1997 Chevrolet Corvette Steering Problems
Owners have filed 95 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette, 62% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 40,500 miles. The words owners use most often: “steering column” (47% of reports).
- 95steering complaints
- 40,500median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 8%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Steering column: mentioned in 45 of 95 complaints (47%)
- EA02 cjs: mentioned in 41 of 95 complaints (43%)
- Wheel locked: mentioned in 18 of 95 complaints (19%)
- Summary listed: mentioned in 5 of 95 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 28 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 95 complaints, 1 an injury.
Chevrolet Corvette steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Corvette | 3 | 2% | 1,000 |
| 2018 Corvette | 1 | 2% | 8,686 |
| 2017 Corvette | 18 | 7% | 8,000 |
| 2016 Corvette | 5 | 5% | 900 |
| 2014 Corvette | 6 | 10% | 328 |
| 2013 Corvette | 3 | 4% | 1,095 |
| 2012 Corvette | 2 | 4% | 60,000 |
| 2011 Corvette | 2 | 2% | 13,350 |
| 2010 Corvette | 1 | 1% | 6,000 |
| 2009 Corvette | 5 | 3% | 30,000 |
| 2008 Corvette | 12 | 2% | 27,500 |
| 2007 Corvette | 22 | 6% | 38,125 |
| 2006 Corvette | 44 | 12% | 33,321 |
| 2005 Corvette | 76 | 14% | 46,000 |
| 2004 Corvette | 36 | 17% | 33,200 |
| 2003 Corvette | 32 | 38% | 35,000 |
| 2002 Corvette | 59 | 38% | 31,820 |
| 2001 Corvette | 88 | 43% | 37,400 |
| 2000 Corvette | 169 | 61% | 36,600 |
| 1999 Corvette | 194 | 63% | 42,610 |
| 1998 Corvette | 215 | 54% | 46,526 |
| 1997 Corvette | 95 | 62% | 40,500 |
| 1996 Corvette | 6 | 14% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Steering:column locking:anti-theft device
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 .
Risk: If this occurs, a crash could occur without warning.
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet corvette. While attempting to drive in reverse, the engine stalled and the steering warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was previously…
The chevrolet corvette was started in the courthouse parking lot moving in reverse with the steering wheel locked in place narrowing avoiding pedestrians. The vehicle could be moved in either direction, but the steering wheel could not be unlocked and subsequently transported to princeton chevrolet…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet corvette. The contact stated that the vehicle steering lock box was not operating properly and the vehicle stalled. The contact mentioned that the control steering lock warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer previously for repairs under…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 1997 Chevrolet Corvettes have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 95 owner complaints about steering for the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (62% of the 153 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette steering?
Yes: 1 safety recall list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do steering problems start?
The median reported mileage is 40,500 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about steering problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette?
The most frequent phrase is “steering column”, in 45 of 95 complaints, followed by “ea02 cjs” (41).
See all 1997 Chevrolet Corvette problems or steering problems across all Corvette years.