2000 Oldsmobile Alero Steering Problems

“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.”

“While driving in icy conditions, I momentarily lost traction. The power to the engine immediately shut off, causing me to lose power steering and brakes. My car spun about three times, and I finally came to a stop facing traffic. Thankfully, the road was empty, so I was not injured. I am especially worried because my car is part of gms recall, but is not eligible for a new ignition cylinder. Gm claims that a new key will fix my problem, but there was nothing on my key at the time of the incident, so I know this is a lie. …”

“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.”

“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. …”

“Car shuts off while driving at all speeds. All power is lost (including steering). Sometimes (while driving on the highway) it turns itself back on after a few seconds - and I keep on driving, sometimes I can shift to neutral and restart and shift back to drive, but usually I have to turn my hazard lights on and mussel the steering wheel off to the shoulder and try to restart it. Then - the 'security' light is on and it won't let me start the car. I've found countless posts online about this problem. I can't believe there isn't a recall. Isn't GM being sued for a very similar problem?”