1996 Pontiac Trans Sport Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 11%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 104,489miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport, 11% of the 61 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 104,489 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While turning right, the steering wheel failed with no control. The consumer was able to stop vehicle. The dealer was notified. The consumer stopped a stop sign at an intersection when the steering wheel started to spin around. It was discovered the intermediate shaft at the base of the steering column had come loose. The air bag light was on and the clock spring had broken.”
NHTSA complaint #10034570, filed 2003-09, 193,690 miles“The vehicle continued to experience problems with the steering after the recall was performed on the rack and pinion, however prior to the recall the outer tie rods were replaced, but that did not resolve the steering problems, also the front rotors were resurfaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10011649, filed 2003-04, 95,028 miles“The owner received a recall notice for the lower pinion bearing and power steering gear. The consumer took the vehicle in for servicing and the work was completed. Now the vehicle is pulling to the right. This occurred only after having it worked on for the original recall. Now the dealership is telling the consumer that the defect that is currently being experienced is no fault of the work that was done for the recall. The dealership is not willing to repair the current problem unless the owner pays out of pocket. Provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10092272, filed 2004-09, 113,950 milesRelated recalls
- 02V286000Nov 4, 2002Certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped…Covers: Pontiac Trans Sport 1996–1998, Chevrolet Cavalier 1996–1998, Pontiac Sunfire 1996–1998 +4 more
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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