The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering column lock failed to unlock, preventing the vehicle from being driven. After turning the key, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The service steering column lock warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
The worst 1998 Chevrolet Corvette problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Steering215
- Brakes36
- Electrical32
- Seats28
- Engine24
- Seat belts22
- Transmission18
- Fuel system17
- Visibility8
- Acceleration7
- Driver assistance7
- Suspension7
- Wheels6
- Airbags3
- Body3
- Lights3
- Tires2
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
Steering lock-up 57Stalling 14ABS 13Seat belt 12Engine failure 8Loss of power 7Power steering loss 6Fuel smell 5
Recalls 2
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device
- 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
Seat belts: front
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lap belt webbing can twist allowing the webbing to become jammed in the retractor.
- Risk
- When the belt webbing becomes jammed in the retractor, the seat belt may be unusable.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install inserts to the belt web guide of each lap belt retractor.
Recall number 00V111000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
Defect investigations
Steering column lockup
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 lockup
See resume in repository.
PE02054
Front lap belt malfunction
Odi opened this ea00-009 on march 16, 2000, to continue analyses begun under preliminary evaluation pe99-076.the alleged defect: lap belt webbing in both seating positions tends to fold over while entering the retractor opening.these folds frequently impede proper webbing retraction.if the retractor has been inadvertently toggled into automatic lock retractor (alr) mode by being extended to its full length, it may fail to reset itself to the normal emergency lock retractor (elr) mode.such a condition has been shown to render the active restraint unusable.conclusion: gm will remedy the alleged defect in 71,569 subject vehicles built prior to august 1999 by adding webbing guide inserts to the lap retractor openings of both seating positions to prevent the admission of folded webbing onto the retractor spool.this engineering analysis has been closed.
EA00009
Front lap belt malfunction
There is no summary currently available
PE99076
Steering column lock module
There is no summary currently available
PE99066
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette 152
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This Preliminary Information communicates diagnostic information to dealership techs to assist them in...
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy...
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician vehicles with a slight...
- Vehicle Recalls
1998 Chevrolet Corvette fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15-16 | 23-25 | 18-19 |
What 1998 Chevrolet Corvette owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while the vehicle was with a local transmission mechanic for service, the technician was reversing out of the service bay when the Service Column warning light illuminated. No other warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to another local mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,565.
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 federal safety agency Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced that failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 78,000.
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.
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on slick road surfaces, the contact lost control of the vehicle with the service traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact had called several dealers in the Miami area and was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were no longer being manufactured. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Consumer stated no aftermarket replacements available or made or remanufactured.
On July 27, 2021, I was cruising in my 1998 Convertible Chevy maunal Corvette with under 50k miles. I had it inspected around the end of June. I just driving pulled ahead of traffic and the clutch pedal went all the way down to floor as I approached a stop light!!! I lost all power. I didn't know what to do, but a light bulb in my head went off. But thankfully there was no traffic and I was able to run a light and coast into a gas station and get towed. Upon research the 1998 manual clutch design is used in newer vehicles that and its a system design flaw. Car at shop and we are waiting for parts that are back ordered. Since transmission has to come out I'm getting all clutch stuff fixed. But clutch wasn't bad just the Fly wheel and Master Salve. I will send you bill when I get it. I could have died, caused an accident, been rear ended, it was crazy.
The car constantly and regularly smells like gas on the inside.
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 this report replaced bulletin 04006b - november 23, 2004. In reading on the federal safety agency, 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 $165.00 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.
The passenger seat belt will no extend out or retract. Jamming occurs even though it has been to the dealer twice for this issue. It is a persistent problem that started about in 2018.
Abs/traction control lights on. Went to dealer and no part is available to make the repair. So I have no ABS or tracion control on my car part no 9367071 & 12530740
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Other model years
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Questions about the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
Is the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?
Owners have filed 399 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette, 4.7 times a typical Corvette model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette?
Steering, with 215 complaints, typically around 46,912 miles. Next is brakes (36).
How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette have?
2 recalls, covering steering and seat belts.
Was there a recall on the 1998 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).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette range from 18 to 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.7L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 15-16 city and 23-25 highway.
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