2003 Buick LeSabre Steering Problems

The transmission doesn't shift correctly even after it's warmed up it is erratic and rough while connecting the transmission gears and jerks very hard at most times. The power steering is not working correctly and makes it difficult to drive at all with the combined issues I'm very concerned about my and my family safely

On [XXX] original Steering Rack and Pinion was replaced at 138974 miles by established reputable garage with NAPA part which was remanufactured. That part failed [XXX] at 141443 miles. That part failed [XXX] at 145999 miles and was replaced with NAPA part which was remanufactured. That part failed and was replaced at [XXX] at 157999 miles with another NAPA remanufactured part. That part failed about July 2023 and has not been replaced . The repair garage that had been replacing this rack and pinion stated they will no longer replace it since the outcome would be the same. The problem in all instances is that the hydraulic fluid leaks out of the unit through the rack and pinion which in turn affects the steering. The leak starts slowly and eventually increases to the point where the fluid will leak from the unit even when the car is not in use. I reported the problem to NAPA in writing [XXX] and received a telephonic request for documentation [XXX] which was furnished along with a statement that this matter was being looked into. I am not interested in any monetary refund but am only concerned about the safety of parts sold as "remanufactured" . The automobile repair shop is aware of my concern and supports my complaint. Both the repair shop and myself have documentation. I believe that based upon the number of times this part has failed indicates a potential problem in at the remanufactured automobile parts industry for at least this particular part and possibly others. I am willing to furnish any information I have. Thank you -- [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

WHILE DRIVING ON A 40MPH ROAD, THE ENGINE SPONTANEOUSLY LOST POWER - THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES ALSO CEASED TO FUNCTION AS A RESULT. THE RADIO AND LIGHTS WERE STILL ON. AFTER GUIDING THE STRICKEN CAR TO A SAFE AREA, I TURNED THE ENGINE BACK ON AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AS NORMAL. THE ISSUE REPEATED ROUGHLY A WEEK LATER AT LOWER SPEED WHILE GOING OVER A SPEED-HUMP IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT. NOTE: THE ISSUE OCCURRED FOLLOWING THE ADDITION OF APARTMENT AND MAIL KEYS TO THE KEYRING. I SEPARATED THE ADDITIONAL KEYS FROM THE CAR'S KEY FOLLOWING THE SECOND INCIDENT. THE ISSUE HAS NOT REPEATED SINCE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A POT HOLD AND THE SWERVED OFF THE ROAD AS IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WENT OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A MAILBOX. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,107. UPDATED 01/13/11*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE DASHBOARD IS PEELING. UPDATED 04.19.11

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INFLATER DEVICE IN THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SHE STATED THAT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY. SHE HAS HAD THE PART REPLACED, BUT BUICK DOES NOT FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CONTACT HEARS AN OCCASIONAL SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.