This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Steering column locked up while parked and would not unlock with the key inserted and engine running. Error message - "service column lock, pull key wait 10 seconds". pulling the key had no effect. Ref. In EA02-031
Steering wheel lock will not disengage!! this is a major problem based on service bulletins and number of postings to various bulletin boards! make them fix this!!. ref. In EA02-031
- Sunnyvale, TX, USA
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Steering column locked up even when operating vehicle, a warning light indicated to pull key and wait 10 seconds, but it had no affect. Ref. In EA02-031
While backing out of a parking space steering column locked up. Problem could potentially cause a crash. Vehicle was towed to dealership and repaired. Ref. In EA02-031
While backing out of the driveway all of a sudden the steering wheel locked up. Dealership was not aware of this problem. Nothing was done about this problem. Also seatbelt does not retract. Ref. In EA02-031
Today the column lock failed for the 5th time on my 1998 Corvette. Once the column locked on me after I had begun to leave a parking lot and the car shut down on me. Had I been at an intersection, I might have been seriously injured or killed. Fortunately (or unfortunately as it may be) the other times the column lock failed to release were after I had parked the car and returned. So far, I have only been greatly inconvenienced or had my friends inconvenienced, but I am aware taht this problem is not uncommon among C5 owners. It is time for a recall folks! enough of "under consideration".
I have received the following message 4 times on my 98 Corvette - column service lock on. The steering column locks and the car is not driveable. I have been stranded four times. This car is under warranty, yet GMC does not recognize this as a serious problem. This problem results in the car being non-driveable, and the possibility of being stranded at any time in any place makes this a saftey issue. I have researched the column service lock problem extensively on the internet, and have found that this problem is very common in most C5 (97 - 00) Corvettes - this is not an isolated occurrence. GM should recall all C5S and correct this severe defect. I have even heard that this has happend to individuals while the car is in motion, does someone have to die before GMC takes this seriously??
When starting up car steering wheel was locked, consumer tried all gears, it still would not unlock. Had to have car towed. Consumer felt that this was a safety issue because it could have locked up while driving. Took to dealer, and it was a bad solenoid switch. Ref. In EA02-031
This is the second time the steering column has failed to unlock upon starting the engine. Fortunately, both times were in the garage. The computer detects the failed column lock and prevents the car from being driven by shutting the engine down after moving a couple of feet. My concern is this has been repaired once. Is there a possibility the column could lock while driving ? even if the engine shuts down, I would still be in a very dangerous situation. Ref. In EA02-031
Steering column locked up while driving, causing the vehicle to become undriveable. Dealer has replaced the steering lock module and rocker studs. Manufacturer has been notified. Ref. In EA02-031
While pulling into a parking lot, driving about 15 mph the steering wheel locked up and vehicle lost all power. The vehicle was towed to owner's home. The problem was reported to the dealership. The vehicle has not been repaired. Ref. In EA02-031 cjs
When pulling out of gas station the car suddenly died halfway into the omcoming traffic lane. The dic (dashboard) dignosis said to pull key and wait 10 seconds. Apparently the steering wheel was locked and the engine shutoff. This put me in dangerous situation with on coming traffic heading at me. After the 10 seconds, the car restarted and all was ok, no accident resulted, but escaped a a narrow bullet. The dealer was more than happy to replace the parts, but intimated that the new parts may do the same thing since they haven't been modified. He said to wait and see if it happens again. In my opinion this could be very serious, and GM needs to address or modify the current parts so that this cannot happen again. Thank you ref. In EA02-031
In may of this year, 1999, I tried to start the car, it started but the steering wheel was locked. I called the toll free number General Motors provided for a tow truck. When it came the driver was able to unlock the wheel and it seemed to work properly. I had it towed in to my service dealer anyway to be checked out. Of course it was O.K. about two months later the steering wheel became locked again and I was able to unlock it myself by cleaning off the ignition chip on the key, as I was told by the service manager on the previous trip. The third time it locked up on me again but I was not able to unlock it. All three times I was at home in the carport. The car would always start, as in previous times, but this time it would die when I tried to back up or go forward. Obviously the problem had gotten worse. I called the tow truck again, had the car towed in and luckily it stayed locked so the servicemen could see just what was happening. Their computers found a code B2587 which meant that the lock module for the steering column was failing intermitantly, thus locking up the steering. The module was replaced and so far the car has been running fine. If whoever concerned goes on-line to C5-Corvette.com then ultimate bulletin board, C5 specific technical discussions you will see other instances of this particular problem, one instance of this happening while the car is on the road. I hope this is enough information for you to get a good idea of what has been going on. I love the car but am a little afraid of the steering locking up when I'm on the road even though the service manager said that wouldn't happen. If someone can help me or at least reassure me of this I would be very grateful. Thank you for your time. Ref. In EA02-031
The steering wheel lock engaged as I was backing out of driveway. Car was towed to dealer as ordered by Chevrolet hot line..note> car was in motion, that means moving backwards..it had gone about 6 feet and I had turned the wheel to change directions when lock engaged.. ref. In EA02-031
Engine check light comes on/ steering wheel column locks up, and vehicle stalls unexpectedly. Currently at the dealers. Ref. In EA02-031 consumer was able to move vehicle about 1 ft.
- Livingston, NJ, USA
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Fort Colllins, CO, USA