Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Chevrolet Corvette owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The "active handling" annunciator warning occurs sporadically during driving at 60 - 65 MPH. When this condition occurs, the car swerves right or left and yaws causing some loss of control. The control loss varies per each occurrence, some being more violent than others. I have had a GM trained technician troubleshoot the car with a scan tool and the result was a "steering wheel position sensor" (swps) failure indication on the scan tool. With the engine running and the scan tool connected, the indication of steering wheel angle was zero irrespective of actual steering wheel position. Regardless of actual steering wheel position the indicator showed zero. I have researched your website and have found various service bulletins reflecting this problem. This is a clear safety hazard with respect to this car. …
I have a 2002 Corvette I recently purchased from a friend of mine. While cleaning the car recently I noticed a small crack at the base of one of the spokes on my left rear rim. This crack had not been there previously. Worried about the structure I went to a local tire shop to order a replacement. While there I noticed a 2000 Corvette on the rack for tires. I went over to look at it's rims and saw that the left rear had 3 spokes cracked. I ordered a new aftermarket rim, mine are GM and went home. When I got home I rechecked the vehicle and now saw that the left had more fractures coming from the original crack, and now the right rear also had a crack at the base of the spoke. The car has 46,000 miles. The wheels have never been curbed and only one new set of tires has been put on at a reputable tire company. …
The driver side rear wheel on my 2002 Corvette coupe has a crack in 2 of the spokes. I took it in to my Chevy dealer (crest Chevrolet), they took pictures and submitted a claim to GM. The GM rep. Had the dealer take the tire off the wheel and see if the cracks go through to the inside and get the factory number off the inside & verify it was a GM wheel. The dealer service rep called me and said GM agreed to pay for half the cost of the wheel. I told the service manager that GM's offer was not satisfactory and I would proceed in filing formal complaints. They fact that these wheels are a problem that GM is aware of has been discussed and documented on the corvetteforum.com website. Http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=1461736.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and he noticed that the rear driver?s side tire was flat. In addition, both rear wheels were cracked. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure and current mileages were 27,000. The consumer noticed the left rear tire was losing air. He took the vehicle to a local shop, to see if there was a hole in the tire. The technician did not see a hole. However, a closer examination revealed, air was leaking through cracks in the wheel, where the spindle attached tot he rim. More cracks were found and both rear rims were cracking in the same fashion. Updated 09/06/12
Problem: o.e.m. Rear wheels on my 2002 Chevrolet Corvette coupe have developed hairline cracks. I recently noticed hairline cracks each about an inch long on the outer spokes near the edges on both rear wheels. The wheels are stock GM high polished 5 spoke wheels that have not been altered. This vehicle's suspension, wheels or brakes have not been modified. The two front 17 inch o.e.m. Wheels have not developed any cracks. Nothing has been done to correct the failure. Original parts are available but have not yet been replaced.
I have a 2002 Chevrolet Corvette it has 31,000 miles on it I was going to have tires put on it for the first time and noticed both rear wheels are cracked I did not have the tires replaced yet but the dealer center Chevrolet got ahold of the GM rep and they will only buy one rim if I buy the other rim .this car is my wife's and has been very well taken care of , does this sound like there May be a problem with these wheels ( it is both back wheels)?? Please let me know if I need to report this elsewhere.
Aluminum wheels of speedline manufacture as supplied on GM corvettes exhibit cracks in parts of the structure seriously compromising the safety of the vehicles. Predominant model years affected are the 2002-2004 series. The wheels are identified as the thin-spoke design. The tip of the iceberg can be found in complaints on the "Corvette forum". Sometimes failure is referenced by a loss of air pressure dumb luck inspection. Must there be deaths before action is taken?
Dt*: the contact stated cracks were discovered in the spokes on both rear wheels of the vehicle. Although the vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection, no repairs were made. Updated 3/9/2006 - the wheels were inspected by factory representative who authorized the dealer to replace both rear wheels at no cost to the consumer. The electric fuel pump was also replaced.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Corvette years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette, 22% of the model year's 157 complaints. The component named most often is rim (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Corvette wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette, though it has 1 recall 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 2002 Chevrolet Corvette wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 37,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 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.