Steering Rack And Pinion problems of the 2000 Oldsmobile Alero

The subframe rusted out where the rack and pinion connects to it. Broke free from the subframe at 25 miles an hour. Greatful that no one was injured. But I feel that there should be a recall on the subframe.

This is the second gm vehicle that I have owed with the same structural defect. The first was a 1999 chevy malibu and now this olds Alero. The lower sub frame where the rack and pinion steering gear is mounted rots away causing the rack and pinion to break away from the rusted out sub frame, leaving the vehicle unable to be steered. With the Alero we were driving on the highway at 65 mph, when a clunk noise was heard. Fortunately we were able to get off the highway before the rack and pinion completely broke free of the rusted frame leaving the vehicle without steering. There are several complaints for this same problem on this very same website for malibus, Aleros and pontiac grand ams. It is hard to believe that the frame rotting away on these vehicles, causing the rack and pinion to break away from the frame, leaving the cars unable to be steered, has not caused accidents, injuries or deaths. Here in the chicago area there are a great number of these vehicles still on the road. If this defective frame design does not warrant a recall, possibly some type of inspection notice can be sent to vehicle owners advising them to to have their vehicle frames inspected (where the rack and pinion mounts to the frame - especially the passenger side) to check for cracks and excessive rust - corrosion, before this condition does cause accidents, injuries or someone's death. I checked with two of the larger gm dealers in the chicago area, bill jacobs and phillips chevy, both stated that the part needed to repair this problem, the lower sub frame is no longer available from gm.

We have owned this car for less than 5 years and the rack and pinion steering has failed twice. This time my wife experienced complete steering failure and the car had to be towed. This is a very hazardous problem. I have had cars which were 25-30 years old which do not have steering failure in this manner.

I bought a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero in July of 2003. Within 2 months of purchase my power steering started to leak fluid. Since that date I have taken it to various shops to check the problem. Two mechanics state that it's the rack and pinion that needs to be replaced, while two others changed out a hose and the power steering reservoir itself. After having these two "problems" were fixed I am still putting in power steering fluid on a daily basis. This is an extreme fire hazard and I am tired of putting out money when it it obvious that I am not the only person out there that is experience problems with the rack and pinion on their Alero.

Regarding 2000 Oldsmobile Alero: experienced steering failure when making right turns. Steering would completely lock when making right turns at slow speeds and when making slight steering adjustments to the right even at high speeds. Car was not drivable. I have seen recalls on several other gm vehicles (different model years) for the same problem. I had to replace the rack and pinion unit, costing over $950. If this is a common problem in gm vehicles, then why is there not a recall?.

My problem is with the power steering. My power steering is leaking enough fluid that I have to add fluid on a daily basis. I have taken my 2000 Alero into the shop and found that it is the rack and pinion. This problem started only one month after purchasing this car used. I would never recommend a person to purchase this type of car as this seems to be a problem for everyone not just me.

The rack and pinion malfunctioned. As a result when turning the steering wheel a knocking noise was produced.