Investigation PE01038: 1997–1998 Chevrolet Malibu

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Nov 14, 2001

Closed

Apr 4, 2002

Model years

1997–1998

Subject

Steering rack and pinion

Component: Steering

Summary

Odi has received 200 complaints fromt consumers and 1,238 from gm alleging failure or lockup of the steering rack and pinion unit (r&p).this alleged condition can result in the loss of steering control of the vehicle and a crash can result.gm has reported six crashes in which eight people have sustained injuries ranging from bruises, airbag burn, seat belt abrasion, facial injury, neck and back pain.all crashes were single vehicle crashes.gm states that one possible failure mode is failure of the lower pinion bearing in the r&p.an engineering analysis has been opened to determine if a safety defect trend exists.

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

• 1998 Chevrolet Malibu976 complaints
• 1997 Chevrolet Malibu443 complaints