Most common 1998 Chevrolet Corvette problems
Share of the 399 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Corvette complaints by model year
Best Corvette years: 2021, 2012, 2011. Years to avoid: 2017, 2019, 1998, 2005, 2008. Compare all years →
1998 Chevrolet Corvette recalls (2)
Steering › Column locking › Anti-theft device
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.
Remedy: On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the dealer will disable the steering column lock by removing the column lock plate.
Seat belts › Front
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lap belt webbing can twist allowing the webbing to become jammed in the retractor.
Remedy: Dealers will install inserts to the belt web guide of each lap belt retractor.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 5 possible defects involving the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette:
Front lap belt malfunction
There is no summary currently available
Steering column lock module
There is no summary currently available
Steering column lockup
See resume in repository.
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…
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…
What 1998 Chevrolet Corvette owners say
Steering all 215 →
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.
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.
Brakes all 36 →
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.
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.
Electrical system all 32 →
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. While at a complete stop, the accelerator pedal depressed independently and the traction control indicator illuminated. In addition, all the instrument panel indicators illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal, lost control of the vehicle, and crashed into a tree. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact was injured and received medical attention for torn muscles in his neck, on the left side of the head three inches above the ear, one rib on the left side was fractured, and torn muscles in the lower back. The vehicle was towed home. The failure mileage was 106,000.
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. …
1998 Chevrolet Corvette engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette a good car?
Based on 399 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Corvette rates avoid: 3.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Corvette at the same age. It is one of the Corvette years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette?
The steering — 215 complaints, 54% of all complaints for this model year, most often about column locking › anti-theft device. Next are the brakes (36) and electrical system (32).
How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette, the most recent from February 9, 2004 (anti-theft device). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Corvette?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2021, 2012 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017, 2019, 1998, 2005 and 2008. See the full Chevrolet Corvette years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Corvette problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 46,000 miles; 57% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.