Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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.
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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
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 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the power steering lock warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive home safely. The vehicle was then taken to schumacher Buick GMC of north palm beach dealer located at 3720 northlake blvd suite c, lake park, fl 33403 where it was diagnosed that the steering lock, the steering plate, the steering shaft and the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at [phone] and was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not part of the recall and that the contact had to pay for the repair. A case number 8-3480612551 was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 79,500.
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. While turning into the driveway, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact stated that he powered off and restarted the engine multiple times, shook the steering wheel, and removed the battery so the computer could reprogram; however, the steering wheel remained locked. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started and switched into the drive position, it moved forward briefly and stalled as the column lock repair warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted but the failure recurred and the vehicle failed to drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 04V060000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.
Related recalls
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.
NHTSA investigations
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…
Steering complaints in other Corvette years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette?
NHTSA has 215 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette, 54% of the model year's 399 complaints. The component named most often is column locking › anti-theft device (82 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-060 (anti-theft device, Feb 9, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to steering 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.