1998 Pontiac Trans Sport Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 11%of 227 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport, 11% of the 227 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,000 miles. 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.
“While driving my 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport montana, my steering wheel locked up and wouldn't turn to the left, almost causing an accident. When I took the vehicle in for inspection, it was determined that it was a rack and pinion steering gear assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #10159743, filed 2006-06, 189,000 miles“Steering suddenly went out...... Steering wheel locked up when turn left. Very dangerous condition. We were in non busy area. Found out there is a recall concerning this, however, my van was not covered. Makes no sense. Van is in shop now getting rack and oinion replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10088392, filed 2004-08, 107,000 miles“Where do I start? Same complaints as all other Pontiac minivan owners. Since original purchase in 1998, headlight assembly faulty, ABS warning light malfunction, air bag warning light malfunction, and malfunctioning (still) passenger automatic sliding door. Recently had head gasket replaced due to antifreeze leak, as well as front left wheel hub. This is the worst (and most costly) vehicle I have owned with respect to maintenance.”
NHTSA complaint #10100050, filed 2004-11, 5,262 miles“During sharp left turns, steering has a certain amount of resistance and a loud thud sound is heard, along with vibration. Symptoms have been intermittent for several years, but are becoming more frequent. Independent repair shop referred us to recall #02v286000. Local Pontiac dealer said our VIN# is not included in the recall although admitting it is likely the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10096371, filed 2004-10, 34,000 miles“Seat belts sticking , steering making loud pop noises when turning wheel, transmission shifting very hard from park to reverse on a angle. Now my engine locked up, was hesitating when accelerating.”
NHTSA complaint #10144488, filed 2005-12, 88,000 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 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
52 complaintsExterior lighting
30 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
15 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
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