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 2006 Chevrolet Corvette owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased this car from a dealer in Sarasota Florida. Driving it home from the dealer, I was driving approximately 70 mph on [redacted] near Sarasota. The vehicle suddenly braked and pulled to the left simultaneously. I have taken it to a repair shop that specializes in Corvettes, and trying to ID the problem. In doing research, evidently it is related to the active handling system. There is a recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V172000 Manufacturer GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Components STEERING Potential Number of Units Affected 40,028 and a service bulletin 10118.
my service active handling and traction control light will come on randomly and disappear, when it does come on usually my car will brake on one side of the car and skip and skid over to one side. when it happens I have zero control of the braking and steering and it has taken my car into another lane completely. it is terrifying and I've had the whole brake system replaced, along with ecm, ebcm, rack and pinion all suspension and steering components, wiring harness and just about everything I could think of that may cause it. I have a tilting telescope steering wheel and I've heard that they can cause this
On numerous occasions the past two years the active handling system in the vehicle will take control for no reason and brake on one side causing the car to swerve out of its lane and other times applies the brakes on its own. Very dangerous.
In 2010, there was a recall on my vehicle for "steering wheel position sensor." the issue was the "service active handling" warning notice was intermittently appearing in the driver information center. The remedy was to install a plastic clip. This remedy did not fix the issue and I was told I needed a new "steering wheel position sensor" and that it was not covered by the recall and it would be at my expense. I did not have the repair done at that time because I rarely drive the car, and the problem was intermittent. The dealership advised me to have a front end alignment and that seemed to fix the problem for awhile. The "service active handling" warning has returned, and I'm scheduled to have the sensor replaced for about $800. This seems to be a widely known problem in the 2005-2006 corvettes, and the plastic clip did not fix the issue. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly jerked to the right as the service active handling warning message illuminated. The contact was able to drive home without incident after the vehicle was inspected. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 10V172000 (steering) which the contact linked with the failure. The contact spoke to both the manufacturer and peltier Chevrolet (2700 w. Sw loop 323, tyler, tx 75701) where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. While driving 30 MPH, the active handling system engaged and the front end of the vehicle began to shake. While the accelerator pedal was depressed, the brakes engaged independently. The vehicle was taken to michaels Toyota of fresno, california (50 west bullards ave, [phone] 93704), but the source of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact indicated that NHTSA campaign number: 10V172000 (steering) was a possible explanation for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. While driving at 25 MPH, the service active handling system warning light illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the signal interruption within the steering column needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V172000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle braked independently and "service active handling system error" illuminated on the message board. The contact had to restart the vehicle in order for it to operate properly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was aware that the previous owner repaired the vehicle per NHTSA campaign number: 10V172000(steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while traveling 50 MPH the service active handling system light illuminated. The contact lost control of the vehicle and veered to the left through traffic before hitting a wall. The driver of the vehicle sustained minor cuts and bruises. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 103,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. While reversing the vehicle at approximately 5 MPH, the service ride control warning indicator illuminated. The contact also observed that the steering wheel pulled in the opposite direction occasionally. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 10V172000 (steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Related recalls
Steering › Column
GM is recalling certain model year 2005 and 2006 Chevrolet corvette passenger cars manufactured between March 2004 and January 2006 equipped with a tilt and telescoping steering column (rpo n37). In rare cases, repeated movement of the steering column May cause a signal interruption within the column.
Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2010. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or at the owner center at…
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Certain passenger vehicles May have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose May fracture and leak fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on October 14, 2005.
Steering complaints in other Corvette years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette, 12% of the model year's 365 complaints. The component named most often is column (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-172 (column, Apr 26, 2010); NHTSA recall 05V-455 (hose, piping, and connections, Oct 5, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.