The problem
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. The vehicle is designed so that if the column fails to unlock when the vehicle is started and the customer tries to drive, the fuel supply will be shut off so that the vehicle cannot move when the vehicle cannot be steered. If voltage at the powertrain control module is low or interrupted, however, the fuel shut off May not occur and the vehicle can be accelerated while the steering system is locked. Also when the control system shows that the ecl is unlocked and the vehicle is being driven, the lock pin location can vary. Depending on the location of the lock plate relative to the switch transition point, there could then be contact between the lock plate and pin causing the steering to lock while driving .
The risk
If this occurs, a crash could occur without warning.
The fix
On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the dealer will disable the steering column lock by removing the column lock plate. When the ignition key is removed, the transmission shifter will lock but the steering column will not lock. On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the dealer will reprogram the powertrain control module, perform a dimensional check of the column lock and, if necessary, replace the lock plate. The steering column on these vehicles will continue to lock when the key is removed. Owner notification to owners of 1997 vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions began on April 26, 2004. Owners of 1998 through 2004 vehicles (except 1997-1998 manual transmission vehicles) will be notified beginning on August 2, 2004. The remaining owners (1997-1998 manual transmission vehicles) will be notified later in 2004, when parts are available. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 04V-060 (04V060000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 04006 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Steering › Column locking › Anti-theft device |
| Report date | February 9, 2004 |
| Owners notified | April 26, 2004 |
| Vehicles affected | 126,624 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the steering
- 1997 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems 95
- 1998 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems 215
- 1999 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems 194
- 2000 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems 169
- 2001 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems 88
- 2002 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems 59
- 2003 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems 32
- 2004 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems 36
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 04V-060 repair free?
Yes. Chevrolet dealers will fix the problem at no cost: On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the dealer will disable the steering column lock by removing the column lock plate. When the ignition key is removed, the transmission shifter will lock but the steering column will not lock.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 126,624 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.