Vehicle Data Hub

Recall 03V-527

GENERAL MOTORS CORP. recalled the 1996 to 1998 Buick Regal and 7 other models: Steering (rack and pinion).

At a glance

Campaign number
03V-527
Reported
December 11, 2003
Vehicles affected
750,283 estimated by the manufacturer

Source: NHTSA recall records

What is wrong

Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.

The risk

If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.

The fix

Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on february 5, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1-[removed]; chevrolet at 1-[removed]; oldsmobile at 1-[removed]; or pontiac at 1-[removed].

Notes from the manufacturer

GM recall no. 03062.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-[removed]).

Affected vehicles