Investigation DP04002: 1997 Chevrolet Venture

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Feb 3, 2004

Closed

Mar 17, 2004

Model years

1997

Subject

Rack and pinion steering unit failure

Component: Steering › Rack and pinion › Rack

Summary

Mr. Dennis fike of elkridge, md, submitted a petition to nhtsa by letter dated january 13, 2004, alleging that a gm dealer informed him that his van was not included in safety recall 02v286 and charged him for the replacement of the steering rack and pinion unit.mr. Fike believes that his van should have been included and that the repair should have been performed without charge to him.the recall in question addressed steering rack and pinion unit lower pinion bearing failures on certain my 1996 through 1998 gm vehicles.the recall remedy was to inspect and replace the steering gear pinion bearing.if the inspection indicated that the bearing failure damaged the steering gear, then the steering gear assembly was be replaced.gm informed odi that mr. Fike?s vehicle was covered and that the recall remedy was performed on february 25, 2003.the entire rack and pinion unit was replaced.because mr. Fike had a subsequent failure with this unit, on january 20, 2004, odisuggested that he contact the dealer for reimbursement of the charge for replacing the failed rack and pinion unit in his vehicle because gm warrants its replacement parts for 12 months or 12,000 miles, which ever comes first.mr. Fike informed odi on march 3, 2004, that he had received an reimbursement check from gm.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 1997 Chevrolet Venture432 complaints