Steering Rack And Pinion Problems of Buick Century

The contact owns a 1999 Buick Century. Whenever the contact makes a left turn or a u-turn, the steering wheel locks and becomes difficult to turn. The dealer stated that the suspension steering rack locks up when making a left turn. The dealer repaired the failure and the vehicle is currently operating normally. The failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 03/04/09. Updated 03/04/09.

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I have a 1996 Buick that recently developed a problem with the power steering. The rack in the rack and pinion steering system will not allow the car to turn left. I researched this problem on the internet and found many instances of this problem with many general motors vehicles. I contacted gm with my concerns and I was told by their representative that they acknowledge the problem is widespread with this model of vehicle, but they are not able to help with the repair costs nor issue a consumer alert of a possible danger of a catastrophic failure of the power steering in many of their vehicles. I was lucky not to be involved in an accident, but I cannot drive my car now. I wish the government would investigate the incidents I have outlined as there is a definite possibility of a fatal accident happening with all 1996 - 1998 Buick products. The problem results in complete failure to control the car while trying to turn left. If the problem would be with the power steering pump, the car could still turn, but in manual mode. This problem will not allow the car to turn to the left. This could be disastrous for someone. Gm said they were aware of many problems with this but would not do anything to remedy the situation or help pay for replacement of the rack. I feel that a recall would be in order if it would save lives. You can contact me for the name of the individual I spoke with and the reference number for my complaint to gm.

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1998 Buick Century steering failed & cannot turn left event happened at low speed in parking lot and no damage resulted. Dealer will not cover repair of vehicle with a 'w' designation. Although there is evidence that they to have same steering related defects as cars that received recall or service bulletin.

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Power steering failure regarding 1999 Buick Century. The consumer requested to be included in the 1997-1998 Buick(s) and felt that she experienced the exact same problem with her vehicle.

The contact owns a 2003 Buick Century. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to decelerate and jerk violently. The contact stated that it was difficult to maneuver the power steering when making a turn or approaching a traffic light. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer more than five times and the rack and pinion was replaced, but the failures persisted. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 09e005000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.

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Consumer requested his vehicle be included in the power steering recall. The consumer had extensive power steering work performed on the vehicle. The consumer was informed that his vehicle was assembled with a w body which was the body for the basis of the recall.

Power steering locked up when making left turns. The steering wheel either locked, did not go into the full turns or was very difficult to turn. Dealership indicated that there was a defect in the rack and pinion as described in steering gear bearings recall 03v527000. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.

See all problems of the 1997 Buick Century 🔎.

While attempting to turn left while backing in my driveway the steering wheel would not turn.

While driving at either slow speed, and/or fast speed, it feels as though the power steering fails. This has occurred while changing lanes on the highway as well as making slow turns in the neighborhood. I have made sure my power steering level is full to the proper level several times, and have adjusted it at once.

While driving a 1997 or 1998 vehicle lost control. Dealer replaced rack and pinion, but problem still occurring intermittently.

While driving less than 5 mph and turning left into a parking space, the vehicle lost power. This made it hard to steer and turn the vehicle. Once the vehicle was inspected, the consumer was informed that rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced.

Started car and backed out of parking space. Steering wheel would hardly turn wheels to the left; no power assist. Started moving forward and turning right, then power assist resumed. Also, steering shudder occurs after rounding corners and accelerating. Local dealer service rep states car needs new rack & pinion assembly and is a common problem in centuries and regals 4-5 years old.

The vehicle lost power steering when making a left turn in the driveway. This was caused by a failure in the steering rack and pinion.

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Letter sent to ceo of general motors: no safety defect.

The steering system suffered a sudden and complete failure while negoriating a turn into a city street. I was able to safely stop the vehicle prior to any other vehicle or property contact. Had I been traveling at highway speed the results would have been quite different. Buick had rack problems in the late 1980's with the Century line; has the problem been resolved. This should cause a recall as the vehicle just passed a state safety inspection less than 2 months ago.

This is the 2d time this component has had to be replaced--.

I was driving approx. 15 mph down driveway at work-car oversteered crashing into side of building-impact so intense my head hit rearview mirror, breaking it and windshield. Entire underside of car (frame, tie rod, suspension,etc. ) is damaged. Nationwide ins. Investigator provided me with a copy of gm monthly newsletter issued 11/17/97 regarding power steering fluid leak from magnasteer acutator pigtail area for 1998 w,c,g &h body vehicles. The leak originates from the wiring harness for the magna steer actuator, causing vehicle to oversteer. The correction suggested is to replace the rack and pinion steering gear and follow up with vme product report. My car has been at cook Buick every 3000 to 3500 miles for routine maintenance, including fluid level checks, and this was never caught. According to the insurance investigator, my car has been leaking for approximately 6 months. Had I been going any faster when this happened, I would not be here to tell you this! I complained to Buick customer service - reference no. 980168019 and I got nowhere. They say the leak in the rack & pinion steering gear was caused by the accident! my insurance investigator has pictures that prove otherwise.

1997 Buick Century power steering started to lock up when steering to the left. Vehicle was towed and a new rack and pinion was installed. Consumer requested reimbursement for the repair but was denied because vehicle was not part of recall.

Consumer states while making a left turn without any indication steering wheel locked up causing consumer unable to steer. Dealer and manufacturer has been contacted. Please provide further information. Mr.