Most common 2002 Chevrolet Corvette problems
Share of the 157 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 →
2002 Chevrolet Corvette recalls (1)
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 defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette:
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…
What 2002 Chevrolet Corvette owners say
Steering all 59 →
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving 5-10 MPH, the steering wheel locked-up, and the vehicle continued to drive in a circle. The steering column warning light was illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering), and the dealer determined that the electronic steering column lock replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the dealer for financial assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 51,491.
Backing up from a private parking place I almost crashed due to the steering column locked on me. I tried to free it but it wouldn't release. The car computer indicated I should remove key for 10 seconds and reinsert to free the locked steering wheel, no success. Had car towed to the Chevy dealer for a fix. Dealer said their was a recall on this defect back in 2004. Dealer records indicate that I took the vehicle in for a recall but I don't remember what the recall was for. Nonetheless, I have no records explaining what was specifically done at that time on the recall. The dealer also has no specific records on that recall. I am the original owner. The dealer here in pahrump nv fixed the problem and said that the problem was a computer defect causing the anti theft plate to lock the steering plate. …
Wheels & tires all 35 →
Noticed a slight vibration coming from rear of car when driving on a paved smooth road at 65 MPH. Upon later inspection, I discovered a 2" long cracked lr wheel the crack is located at the base of one of 5 slender spokes where it connects to the barrel of the wheel. Any retailer who lists this 18" forged aluminum wheel is out of stock as this upgraded wheel was under-designed for the loading that happens to a high performance vehicle. This is a common problem with the c5 corvettes and could result in a catastrophic accident at high interstate speeds.
Both rear wheels are cracked and will not hold air for more than a day! After contacting general motors about the problem they stated that there are no recall's on these wheels. This is a real safety issue for these wheels can brake at any time.
Fuel & propulsion system
The ignition key started the car but the car continued to stall out when the clutch was released failing to propel the car leaving me stranded with a running(ideling) but non functional vehicle.I could not move the vehicle and it was subject to traffic crash. I need to have the vehicle retrieved by the dealer for repait. It is non-operable. There weree no warnings to me on the vehicle that the p roblem existed
After fueling vehicle and parking in garage the vehicle for days will smell very strongly of gasoline until gallons are consumed via driving to approx. 3/4 of tank. Vehicle is not over filled ! No visual indications of fuel leaking on ground. This also happened since on July 12, 2016 last time vehicle was fueled.
2002 Chevrolet Corvette engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette a good car?
Based on 157 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Corvette rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Corvette at the same age. 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 2002 Chevrolet Corvette?
The steering — 59 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about column locking › anti-theft device. Next are the wheels & tires (35) and fuel & propulsion system (19).
How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 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 2002 Chevrolet Corvette problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 43,000 miles; 59% 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.