2003 Chevrolet Corvette Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 38%of 85 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette, 38% of the 85 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“The steering locking mechanism seized and locked the tires in place while parking it in our druveway making the vehicle impossible to drive. Had to have it towed to dealership and was told our specific car VIN was not on the recall for the locking for steering and they would not correct the problem without a charge to us.”
NHTSA complaint #10978912, filed 2017-04, 6,100 miles“There really wasn't any events leading up to our accident that I was aware of. I have not contacted general motors as of yet,my internet has been down and was only fixed this evening around 4:00. But back to my accident,my steering locked up on me and all lost all control of my car. Sorry I don't have more information. I just know my wife and I are lucky to be alive. Thank you!”
NHTSA complaint #10297619, filed 2009-12, 34,000 miles“I was traveling 60 MPH on a freeway when the car suddenly went left and then right. It felt like the car was steering its self. When the pitched it went into the left lane then the right lane. I was in the center lane. I was able to bring the car under control but it scared me. It was so dramatic I could have had a very nasty accident involving my death or the other drivers an the freeway..I took my foot off the accelerator and put the car into the slow lane and backed speed down to 50. The weather was not an issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10825512, filed 2016-02, 45,000 miles“I was backing out my driveway and my steering column locked and I could not control the car. I pulled up the emergency brake and stopped the car because I could not control the car. Myself and a neighbor was able to push the car back in the driveway. The computer gave the message ..steering column lock message and then the car would not start anymore...meaning it would crank but just immediately shut off. This is a recall safety problem with this car and chevorlet is aware recall number 4006 a, b, c and special provision policy 05081.”
NHTSA complaint #11006070, filed 2017-07, 153,000 miles“While driving, my vehicle's warning system for the active handling & ABS system activates during normal driving conditions. It is highly unlikely that both of these systems would develop a problem at the same time. Upon researching this, I discovered that GM realized a flaw in the designing of the wiring harness that is contained within the steering column that is responsible. Gm has designed a part to fix this, but at the owner's expense. …”
NHTSA complaint #10285909, filed 2009-10, 24,500 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"…
- 10113436Feb 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone…
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 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
15 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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