The 2005 Pontiac Pursuit has 4 recalls, the most serious being an electric power steering system that can suddenly drop all steering assist while the vehicle is in motion, making the wheel significantly harder to turn.
When power assist cuts out, a warning message appears in the driver information display and a chime sounds, but the driver must still manage the increased steering effort with no advance notice. The vehicle does not stop being steerable, but the effort required rises sharply, which can be a problem at low speeds or during a quick maneuver.
A second recall covers the ignition switch, which can slip out of the "run" position if there is extra weight on the key ring or the car hits a bump or rough patch of road. When the switch moves, the engine can shut off unexpectedly, cutting power to the brakes, steering assist, and airbags while the vehicle is still moving. Finally, there is a lighting concern: internal shields inside the headlamp assemblies can work loose over time, scattering the beam in a way that creates excess glare for drivers in oncoming traffic.
