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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,536 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

1998 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems

steering problem

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1998 Chevrolet Corvette Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #36

Apr 212023

Corvette

  • 78,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering column remained in the locked position and the steering wheel could not be turned in either direction. The contact stated that occasionally the message "Remove Key - Wait 10 Seconds" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced that failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 78,000.

- Jackson, TN, USA

problem #35

Jul 312022

Corvette

  • miles
I own a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The EBCM can have an issue. Complains of traction control, ABS braking and AH active handling. This can cause issues when driving with no ABS active. I have seen numerous complaints about this issue here and on various forums. Unfortunately the part needed to correct the issue is no longer available and for some reason cannot be repaired. Used parts are costly (2K or more) and no guarantee they work. GM should provide replacement part or work around. If not available they should offer total car buy backs for a fare price depending on condition or offer an exchange for a corvette that can be repaired.

- Southaven, MS, USA

problem #34

Aug 222020

Corvette

  • 84,000 miles
The vehicle is stationary. Proceed to start vehicle. Steering column locks up. Has occurred several times. I am the third owner of this vehicle. In researching information regarding past recalls apparently hedrick's dealership of fresno, ca completed work but in asking what they completed, I was informed that all past computer data was purged from their files so they cannot tell me what was completed. I then called GM to get information but after talking to three different people I was told they were not allowed to give me any information as to what was completed. I referenced a GM report entitled "04006C - product safety recall - February 8, 2006" in talking with the GM representatives and I was told the report didn't exist. The report was found at https://static.NHTSA.gov. This report replaced bulletin 04006B - November 23, 2004. In reading on NHTSA, several other owners experienced the same vehicle issues with steering column. Plus, with work being completed but still having same issues. Can you assist me in obtaining the recall work completion report on my vehicle? hedrick's indicated that I would have to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic review at the cost of $165 and then go from there. In reading "04006C - product safety recall - February 8, 2006" it indicates, "dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward." Plus, whatever work hedrick's completed the work wasn't sufficient as the issue of the steering column locking up continues.

- Madera, CA, USA

problem #33

Sep 232019

Corvette

  • 96,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. While turning into the driveway, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact stated that he powered off and restarted the engine multiple times, shook the steering wheel, and removed the battery so the computer could reprogram; however, the steering wheel remained locked. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

- 7991 Cross Ridge Dr, TN, USA

problem #32

Oct 272017

Corvette

  • 79,500 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the power steering lock warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive home safely. The vehicle was then taken to schumacher Buick GMC of North palm beach dealer located at 3720 northlake blvd suite C, lake park, fl 33403 where it was diagnosed that the steering lock, the steering plate, the steering shaft and the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at 866-790-5600 and was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not part of the recall and that the contact had to pay for the repair. A case number 8-3480612551 was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 79,500.

- Edison, NJ, USA

problem #31

Feb 252016

Corvette

  • 41,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 mph, the vehicle lost power. The column lock failure warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the harness kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however the failure recurred. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V060000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.

- Morton, IL, USA

problem #30

Jul 062016

Corvette

  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have owned my 1998 Corvette for two years. The pull key and wait 10 seconds and the service steering column lock errors are crippling me enjoyment of the car. I have installed an lmc5 module last year and the problems will not go away. The recall on the service column lock was performed on the car which removed the actual locking mechanism on the steering column. But the car will not move over two miles per hour with the error message and I have found no fixed that help me. What is GM doing about the horrible horrible problem on their most distinguished car model.... ? all instances happen when first stariting the car no matter how long it has sat. Battery is perfect. I very rarely dive the car, but when I do I have this horrible problem and it is getting worse.

- New Castle, PA, USA

problem #29

Jun 222016

Corvette 8-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 41,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. While attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel seized and the steering wheel lock light illuminated. The contact also mentioned that if the vehicle was started and the steering wheel locked, the engine would stall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V060000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000. Updated 12/01/16 udated 12/05/16.

- Shelby Township, MI, USA

problem #28

Jun 112016

Corvette

  • 29,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started and switched into the drive position, it moved forward briefly and stalled as the column lock repair warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted but the failure recurred and the vehicle failed to drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 04V060000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.

- Lorain, OH, USA

problem #27

Sep 042014

Corvette

  • 36,261 miles
Filed this earlier. Not sure if received. You issued a recall #04V060000 for steering column lock problem. My VIN does not show up, however GM issued bulletin 04006C listing my VIN as having the problem. GM will not honor it because you have not issued a recall on my VIN. I had the problem and had it repaired. Why is my VIN not listed??

- Jacksonville, NC, USA

problem #26

May 202015

Corvette

  • 110,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. Prior to the contact owning the vehicle, it was repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 04V060000 (steering). The repair did not correct the failure. The service column lock warning lamp illuminated randomly and the vehicle stalled several times. The steering wheel locked and would not unlock. The contact was unable to drive over 2 mph each time the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who replaced the column lock bypass. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

- Jackson, MI, USA

problem #25

Sep 032014

Corvette

  • 36,261 miles
The electronic column lock system locked up as I was pulling out of garage. This was a problem under NHTSA recall 04V06000 for 1997-2004 models. GM says my VIN number not involved. After being towed in the dealer made the repairs (removed lock replaced harness as indicated in the recall) and charged me almost $600 because my VIN not listed. How many more vehicles need this done but not recalled?

- Jacksonville, NC, USA

problem #24

Sep 032014

Corvette

  • 36,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. While driving approximately 5 mph, the steering wheel seized and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for diagnostic testing and the harness kit was replaced. The VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 04V060000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.

- Jacksonville , NC, USA

problem #23

Apr 302014

Corvette 8-cyl

  • 86,263 miles
While driving, the steering wheel suddenly locked and the engine shut off. The car was stuck in the roadway. The car was towed to the local dealer, who said a critical recall was never done. Although I am the original owner, I never received a recall notice from GM. The recall, which I later found to possibly affect 120,000 Corvettes from 1997 to 2004, was performed according to GM instructions. However, the recall only consisted of removing the steering lock pins. The likelihood of fuel system shut off still existed. The dealer said the GM recall was ineffective, GM was aware that the recall was insufficient, and said the entire mechanism needed to be replaced in order to prevent future recurrence. The replacement was then done at my cost. As a licensed professional engineer I believe the inadequate GM recall remediation is a serious safety defect. I was told by the dealer that the defect usually occurs after 60,000 to 80,000 miles. However, most Corvettes are driven well beyond this point. I wrote to GM, but they are not taking this potentially dangerous condition seriously.

- Shirley, NY, USA

problem #22

Jul 092008

Corvette 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,025 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that when attempting a turn, the steering wheel would seize without warning. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 04V060000 (steering) but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the electronic column lock was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 43,025 and the current mileage was 46,000. Updated 6/17/14 updated 8/14/17

- Adelphia, NJ, USA

problem #21

Jun 092013

Corvette

  • 51,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and could not be turned. The vehicle was shut off and restarted but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.

- Scotia, NY, USA

problem #20

Dec 062006

Corvette 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,500 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that the vehicle was been previously serviced under NHTSA campaign id number 04V060000 (steering:column locking:anti-theft device). The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer December 2012 due to steering failures and the steering column harness was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 22,500.... updated 02/27/13

- Tequesta, FL, USA

problem #19

Oct 292011

Corvette

  • 89,000 miles
My steering lock would not disengage under any condition. Car would drive but would not steer.

- Hawthorne, CA, USA

problem #18

Oct 252010

Corvette

  • 47,500 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that the steering wheel would seize while driving various speeds. The dealer diagnosed that the steering column motor would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified, but denied any assistance with repairs to the defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 47,500 and the current mileage was 49,000.

- Ashley, OH, USA

problem #17

Jul 242011

Corvette

  • 88,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. NHTSA recall campaign id number: 04V060000 (steering: Column locking: Anti-theft device) repair was performed on the vehicle and it failed after 30,000 miles. The contact stated the repair consisted of putting a K-harness in place to emulate the locking mechanism so that the steering would not lock. The repair failed and the manufacturer will not repair the vehicle again. The failure and current mileage was 88,000.

- Honolulu, HI, USA

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