1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

466

Owner Complaints

16 Crashes 1 Fire

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

29

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

The 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE has received a total of 466 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE. 29 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device (82 complaints), Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar (80 complaints), and Steering (37 complaints).

Recalls for the 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE, potentially affecting up to 257,003 vehicles.

Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

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Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

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Recall 04V060000 — STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

| 126,624 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: 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...

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Recall 00V111000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT

| 71,569 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LAP BELT WEBBING CAN TWIST ALLOWING THE WEBBING TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR.

Consequence: WHEN THE BELT WEBBING BECOMES JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR, THE SEAT BELT MAY BE UNUSABLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL INSERTS TO THE BELT WEB GUIDE OF EACH LAP BELT RETRACTOR.

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Owner Complaints for the 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

466 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 82 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 80 1 Crash
Steering
Complaints: 37 1 Crash
Seats
Complaints: 23
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 15 1 Crash
Electrical System
Complaints: 13 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 11 1 Fire
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 8
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 7
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 7
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 7
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 7 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 6
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 6
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 6
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 6
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 5
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Power Train
Complaints: 5
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 5
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 4
Engine
Complaints: 4
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 4
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 4
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 3
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 3
Parking Brake
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 3
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 3
Traction Control System
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 3
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 2
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 2
Seat Belts
Complaints: 2
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Air Bags
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Air Bagson Off Switch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring Rear Compartmenttrunk
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Controlautomatic Asc
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalanti Theft Devices
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherdeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeconventionalmechanical
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilockwheel Speed Sensor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Steeringsteering Control Module
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyroof And Pillars
Complaints: 1
Suspension
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearsprings
Complaints: 1
Tires
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Wheelshubcapcover
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11607560 | STEERING | | N/A miles
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering column lock failed to unlock, preventing the vehicle from being driven. After turning the key, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The service steering column lock warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11565697 | STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE | | 59,565 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while the vehicle was with a local transmission mechanic for service, the technician was reversing out of the service bay when the Service Column warning light illuminated. No other warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to another local mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,565.
#11519241 | STEERING | | 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering column remained in the locked position and the steering wheel could not be turned in either direction. The contact stated that occasionally the message "Remove Key - Wait 10 Seconds" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced that failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 78,000.
#11477534 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
I own a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The EBCM can have an issue. Complains of traction control, ABS braking and AH active handling. This can cause issues when driving with no ABS active. I have seen numerous complaints about this issue here and on various forums. Unfortunately the part needed to correct the issue is no longer available and for some reason cannot be repaired. Used parts are costly (2K or more) and no guarantee they work. GM should provide replacement part or work around. If not available they should offer total car buy backs for a fare price depending on condition or offer an exchange for a corvette that can be repaired.
#11477534 | STEERING | | N/A miles
I own a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The EBCM can have an issue. Complains of traction control, ABS braking and AH active handling. This can cause issues when driving with no ABS active. I have seen numerous complaints about this issue here and on various forums. Unfortunately the part needed to correct the issue is no longer available and for some reason cannot be repaired. Used parts are costly (2K or more) and no guarantee they work. GM should provide replacement part or work around. If not available they should offer total car buy backs for a fare price depending on condition or offer an exchange for a corvette that can be repaired.

View all Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

General Motors, LLC has issued 29 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

PIC-5391 — TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

GM: THE DIAGNOSIS AND PROCEDURE FOR WHEN THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ON. *RM

PIC-5347A — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM

GM: THE FUEL GAUGE MAY SHOW EMPTY WHEN THERE IS STILL GAS IN THE TANK. VEHICLES MAY ALSO RUN OUT OF GAS WITH THE FUEL GAUGE AT HALF-FULL. *RM

040731005 — POWER TRAIN

CLUTCH PRESSURE PLATE WEAR INDICATOR ADJUSTMENT. *TT

01418 — VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

BLOTCHES IN ALL GLASS. SERVICE VME. *TT

020604022A — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING AND DATA LINE DIAGNOSIS USING J42236A. *TT

060503 — WHEELS

NUMBER OF COMMENTS ABOUT THE WHEELS BEING DAMAGED FROM THE WHEEL WEIGHT MOVING ON THE WHEEL FLANGE. *TT

060403 — STRUCTURE:BODY

WATER LEAK INTO THE DRIVER'S FOOT WELL AREA. REPAIRS WILL CONSIST OF REMOVING THE WIPER MOTOR AND RESEALING THE COWL SEAM. *TT

020420003 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED SIDE COVER AND GASKET REPLACEMENT (RH) / DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER COVER AND SEAL REPLACEMENT - RIGHT. *TT

051302 — EQUIPMENT

INFORMATION ON DECALS USED ON THE INDY PACE CAR. *TT

020857003 — STRUCTURE:BODY

SUBJECT REGARDING GENERAL WATERLEAK GUIDE. *TT

Showing 10 of 29 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE.

Investigation PE99066 — STEERING Closed

Opened:

STEERING COLUMN LOCK MODULE

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