Steering column locked twice since 1999. Last time (08/2002) was while car was in reverse and backing up. Had to pay around $450 to have corrected. Gm said there had not been any other complaints re: this problem; but I just read an article in automotive news titled "feds examine vette streering".*ak ref. In ea02-031
1998 Chevrolet Corvette steering complaints
Page 6 of 8: complaints 131 to 160 of 215, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Comsumer states while pulling out of her drive way the steering wheel locked up.*jb ref. In ea02-031
Failure of the steering lock column during initial start-up. *ak ref. In ea02-031
Steering wheel locked after starting vehicle and was able to shift to drive with steering wheel locked. I am concerned with the steering wheel locking while driving the vehicle and causing an accident.*ak ref. In ea02-031
The steering coulmn box locked up when I had it in reverse and backing out of a parking spot. . I had it towed to chevy dealership to have the 98 vette worked on. I was told I had to replace the steering box . Which was a $270 part. If I was driving on the interstate and the steering locked up on me. Then what? . Thank you for your time. *ak ref. In ea02-031
Steering column has locked-up "frozen" on me three times. *ak ref. In ea02-031
Steering wheel column locked up, unable to steer . Contacted dealer.*ak ref. In ea02-031
Steering wheel locked up upon startup, the dealer installed harness kit and relay. *ak ref. In ea02-031
On 08/02/02 I was backing my vehicle out of a parking space when the steering wheel locked up and would not unlock. The vehicle had to be towed to a dealership to be repaired. The dealership, terry cullen chevrolet in morrow ga, stated that this a common problem with the corvette. I contacted chevrolet and they refused to admit that there is a probelm with this part even though there was a recall for this problem in 1997 and apparently on some 98 models.*ak ref. In ea02-031
While driving at 5 MPH in reverse steering wheel locked up, and consumer could not control vehicle. Contacted dealer. *ak ref. In ea02-031
While driving steering wheel locked up. Contacted dealer. As a result of steering locking up motor was defective.*akconsumer states there is a recall regarding this defect, but this vehicle does not fall under the parameters of the recall. *jg ref. In ea02-031
Vehicle was parked. After starting the steering wheel would not turn. Dashbord message stated "remove key wait ten seconds." I did and restarted the vehicle but the steering wheel would not turn. Dashboard message stated "service steering column." after repeated attempts of stopping, starting vehicle and trying to turn the wheel it remained locked. I called aaa for a tow truck - while waiting for it to arrive I continued to try to unlock the wheel. After around twenty minutes of trying it finally unlocked. I cancelled the tow truck and drove to the dealer. If I had known the steering wheel could lock again while I was driving, as I determined by subsequent internet research, I would not have driven to the dealer. My out of pocket cost for the dealer's replacement of the steering column lock was $100 because I have an extended warranty. This is a serious safety concern and should be the subject of a recall.*ak ref. In ea02-031
Steering column remains locked after car is started. The following message appears: "service column lock". The column lock does not disengage. The car is being towed to the dealership. Ref. In ea02-031
My steering column locked up while the vehicle was moving causing a total loss of steering. The front of the car was slightly damaged because of this. It is a known problem by gm affecting many vehicles outside of their so called pool of VIN. #'s. It is a matter of time before innocent people are harmed by this if it has not happened already.*ak ref. In ea02-031
While starting vehicle steering locked up, and consumer could no longer turn wheel or control vehicle. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak ref. In ea02-031
Steering column locks up when starting up. Can't move steering wheel. Dealer contacted. Please add VIN. *ak ref. In ea02-031
Steering column locked up while backing out of driveway. *ak ref. In ea02-031
I inserted the key, like normal, started the engine, put into reverse, and backed up and while backing, the steering column locked up via computer control. I've heard of this happening to other owners/drivers while they were driving. This is very unsafe! I cannot get any co-operation from general motors at all!!! Ref. In ea02-031
Gm has recalled vehicle beginning with VIN# w5123355. The steering column will not unlock when vehicle has been started.*ak ref. In ea02-031
Steering column locked up while driving! *ak ref. In ea02-031
No summary listed for above vehicle.
On numerous occasions and upon starting vehicle steering wheel locks up. Consumer has to cut off car and restart it. Please provide any further information. *ak ref. In ea02-031
Gmc issued a recall for this problem, my VIN was not covered, so gmc said I had to pay, even though my car has the same problem with the same failed part, my VIN is very close to those affected. No safety defect mentioned.
Steering wheel locked up when going into drive. Once in drive while moving the engine stopped and I hit the curb taking off some paint. If this would have happened on a highway I would have die. I called gmc, but they said that my car did not have this problem so there was nothing they could do at this time. On the web and on your site I see that my model year does have this problem. I said to gm I seems to me that this will only be a problem for you when I am kill in this car and my family will sue you for million of dollars which you will pay only to keep it out of court and the news papers. I feel that you at the federal safety agency should do what you say people saving people. If I was the only person that you save maybe you will have done what you say. I think the only way that gm will do anything is if you get involed.*ak ref. In ea02-031
Went to start car - car would start - steering wheel would not turn - message to remove key and wait 10 seconds came across dashboard - also message of service column locked - tried for 30 minutes - called dealer for info - was told to take to chevy dealer - had to have car towed - chevy dealer told me there was nothing wrong ref. In ea02-031
Steering colmum has failed to unlock on three occaisions, once at the dealer, twice after being parked. Vehicle has required flatbed transportation to dealer 2 times. *ak ref. In ea02-031
Steering column locks and will not release. *ak ref. In ea02-031
On at least 3 occasions the steering wheel on my 1998 corvette would not unlock after the car was cranked. After numerous attempts of removing the key and restarting the car the steering wheel finally unlocked. I contacted the local chevrolet dealer who did not know what caused the problem or how to fix the problem. On july 18, 2001, I received a letter from chevrolet ( recall c01044) stating that "your corvette may have been built with a condition in which the steering wheel may not unlock when the key is turned to the on position." I was relieved to find out that my problem was going to be fixed. I contacted the local chevrolet dealer, carter chevrolet, to make an appointment but was informed that the recall was for my 2000 corvette (which is not having the problem) not my 1998 corvette (which is having the problem). I also was informed that some 1998 models were included in the recall, but not mine. Next, I contacted chevrolet customer service which informed me that my car was not included in the recall and nothing would be done. They could not tell my why some 1998 models were included in the recall and not mine. I am extremely concerned that chevrolet knew that the recall did not include all the models which has this problem. I am sure there are numerous corvette owners not included in the recall which are affected by the problem. Would you please investigate why all 1998 models with this problem were not recalled. Thanks for your assistance. *ak ref. In ea02-031
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Column lock - when I went to start my car column lock would not unlock. Tried jiggling wheel, etc for 45 minutes then called a taxi.
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