1999 Chevrolet Corvette Steering Problems

Which parts fail

• Steering wheel/handle bar
  75
• Column locking › Anti-theft device
  67
• Column
  10
• Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
  1
• Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid
  1

Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  1519%
• 25k–50k
  3848%
• 50k–75k
  1316%
• 75k–100k
  79%
• 100k–150k
  68%
• 150k+
  11%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Chevrolet Corvette owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering) in 2019. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the message "Service - Steering Column Lock" was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that he needed to pay for a diagnostic test to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 37,300.

Still having a problem with the steering column locking on my 1999 Corvette after the first recall was performed. Chevrolet issued a second recall but I never received a notification. the dealer indicated both recalls were closed and I had to pay $600+ to fix the problem. I contacted GM Customer Care for assistance but pretty much got the same feedback that the recall was closed and that there was no financial assistance they would provide, 100% of the cost would be my responsibility. I don't understand how a safety recall can be closed until it is repaired? I'm not sure why consumers have to pay for a design issue that has the potential of causing an accident due to the potential of the steering column locking up while driving! I had no choice but to direct the dealer to perform the repairs so I can drive the car with confidents it won't lockup in the future. …

While pulling my car out of the garage and in drive the steering wheel locked as if the key was removed and in the security mode. I stopped the car and tried to wiggle the key to remedy, it would not, I had to stop the car, return the transmission to park, turn the key off and remove, and when I reinstalled and started the car the steering wheel would unlock. I took the car to the dealer, whom informed me this was a safety recall, had been addressed about 3500 miles prior, and it would now need to be repeated and my cost is almost $1000.00. It appears to me the recall correction was either not designed, installed, or has correctly resolved the recall problem. Imagine had this occurred while traveling at highway speeds?? I contacted GM and reported, they chose to do nothing. [redacted]

The Corvette shut down and displayed steering column lock. Based on prior GM Corvette recalls the recall to fix this problem (steering column lock) where they state "a crash could occur without warning" did not cover all corvettes made during this time period. GM service operations dcs851 effective through 2003. I did not get far with GM or the dealership on addressing the column lock issue. Since GM states it could result in a crash it surprised me that they don't have any interest in looking into whether the recall should be expanded to include other corvettes during the time period they had over 126,000 affected. If it was necessary back than what is different now?

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that there was a warning light that illuminated for the steering column locking. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and indicated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V060000 (steering) because the statute to have the repair performed was expired. The contact was uncertain of when the vehicle would be repaired as the failure was recently progressing. The vehicle was either to be taken to an independent mechanic or an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing and repair. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000. Updated 05/24/16

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that when the key was inserted in the ignition, the steering wheel lock warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the warning indicator light instructed to remove the key and wait ten0 seconds to retry. The contact followed the instructions, but it failed to unlock the steering wheel. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 04V060000 (steering); however, the repair failed to remedy the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Corvette. While attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel would not unlock. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 04V060000 (steering), but the remedy failed to repair the failure. The contact mentioned that the steering locked up when attempting to start the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000. Updated 06/29/16 the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired, free of charge. Updated 08/03/16.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Corvette. After the key was placed in the ignition, the vehicle cranked. However, the steering wheel was in a locked position and the gear shifter failed to shift into gear. A few hours later, the steering wheel unlocked without warning. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 04V060000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 27,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that the steering column seized while driving 25 MPH. During the failure, the steering wheel lock warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was remedied according to NHTSA campaign number: 04V060000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 22,000. Updated 02/05/16 updated 05/02/18

My steering column failed in "locked" position. Car can not be driven. I called Chevy global and told my car was not covered in recall number 04006c. I called dealer and was told the steering column was fixed in 2004, two years before the 2006 recall. I asked how could the column lock if the original lock plate was removed? No one can answer that. They proceeded to remove the lock plate and charge me $300. I never received any notification of this recall or service bulletin back in 2006.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Steering complaints in other Corvette years