1997 Chevrolet Lumina Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 88about this part
- Share
- 25%of 347 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 88 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina, 25% of the 347 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,500 miles. 9 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina that my steering is locking up when turning left only, I have contacted Chevrolet and they indicate there is not a recall but reading your web site a notice was posted that GM will recall 1.5 million vehicles for a steering problem campaign id02v286000, but GM will not pay for any repairs because it is not a problem according to them. I have almost gotten in several accidents due to this problem and can not drive my car today.”
NHTSA complaint #10018987, filed 2003-05, 72,375 miles“I own a 1997 Chevrolet Lumina that I received a recall notice from general motors asking me to select a GM dealer to make the repairs to the rack and pinion steering for which the car was recalled. The dealership stated that it would be over a month before they could schedule my appointment and even then, they would require keeping the car for one full day to accomplish the repairs. My concern is that I am driving in a dangerous situation, because the car's left turn gets stuck when driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10058280, filed 2004-02, 95,000 miles“I have a 97 Chevrolet Lumina and started experiencing steering tightness when turning left. I heard about a re-call so I took my car to the Chevrolet dealer for help. I asked them if they could check the lower pinion bearing to see if that was the problem. They told me they knew nothing about any recall and said that my power steering pump was out. They couldn't get the part for a week. I was afraid to continue driving it the way it was so my husband changed the pump. There was no difference in the steering. …”
NHTSA complaint #10043299, filed 2003-10, 163,950 miles“Recall 03v527000 regarding steering gear bearings failure. The recall was done on the vehicle, but the bearings were the only thing replaced. Several days later, the steering went out. A certified mechanic determined that rack and pinion needed to be replaced. After the recall was performed, the vehicle was hard to turn to the right.”
NHTSA complaint #10066978, filed 2004-04, 63,213 miles“The consumer received a recall letter#03v527000, regarding the steering gear bearings. Prior to receiving the recall letter consumer fixed the vehicle. Manufacturer refused to honor the expenses which were paid to fix the vehicle. The vehicle would not make a complete left turn. The consumer had to pull over and park the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10065520, filed 2004-04, 60,106 milesRelated recalls
- 03V527000Dec 11, 2003Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These…Covers: Chevrolet Lumina 1997–1998, Buick Regal 1996–1998, Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1997–1998 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 10013031Jan 29, 2004Power steering gear lower pinion bearing, safety recall 03062.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 | 10% |
| 1999 | 7 | 7% |
| 1998 | 56 | 25% |
| 1997 | 88 | 25% |
| 1996 | 19 | 8% |
| 1995 | 18 | 4% |
| 1994 | 6 | 5% |
| 1993 | 8 | 3% |
| 1992 | 13 | 4% |
| 1991 | 20 | 6% |
| 1990 | 39 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina
52 complaintsFuel system
50 complaintsBrakes
37 complaintsAir bags
36 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSuspension
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Lumina
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology