Steering Column problems of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. While driving approximately 50 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the failure recurred each time the vehicle was driven at 50 mph or higher. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electrical motor that was connected to the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

When inserting key into the ignition, the key has turn but not completely cranked becauce it would jam. This has happened very seldomly since 07/04/2015 appromimate milage at the moment of initial incident estimated at around 230,000 original miles. However the whole front wheels and steering column lock up sometimes at the turn of key. Steering column locks up and u cant turn the key almost likeit dont fit because its the wrong key. Keys can also be removed during operation. The vehicle can drive with no keys in the ignition and be then placed in park with still no keys in the ignition. The key once placed out park, easily slides in and out of ignition.

I had trouble inserting the key in to the ignition. After inserted I drove the car to the store. When I turned off the car the key would not come out of the ignition. After wiggling the key around it finally came out of the ignition and the steering column locked. When I tried to put the key back in the ignition the steering column would not unlock. After several attempts the column unlocked and the key was able to be inserted and the car started. This has occurred repeatedly since the above date.

2005 chevy Equinox. Current miles approx 85,000. Was rear ended in may 2010. The car was repaired and returned in June 2010. Within approximately 2 weeks, found noticeable grinding noises from brakes, low to null braking ability. Abs and tracking lights are on. In June, dealer found abs sensor and steering column were broken. Dealer said it was a result of recent car accident but several insurance adjusters have said the accident was too minor to cause such damage and believe it is manufacturer defect. No insurance company will touch this claim. They believe it is a known defect in GMC parts.

On January 26 I took my 2005 Chevrolet Equinox to the dealership from which I purchased it (classic east, madison ohio 44057) for an oil change and mentioned that I heard a rattle in my steering column when I was on rough road. They attempted to fix the noise by adjusting the preload steering gear, but it did not work so they special ordered a part. I returned on February 1 and they attempted to fix the noise by installing a power steering gear, but that did not work. Using technical assistance from general motors, they ran several diagnostic tests and ultimately ended up replacing the steering column on February 2. On February 3 I phoned the dealership to let the service department know that the steering did not feel right- it was alternately very loose or very tight. I was told that I had electronic power steering, so that was normal. I stated that it had never been that way before, but was assured that it was normal and I should drive it for a while to see if it got better. On February 24, I was driving in a parking lot and heard a snap in my steering column. At that point, I had lost all control of the steering and was able to turn the wheel 360 degrees with no impact on the tires or car. I had the car towed to the dealer at that time. At this time, they have not yet determined if this was dealer installation error or a faulty part. Nm.