Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. After filling the vehicle with fuel, the contact started the engine, drove three feet, and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, waited a few minutes, restarted the vehicle, and drove three more feet before the engine cut off again. The steering column warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 48,253.
While driving, the steering wheel suddenly locked and the engine shut off. The car was stuck in the roadway. The car was towed to the local dealer, who said a critical recall was never done. Although I am the original owner, I never received a recall notice from GM. The recall, which I later found to possibly affect 120,000 corvettes from 1997 to 2004, was performed according to GM instructions. However, the recall only consisted of removing the steering lock pins. The likelihood of fuel system shut off still existed. The dealer said the GM recall was ineffective, GM was aware that the recall was insufficient, and said the entire mechanism needed to be replaced in order to prevent future recurrence. The replacement was then done at my cost. As a licensed professional engineer I believe the inadequate GM recall remediation is a serious safety defect. …
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact noticed that the oil sending unit displayed non-realistic numbers. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the oil sending unit, the component that indicates the amount of pressure in the vehicle, failed. The mechanic changed the entire oil sending unit, which repaired the issue for 13 months. Through research, the contact found numerous complaints on this vehicle for the identical failure. He believes that a recall should be issued. The vehicle has not yet been taken to the dealer for the second time. The failure mileage was 72,000 and current mileage was 84,000. Updated 6/18/09 the consumer also stated there was a problem with the gas guage. Updated 06/22/09.
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.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the engine shut off. The service column lock warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. In addition, there was a malfunction with the passenger and driver's side seat belts. The vehicle has not been taken to an authorized dealer. The contact was displeased to know that his VIN was excluded from the recall that lists this same failure. The recall number was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.
I was driving on a freeway and engine/power went down while driving. After stopping in the middle of the fastest lane in the freeway, I was able to restart the engine. This happened 3 times so far while owning this car. I could have been hit by the cars behind me but luckily all 3 times I was fine just unhappy drivers honking me from behind. Since the repair cost might be sky high, I am yet to bring my car to the dealer.
While backing out of the garage engine shut off. Consumer pulled key out of ignition, waited 10 seconds, and tried to restart vehicle. Dashboard lit up, and vehicle would not start. Consumer stated there was investigation ea02031 that explained the exact problem.
Im started my car, put it in drive and drove off. I noticed my steering wheel was locked. The engine died almost right away. I was going about 3 MPH. I restarted the engine several times trying to free the steering. Nothing worked. I had to back my car out of the street with no steering. The next morning the steering started working again. After talking to some Corvette club member, I found out that this is very common to happen on late model corvettes. Ref. In ea02-031
Both exhaust pipes are separated from flange in front of rear axle. Pipes keep muffler off ground. When separate and muffler hits ground, it can damage rear of vehicle, and vehicle in path. Also fumes are leaking from exhaust pipes. Dealer contacted.*akthe inspector at the inpection station informed consumer that this was common in corvettes with the same body style, and the failure is due to faulty exhaust welds allowing exhaust pipe seperation.
Engine complaints in other Corvette years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette, 6% of the model year's 399 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Corvette engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 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.