE RACK AND PINION WAS OBSERVED TO BE DETACHED. WHEN THE RACK AND PINION WAS REASSEMLED IT APPEARED TO BE VERY LOOSE. THE CONTACT IS A PRIVATE MECHANIC BY TRADE.
NHTSA ODI #10158536
174,000 miles · Oct 26, 2005
SteeringStructure
DT:THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 00V189000 CONCERNING FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS RUSTED, AND THE FRAME DROPPED TO THE GROUND. ALSO, THE STEERING SHAFT SEPARATED AND BROKE. HE WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE CAR. HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WITHOUT INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS …
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DT:THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 00V189000 CONCERNING FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS RUSTED, AND THE FRAME DROPPED TO THE GROUND. ALSO, THE STEERING SHAFT SEPARATED AND BROKE. HE WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE CAR. HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WITHOUT INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT COST. CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR WORK. THEY STATED THE REPAIR COST WOULD EXCEED THE COST OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10140893
124,800 miles · Nov 6, 2003
SteeringStructure
VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A DEFECT WITH THE REAR CRADLE WHERE 1 OR BOTH REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE CRADLE IS NO LONGER SUPPORTED BY THE ENGINE MOUNTING, AND THE STEERING INTERMIDIATE SHAFT SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING GEAR, CAUSING SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10046488
15,000 miles · Oct 15, 2003
Steering
WHILE TURNING IN ANY DIRECTION AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THERE WOULD BE A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN RECALL 97V05800, BUT THE DEALERSHIP MECHANIC WOULD NOT REPAIR THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10043998
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2003
Steering
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER STEERING. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10031519
Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2002
SteeringCrash
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT A LOW SPEED, AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE WENT INTO A DITCH AND FLIPPED OVER THREE TIMES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8005511
Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2000
SteeringStructure
CONSUMER HAD AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE VEHICLE INTO DEALER FOR FRAME CRADLE BOLTS TO BE REPLACED UNDER A RECALL, ON THE WAY TO DEALER, CRADLE BOLT BROKE AND IT CAUSED STEERING SHAFT TO SEPARATE FROM STEERING GEAR. CONSUMER WAS AT A STOP SIGN WHEN IT BROKE, THERE WERE NO INJURIES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #873037
Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2000
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSteeringCrash
ON MAY 8, 2000, VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP SHOP. REPAIRS INCLUDED REPLACEMENT OF THE STARTER AND REPLACEMENT OF THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER SWITCH WHICH ACTUATES SEVERAL FUNCTIONS. ON MAY 13, 2000, MY DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN A 1-CAR ACCIDENT WHEN THE STEERING FAILED DUE TO THE FRONT BOLTS ON THE ENGINE CARRIAGE …
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ON MAY 8, 2000, VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP SHOP. REPAIRS INCLUDED REPLACEMENT OF THE STARTER AND REPLACEMENT OF THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER SWITCH WHICH ACTUATES SEVERAL FUNCTIONS. ON MAY 13, 2000, MY DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN A 1-CAR ACCIDENT WHEN THE STEERING FAILED DUE TO THE FRONT BOLTS ON THE ENGINE CARRIAGE DETACHING FROM THE FRAME OF THE CAR. THE RESULT WAS THAT THE ENGINE DROPPED AND THE STEERING FAILED. AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATOR DETERMINED IN A REPORT THAT IT APPEARED THESE BOLTS HAD BEEN LOOSENED AND WITHDRAWN SEVERAL INCHES RECENTLY BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, LEAVING ONLY A FRACTION OF AN INCH ENGAGED IN THE RETAINERS ABOVE IN THE FRAME, THEREBY LEADING TO THE FAILURE. IT IS APPARENT THAT THE TECHNICIAN WHO REPLACED THE STARTER DID THIS AS A SHORTCUT WHEN HE REPLACED THE STARTER. SINCE THIS IS DENIED BY THE DEALER, I AM BEING FORCED TO TAKE THEM TO COURT AT THE PRESENT TIME.
NHTSA ODI #727267
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2000
SteeringStructure
RECALL 00V189000/ CRADLE BOLTS : WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IT WAS NOTICED THAT STEERING SHAFT WAS HANGING. DEALER/MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECALL. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #865638
Official recalls
7Jul 11, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY. A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINERS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE FRONT OF THE CRADLE WOULD NO LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
Apr 8, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
Jun 5, 1995
CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING DATE CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
Mar 28, 1995
CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
Oct 2, 1991
FRONT SHOULDER SAFETY BELT WEBBING MAY SEPARATE AT FRONT BELT UPPER GUIDE LOOPS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FRONT SEAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WEBBING SEPARATION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ANDINCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO BELTED FRONT OUTBOARD OCCUPANTS IN A HIGH ENERGYCRASH.
Remedy: INSTALL A CONTROLLED ROTATION BRACKET ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT GUIDE LOOPS.
Oct 16, 1990
BRAKE STOPLAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE OR, IN SOME CASES, STOPLAMPS WILL NOT STAY ILLUMINATED ALL THE TIME WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED DUE TO A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH. ALSO IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL, A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH CAN RESULT IN RESUMPTION OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION UPON RELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A TRAILING VEHICLE MAY NOT RECOGNIZE A BRAKING ACTIONIN TIME TO RESPOND APPROPRIATELY. ALSO, CRUISE CONTROL WILL REENGAGE UPONRELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND RESUME THE SET SPEED. IN EITHER CASE, IT COULDRESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN STOPLAMP SWITCH.
Mar 14, 1990
FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT FASTENER MAY PULL THROUGH DOOR MOUNTED ANCHOR PLATE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SEAT BELT MAY NOT SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, AND IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE SEAT BELT MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN A PASSENGER, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF GREATER INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT NUTS AND INSTALL NEW GUIDE COVER.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
15RP01001 · Structure
Opened Nov 28, 2001 · Closed Jun 13, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
EA00011 · Engine Cradle Separation
Opened Apr 10, 2000 · Closed Jan 12, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
THE ENGINE CRADLE FRONT BOLTS AND/OR RETAINERS MAY FAIL, ALLOWING THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE CRADLE TO FALL, POSSIBLY SEPARATING THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FROM THE STEERING GEAR, WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL
RQ99002 · Engine Cradle Separation
Opened Mar 4, 1999 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
ON APRIL 1, 1997, GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, REGISTERED IN 14 HIGH CORROSION STATES, TO REPLACE THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.THE REAR ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS WOULD EITHER FRACTURER OR PULL THROUGH THE RETIANERS DUE TO CORROSION.AS OF SEPTEMBER 1998, THE SIXTH QUARTER, 59.3% OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAD BEEN REPAIRED.IN ADDITION TO THE COMPLAINTS OF FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES IN THE ABOVE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY, ODI HAS RECEIVED SIX REPORTS OF POSSIBLE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TWO CRASHES.AN RQ IS WARRANTED TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF FAILURES OF THE FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
RQ97017 · Cradle Bolt Failures
Opened Oct 2, 1997 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE94063 · Corroded Rear Disk Brakes
Opened Aug 12, 1994 · Closed Dec 21, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
PE93085 · Wheel Failures
Opened Sep 29, 1993 · Closed Feb 28, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
EA92024 · Sticking Throttle
Opened Jun 26, 1992 · Closed Jan 31, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE92052 · Apv Fuel Line Fires
Opened Jun 4, 1992 · Closed Oct 30, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
EA91049 · Jack Failure
Opened Nov 26, 1991 · Closed Oct 28, 1992
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment
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PE91107 · Jack Failure
Opened Aug 1, 1991 · Closed Nov 26, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment
There is no summary currently available
PE91072 · Steering Wheel Separation
Opened May 1, 1991 · Closed Jul 8, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE90088 · Failure Stop Lamp Switch
Opened Jun 11, 1990 · Closed Oct 31, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
There is no summary currently available
PE90058 · Speed Control Fails
Opened Mar 15, 1990 · Closed Jun 20, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control
There is no summary currently available
EA90014 · Safety Belt Cut By D-RING
Opened Mar 12, 1990 · Closed Feb 20, 1991
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
There is no summary currently available
PE90013 · Safety Belt Cut By D-RINGS
Opened Oct 25, 1989 · Closed Jan 3, 1990
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
There is no summary currently available
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