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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,077 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.

1997 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems

steering problem

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1997 Chevrolet Corvette Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #33

Feb 212008

Corvette 8-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 58,420 miles

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

Service bulletin 05081 just performed on my Corvette to fix a steering column lock problem. After work performed I get a message to remove key and wait 10 sec. Tgm completed a service bulletin on my car that leaves me with a car that stalls immediately after starting. In the many years I owned the car I had only gotten the message once, which related to the steering column lock. Now since the service bulletin was done to fix the problem I get the message every other time I start the car. I feel as though the car is unsafe to drive I have already had one occasion where I did not see the info message. I proceeded to pull out of a parking space only to have the car stall and almost get hit by a truck. Fortunately the truck was able to stop before a collision occurred. The truck driver was not very patient and proceeded to give me a few choice words while I had to go through the famous 10 second drill 2 times before I could get the car to run. What I really expect is a service bulletin that fixes a problem not causes one I now have an unsafe car. My wife refuses to drive it for fear it will stall when moving from a parked position into traffic. This needs to be addressed immediately. The car has stalled 3 times in the last week! very unsafe.

- Pasadena, MD, USA

problem #32

Aug 042007

Corvette 8-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 74,000 miles
GM states that the recall on my 1997 Corvette has previously been resolved, when I prior had no acknowledgment of the recall. After persistently giving them the recall number they finally admitted to the recall applying to my vehicle, but stated that the recall had been performed to specifications, when in fact all they did was reset the computer for a temporary fix. They said that the recall was closed and all cost incurred would be my out of pocket expense. I really feel that a recall for this severe of an occurrence should stay open until the problem is completely remedied. This is a very dangerous faulty part that the government should require an open recall on.

- Clarksville , TN, USA

problem #31

Apr 272006

Corvette 8-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 102,421 miles
: the contact stated the steering wheel locked with the key in the ignition. A NHTSA recall, # 04V060000 was performed on the vehicle concerning, the steering however, the recall did not remedy the problem. The dealership would not offer a second repair without charge under the recall. The mechanic determined a new column lock plate was needed. Updated 5/10/2006 - the steering wheel lock failed to unlock the steering column when the vehicle was started. The only remedy was to replaced the steering column lock assembly. The manufacturer is aware of the problem but refuses to correct the problem. The manufacturer provided a relay that did not work.

- Mason, OH, USA

problem #30

Aug 112005

Corvette

  • miles

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

On 12/21/04 I brought my 1997 Corvette to the dealership to get serviced for the "#4006 electronic column lock system" recall. Last Thursday (8/11/05) my vehicle's steering lockup up while moving out of my parking spot. It was towed in to byers dublin Chevrolet dealership (614-793-4800) the next day. I was told that this was not covered by this recall and that I needed to purchase another steering lock actuator for $475. I have read on various newsgroups that this type of lockup can happen over and over again if the lock plate is still in place. I have requested to the dealership to just remove this lock pin and I would be happy to pay for their labor to do so, but they refuse to do it. I've talked to Chevrolet corporate (ticket # 1-355691956) and they still refuse to put in a bypass or to remove this lock altogether. Can you give me some advise on how to resolve this so that I am not driving around in a car that could have the steering column lock up at any given time? it is a hazard for me and a liability to Chevrolet. Thanks, -kevin.

- Dublin, OH, USA

problem #29

Mar 012003

Corvette 8-cyl

  • miles
Recall campaign:04V060000 the consumer experienced symptoms of the steering recall prior to receiving notification. The consumer request reimbursement for the repairs. The steering column locked.

- Las Cruces, NM, USA

problem #28

Oct 092004

Corvette 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,115 miles
The steering column locked without warning. A recall has been issued, however the vehicle identification number was outside of the remedy scope. The consumer started the vehicle and the computer read pull key wait 10 seconds. The computer then read service column lock. Recall# 04V060000.

- Cypress, TX, USA

problem #27

Jun 012004

Corvette 8-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 35,900 miles

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

NHTSA recall 04V-060000, electronic column lock. Vehicle equipped with an ecl column lock system, when the vehicle is started the steering column would not unlock. Dealer was notified. Dealer informed the consumer that because his vehicle had a manual transmission it was not covered under the scope of the recall.

- Chambersburg, PA, USA

problem #26

Aug 192003

Corvette 8-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 32,000 miles
I own a 1997 Corvette with a manual transmission that has had two instances of the electronic clolumn lock system failing. The first failure occurred in June of 2000 and GM replaced the module at no charge. The second failure occurred in August of 2003. I understand that GM has done a recall on 1997 Corvette's for this problem (recall campaign #04V060). I wrote a letter to GM requesting information and reinbursement for my costs due to the failure of the ECM in August of 2003, but was told by the GM customer service center that my particular vehicle was not affected by the recall. I don't underdstand how there can be a recall for 1997 Corvette's that excludes a vehicle car that has had two instances of the recalled part failing. The car only had 32,000 miles on it, the second time the part failed. From reading the recall notice, there is a procedure to prevent further lock ups of the steering column, but appratently my car is not covered. I would like you to look into lthis matter and force GM to include all 1997 manual transmission Corvettes as part of the recall campaign.

- Faribault, MN, USA

problem #25

May 132004

Corvette

  • 79,000 miles
While parking steering wheel locked up. Dealership was notified, but did resolve the problem.

- Eugene, OR, USA

problem #24

May 192004

Corvette

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer had the same problem as mentioned in NHTSA recall 04V060000 concerning vehicles equipped with electronic column lock systems (ecl). When the ignition switch was turned to lock the ecl prevented the turning off the steering system. When the vehicle was started the ecl unlocked the steering system. Dealer indicated sorry this vehicle was not recalled due to VIN.

- Salem, OR, USA

problem #23

Sep 192000

Corvette

  • 37,000 miles

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

Received recall 04V060000 concerning steering column locking mechanism. When the consumer starts the vehicle the steering wheel will not unlock. This vehicle is not included in the recall because it is an automatic transmission.

- Littleton, CO, USA

problem #22

Mar 172004

Corvette 8-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 32,000 miles
After starting the vehicle the steering locked up recall (#04V060000). The dealership was notified, but did not repair the vehicle because the VIN was not included in the recall. Please provide any additional information. The consumer did have the repairs done, but had to pay out of pocket.

- Keller, TX, USA

problem #21

Feb 232004

Corvette

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,000 miles
When driving at 5 mph steering wheel felt loose and then locked up. See ODI voq #8005263

- Chepachet, RI, USA

problem #20

Feb 072003

Corvette 8-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 28,700 miles
Steering column anti-theft device locked and would not unlock. This happened while backing out of the garage approximately 1 year ago. Vehicle would not start. As Chevrolet did not have a recall then had to buy an after market device to get the vehicle into driveable condition.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #19

Nov 182003

(reported on)

Corvette

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,000 miles
While driving to work on a 55 mph road consumer got onto another road going about 35 mph. Turned right into work parking lot and steering wheel locked up. After trying unsuccessfully to straighten out the wheels he applied pressure to the brakes and stopped the vehicle. Disc displayed a message. Did not hit anything, because nothing was in vehicle's path. Shut off and restarted vehicle to try to get wheels to unlock. Also tried to turn wheel back and forth, but it would not move. Towed vehicle to dealer. Dealer said he fixed the problem. Consumer sold vehicle so he did not know if problem has recurred.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #18

May 152000

Corvette

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,088 miles
While driving at 65 mph vehicle went onto an exit ramp, slowed down to about 35 mph, and it turned right. Then, went to straighten out vehicle and steering locked up. Ran vehicle off the road into emergengy lane; did not hit anything, but hurt shoulder, popped it, trying to turn steering. Could not get steering unlocked. GMC sent investigator out to check out car, and they fixed everything. Replaced steering column E7680/ part 267460, column lock/10424050S wheel, and sc4X 267460 (count 2). Claim type E om. Replaced N4800 533wc0.60, module 1 at 9381389, sc4X 9381389. Customer to send invoice.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #17

Oct 132003

Corvette

  • miles
When attempting to park steering locked without warning.

- Mobile, AL, USA

problem #16

Sep 132003

Corvette 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Started car, shifted to reverse, started to back out of parking space and steering colum locked.

- Middleport, OH, USA

problem #15

Aug 202003

(reported on)

Corvette

  • 28,000 miles
While reversing the steering column locking device failed and steering wheel locked up, and wouldn't release. Dealership replaced unknown steering lock component.

- Needham, MA, USA

problem #14

Aug 202003

Corvette

  • miles
When attempting to start vehicle, the sterring locked and sensor light stayed on. Dealer stated there was a recall issued; however this vehicle was outside of the remedy scope.

- South Bound Brook, NJ, USA

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