1999 Chevrolet Corvette Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 194about this part
- Share
- 63%of 308 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,610miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 194 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Chevrolet Corvette, 63% of the 308 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,610 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After parking and trying to restart the engine the message steering column maintainance needed the engine started but when I put it in gear the engine stopped. After trying to start the car again and again the same result. I checked the owners manuel and found no such item. After sitting for about 20 minutes the cat did start and I got home.”
NHTSA complaint #11342425, filed 2020-07, 43,000 miles“I am the third owner of this car and it has 24,500 original miles. At 19,000 (4/19/2004) the steering column lock recall was performed. Then in 2006 it was announced that even those initial recall repairs were failing and it was suggested to have the locking pin removed altogether which never was done to my car. My car currently has a locked pin and the dealer says they will not do the repair or remove the pin for free unless I file a complaint with the nhta.”
NHTSA complaint #11139068, filed 2018-10, 24,500 miles“Service active handling message on dic . It comes and gos . It usually shuts off after turning ignition off and restarting . I don't know if it is working or not. This safety concern . Gm should have service parts for electronic components or have some other company have the rights to make them . What are owners supposed to do? We need a law for this. This is not a throw a way car . This car has only 24000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10692291, filed 2015-03, 24,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11114633, filed 2018-07, 88,000 miles“Service column lock did not disengage when car started and was able to pull out of parking spot before realizing I could not steer my vehicle! Luckily I did not hit anything.”
NHTSA complaint #11005625, filed 2017-07, 100,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V060000Feb 9, 2004On certain passenger vehicles equipped with electronic column lock systems (ecl), when the ignition switch is turned to "lock," the ecl system prevents…Covers: Chevrolet Corvette 1997–2004
Related service bulletins
- 10245989Oct 5, 2023This Preliminary Information communicates diagnostic information to dealership techs to assist them in diagnosing either a "Service Column Lock" or a "Pull Key, Wait 10 Seconds"…
- 10113188Aug 12, 2013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician vehicles with a slight rough idle. Technician should compare the concern with a like vehicle. If…
- 10019745Feb 1, 2006Special policy adjustment-electronic column lock system. The column lock may fail to unlock the steering column when the vehicle is started.
- 10017466Jul 1, 2005Revised steering column turn signal cancel cam and steering shaft upper bearing spring replacement (manual and telescoping) procedure.
- 10014919May 12, 2005Telescoping column moves with seat switch.
- 10012082Nov 23, 2004Electronic column lock system. This bulletin cancels and replaces bulletin 04006a, issued july 2004.
- 10012991Feb 12, 2004A condition in which the vehicle can operate when the electronic steering column fails to unlock.
- 10012577Aug 1, 2003Revised steering wheel position sensor or steering shaft lower bearing replacement procedure and steering wheel position sensor centering procedure.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 19 | 7% |
| 2016 | 5 | 5% |
| 2014 | 6 | 10% |
| 2013 | 3 | 4% |
| 2012 | 2 | 4% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 5 | 3% |
| 2008 | 12 | 2% |
| 2007 | 22 | 6% |
| 2006 | 44 | 12% |
| 2005 | 76 | 14% |
| 2004 | 36 | 17% |
| 2003 | 32 | 38% |
| 2002 | 59 | 38% |
| 2001 | 88 | 43% |
| 2000 | 169 | 61% |
| 1999 | 194 | 63% |
| 1998 | 215 | 54% |
| 1997 | 95 | 62% |
| 1996 | 6 | 14% |
| 1993 | 2 | 9% |
| 1989 | 1 | 7% |
| 1988 | 1 | 6% |
| 1987 | 2 | 10% |
| 1985 | 2 | 13% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
| 1981 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
30 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsSeat belts
19 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsSeats
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology