Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Chevrolet Corvette owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
I have owned my 1998 Corvette for two years. The pull key and wait 10 seconds and the service steering column lock errors are crippling me enjoyment of the car. I have installed an lmc5 module last year and the problems will not go away. The recall on the service column lock was performed on the car which removed the actual locking mechanism on the steering column. But the car will not move over two miles per hour with the error message and I have found no fixed that help me. What is GM doing about the horrible horrible problem on their most distinguished car model.... ? All instances happen when first stariting the car no matter how long it has sat. Battery is perfect. I very rarely dive the car, but when I do I have this horrible problem and it is getting worse.
Have had multiple issues with this car. Had a service column lock display. Took it in on a recall. They fixed it and 6 months later left me stranded again with same code. Charged me 1000 dollars to tell me the wheel lock broke. We all know that's not true. 2 weeks later have a service power train with numerous codes. Have to reset all codes to drive car. They come back with service traction control system and heater blows hot on one side and cold on other. Then next day it's the opposite. Unfortunately this is the only Corvette that I have had problems with and according to the reviews. The c5 Corvette has many drive train issues. This should be addressed and recalled if they want buyers to Chevrolet vehicles.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. Prior to the contact owning the vehicle, it was repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 04V060000 (steering). The repair did not correct the failure. The service column lock warning lamp illuminated randomly and the vehicle stalled several times. The steering wheel locked and would not unlock. The contact was unable to drive over 2 MPH each time the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who replaced the column lock bypass. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The column lock failure warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the harness kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however the failure recurred. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V060000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.
A recall was taken care of 7/17/14. I am having the same issue again. Steering column locks, and stalls. Car cannot be moved. The dealer and their support advisers cannot find a fix. Their solution is to remove the lock kit, bypass the safety mechanisms, charge me $450.00. A harness and lock kit are at fault. They will not cover the issue. I am left with the car without the safety feature. Car can be easily stolen, steering wheel turns without a key.
The dic showed "service steering wheel lock", remove key and wait 10 seconds. There was a recall on 97-2004 corvettes for this. My VIN does not show up but GM service bulletin louieinli #04006cc (electronic column lock) covers vehicle vins from w5100001 to w5131069. My steering wheel locked up coming out of my garage. I have less than 37,000 on it. Why was my VIN omitted from your recall?? It has cost be $600 for repairs.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact started the ignition and heard a loud noise. All of the warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel and remained so until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, but was not repaired. In rainy weather conditions, water leaked from the front driver and passenger side windows. Also, the trunk sustained water leakage and caused a strong odor and mildew. On a separate occasion, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for the water leakage failures; however, the failures still persist. The vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 42,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly with the illumination of the posi traction and ABS warning indicators. The brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle failed to slow down until the gear was shifted into the park position. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the steering harness and an unknown part related to the front engine was replaced. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken to a different dealer where the master computer and alternator were both replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,722.
Electrical complaints in other Corvette years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette, 8% of the model year's 399 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Corvette electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Corvette electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.