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1997 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems

95 complaints (62% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 40,000.

owner complaints
95
of this car's complaints
62%
typical mileage
40,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Steering wheel/handle bar
    45
  • Column locking: anti-theft device
    32
  • Column
    11
  • Linkages
    1
  • Hydraulic power assist system
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Corvette steering problems in other years

19932000200520102019

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Steering lock-up 23

Related recalls

Steering: column locking: anti-theft deviceReported February 9, 2004 · 126,624 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with electronic column lock systems (ecl), when the ignition switch is turned to "lock," the ecl system prevents turning of the steering system. When the vehicle is started, the ecl unlocks the steering system. The vehicle is designed so that if the column fails to unlock when the vehicle is started and the customer tries to drive, the fuel supply will be shut off so that the vehicle cannot move when the vehicle cannot be steered. If voltage at the powertrain control module is low or interrupted, however, the fuel shut off may not occur and the vehicle can be accelerated while the steering system is locked. Also when the control system shows that the ecl is unlocked and the vehicle is being driven, the lock pin location can vary. Depending on the location of the lock plate relative to the switch transition point, there could then be contact between the lock plate and pin causing the steering to lock while driving .
Risk
If this occurs, a crash could occur without warning.
Remedy
On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the dealer will disable the steering column lock by removing the column lock plate. When the ignition key is removed, the transmission shifter will lock but the steering column will not lock. On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the dealer will reprogram the powertrain control module, perform a dimensional check of the column lock and, if necessary, replace the lock plate. The steering column on these vehicles will continue to lock when the key is removed. Owner notification to owners of 1997 vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions began on april 26, 2004. Owners of 1998 through 2004 vehicles (except 1997-1998 manual transmission vehicles) will be notified beginning on august 2, 2004. The remaining owners (1997-1998 manual transmission vehicles) will be notified later in 2004, when parts are available. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438.

Recall number 04V060000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Steering column lockupOpened November 15, 2002, closed March 11, 2004

In 2001, general motors (gm) issued customer service campaigns 1044 and 1044a to address a condition where the steering column would fail to unlock during the initial key-in and start-up in certain my 1998-2000 corvette vehicles.however, odi continued to receive complaints concerning steering column lockup on corvette vehicles.as a result, pe02-054 was opened and later upgraded to ea02-031 for my 1997-2001 subject vehicles.odi's analysis identified concerns with post-repair failures in vehicles serviced through the campaigns, as well as, failures in my 1997-2003 subject vehicles not included in the campaigns.(note: the manufacturer failure data above is limited to my 1997-2003 vehicles through 10/17/2003.)on february 6, 2004, gm notified the federal safety agency of a safety defect in my 1997-2004 corvette vehcles equipped with manual transmissions and my 1997-2000 corvette vehicles with automatic transmissions.the notification stated that if the voltage at the powertrain control module (PCM), which was designed to shut down the fuel supply when the steering column failed to unlock and the customer tried to drive the vehicle, is low or interrupted, the fuel shut off may not occur.as a result, the customer could drive the vehicle while the steering column was locked causing the driver to lose steering control and possibly crash without warning.gm will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer to have the PCM reprogrammed for manual transmission vehicles and the electric column lock disabled for automatic transmission vehicles.odi will monitor the effectiveness of the remedy in the manual transmission vehicles and take further action if warranted.

EA02031

Steering column lockupOpened July 1, 2002, closed November 15, 2002

See resume in repository.

PE02054

What 1997 Chevrolet Corvette owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 10, 2014 · Engine, Steering · 86,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet corvette. While attempting to drive in reverse, the engine stalled and the steering warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was previously serviced according to the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v060000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

Filed May 28, 2014 · Steering · 100,020 miles · NJ

The chevrolet corvette was started in the courthouse parking lot moving in reverse with the steering wheel locked in place narrowing avoiding pedestrians. The vehicle could be moved in either direction, but the steering wheel could not be unlocked and subsequently transported to princeton chevrolet [formerly known as superior chevrolet] in lawrenceville, new jersey for repair. During previous service, the vehicle was inspected for recalls including the steering defect with the manager stating that all recalls were complete. The june 26, 2013 dealer steering repair invoice makes no mention of the service recall, the manager explaining the june 25, 2013 incident was unrelated to the steering defect and safety recall. The dealership has refused to acknowledge or respond to our inquiries referencing the "electronic column lock system" product safety recall [04006c] which states;" general motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 1997-2004 model year chevrolet corvette vehicles.when the vehicle is started, it unlocks the steering. Two conditions can prevent steering while the vehicle is moving: ... If one of these conditions occurs, a crash could occur without warning." [pg 1 recall bulletin no.: 04006c] the recall specifically warns dealers; "whenever a vehicle subject to a recall ... Is in your dealership for service ... You must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before ... Releasing the vehicle." [pg 28 recall no.: 04006c] we request the federal safety agency investigate the failure of general motors to promptly alert owners with the locking steering defect, why the vehicle was released by the dealer without verifying the recall steering status, and whether the repair performed at princeton chevrolet on june 26, 2013 was the repair procedure outlined in gm service bulletin no. 04006c.

Filed Sep 6, 2012 · Steering · 40,000 miles · TN

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet corvette. The contact stated that the vehicle steering lock box was not operating properly and the vehicle stalled. The contact mentioned that the control steering lock warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer previously for repairs under recall the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v060000 (steering:column locking:anti-theft device). The failure recurred. The dealer was contacted who explained that the manufacturer was only required to pay for recall repairs once. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 268,000.

Filed Aug 26, 2008 · Steering · 105,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet corvette. The vehicle was repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v060000 (steering:column locking:anti-theft device); however, the contact is now experiencing the same failure stated in the recall. When the contact attempted to back out of his driveway, the vehicle completely shut off. Also, a warning messaged appeared on the instrument panel, stating that the steering wheel was locked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the steering box motor needed to be replaced. The same failure has been repaired five times prior to the most recent incident. The current and failure mileages were 105,000.

Filed Feb 28, 2008 · Steering · 58,420 miles · MD

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.

Filed Sep 12, 2007 · Steering · 29,191 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet corvette. While driving in reverse at 2 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn and the steering column service warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer, however, it was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v060000 (steering:column locking:anti-theft device) two years ago. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 29,191.

Filed Aug 8, 2007 · Steering · 74,000 miles · TN

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.

Filed Apr 27, 2006 · Steering · 102,421 miles · OH

Dt*: the contact stated the steering wheel locked with the key in the ignition. A the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Aug 17, 2005 · Steering · OH

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.

Filed Jan 12, 2005 · Steering · NM

Recall campaign:04v060000 the consumer experienced symptoms of the steering recall prior to receiving notification. The consumer request reimbursement for the repairs. *nm the steering column locked. *sc

Questions about the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette steering

Does the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette have steering problems?

Owners have filed 95 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette, 62% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 40,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette steering?

Yes, 1 recall: 04V060000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Corvette have bad steering?

The Chevrolet Corvette model years with the most steering complaints are 1998 (215 complaints), 1999 (194 complaints) and 2000 (169 complaints).

Other 1997 Chevrolet Corvette problems

Engine 16Fuel system 12Seats 11Electrical 9Seat belts 8Brakes 7Acceleration 4Body 4Transmission 3Visibility 3Driver assistance 1Lights 1Locks 1Suspension 1Wheels 1

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