2002 Chevrolet Corvette Steering Problems
Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette, 38% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 31,820 miles. The words owners use most often: “steering column” (59% of reports).
- 59steering complaints
- 31,820median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 13%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 35 of 59 complaints (59%)
- Wheel locked: mentioned in 7 of 59 complaints (12%)
- Key seconds: mentioned in 5 of 59 complaints (8%)
- Active handling: mentioned in 5 of 59 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 52 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 59 complaints, 1 mention a crash.
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.
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving 5-10 MPH, the steering wheel locked-up, and the vehicle continued to drive in a circle. The steering column warning light was illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the contact…
Steering wheel is locked after parking it after work. The recall on all other vehicles my year that has been fixed by the factory has a wire ran to the pcm are computer not sure what they are calling it. But the fix will not let the steering wheel lock. And i have watched a lot of youtube videos on…
I bought car off internet not sure if any recalls have been done traction controls service abs stability controls lights will not go off told that parts are discontinued you may reach me at [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2002 Chevrolet Corvettes have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 59 owner complaints about steering for the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (38% of the 157 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 2002 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 31,820 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about steering problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette?
The most frequent phrase is “steering column”, in 35 of 59 complaints, followed by “wheel locked” (7).
See all 2002 Chevrolet Corvette problems or steering problems across all Corvette years.