CHEVROLET CORVETTE · model year

1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

466 NHTSA complaints, 16 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 1998CHEVROLETCORVETTE carries 466 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 16 crashes, 1 fire, 7 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1998 CORVETTE is steering:column locking:anti-theft device with 82 filings, followed by steering: steering wheel/handle bar (80) and steering (37). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 1998 CORVETTE, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

466
Complaints
16
Crashes
1
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

466 filings

Crashes Reported

16 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE82
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR80
STEERING37
SEATS23
STEERING:COLUMN15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
SERVICE BRAKES11
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR8
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR7
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE7
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL6
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP6

Recent Complaints

20240809STEERING

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.

20240116STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

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.

Mileage: 59,565

20230427STEERING

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.

Mileage: 78,000

20220804SERVICE BRAKES

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.

20220804STEERING

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.

20211027SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on slick road surfaces, the contact lost control of the vehicle with the service traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact had called several dealers in the Miami area and was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were no longer being manufactured. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Consumer stated no aftermarket replacements available or made or remanufactured.

Mileage: 110,000

20210805POWER TRAIN

On July 27, 2021, I was cruising in my 1998 Convertible Chevy maunal Corvette with under 50k miles. I had it inspected around the end of June. I just driving pulled ahead of traffic and the clutch pedal went all the way down to floor as I approached a stop light!!! I lost all power. I didn't know what to do, but a light bulb in my head went off. But thankfully there was no traffic and I was able to run a light and coast into a gas station and get towed. Upon research the 1998 manual clutch design is used in newer vehicles that and its a system design flaw. Car at shop and we are waiting for parts that are back ordered. Since transmission has to come out I'm getting all clutch stuff fixed. But clutch wasn't bad just the Fly wheel and Master Salve. I will send you bill when I get it. I could have died, caused an accident, been rear ended, it was crazy.

20210303FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE CAR CONSTANTLY AND REGULARLY SMELLS LIKE GAS ON THE INSIDE.

Mileage: 49,000

20210303FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

THE CAR CONSTANTLY AND REGULARLY SMELLS LIKE GAS ON THE INSIDE.

Mileage: 49,000

20201202ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. PROCEED TO START VEHICLE. STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP. HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. I AM THE THIRD OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. IN RESEARCHING INFORMATION REGARDING PAST RECALLS APPARENTLY HEDRICK'S DEALERSHIP OF FRESNO, CA COMPLETED WORK BUT IN ASKING WHAT THEY COMPLETED, I WAS INFORMED THAT ALL PAST COMPUTER DATA WAS PURGED FROM THEIR FILES SO THEY CANNOT TELL ME WHAT WAS COMPLETED. I THEN CALLED GM TO GET INFORMATION BUT AFTER TALKING TO THREE DIFFERENT PEOPLE I WAS TOLD THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION AS TO WHAT WAS COMPLETED. I REFERENCED A GM REPORT ENTITLED "04006C - PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL - FEBRUARY 8, 2006" IN TALKING WITH THE GM REPRESENTATIVES AND I WAS TOLD THE REPORT DIDN'T EXIST. THE REPORT WAS FOUND AT HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV. THIS REPORT REPLACED BULLETIN 04006B - NOVEMBER 23, 2004. IN READING ON NHTSA, SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS EXPERIENCED THE SAME VEHICLE ISSUES WITH STEERING COLUMN. PLUS, WITH WORK BEING COMPLETED BUT STILL HAVI

Mileage: 84,000

20201202STEERING

THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. PROCEED TO START VEHICLE. STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP. HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. I AM THE THIRD OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. IN RESEARCHING INFORMATION REGARDING PAST RECALLS APPARENTLY HEDRICK'S DEALERSHIP OF FRESNO, CA COMPLETED WORK BUT IN ASKING WHAT THEY COMPLETED, I WAS INFORMED THAT ALL PAST COMPUTER DATA WAS PURGED FROM THEIR FILES SO THEY CANNOT TELL ME WHAT WAS COMPLETED. I THEN CALLED GM TO GET INFORMATION BUT AFTER TALKING TO THREE DIFFERENT PEOPLE I WAS TOLD THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION AS TO WHAT WAS COMPLETED. I REFERENCED A GM REPORT ENTITLED "04006C - PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL - FEBRUARY 8, 2006" IN TALKING WITH THE GM REPRESENTATIVES AND I WAS TOLD THE REPORT DIDN'T EXIST. THE REPORT WAS FOUND AT HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV. THIS REPORT REPLACED BULLETIN 04006B - NOVEMBER 23, 2004. IN READING ON NHTSA, SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS EXPERIENCED THE SAME VEHICLE ISSUES WITH STEERING COLUMN. PLUS, WITH WORK BEING COMPLETED BUT STILL HAVI

Mileage: 84,000

20200329SEAT BELTS

THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WILL NO EXTEND OUT OR RETRACT. JAMMING OCCURS EVEN THOUGH IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE. IT IS A PERSISTENT PROBLEM THAT STARTED ABOUT IN 2018.

Mileage: 5,000

20191105SERVICE BRAKES

ABS/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ON. WENT TO DEALER AND NO PART IS AVAILABLE TO MAKE THE REPAIR. SO I HAVE NO ABS OR TRACION CONTROL ON MY CAR PART NO 9367071 & 12530740

Mileage: 82,122

20191105ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

ABS/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ON. WENT TO DEALER AND NO PART IS AVAILABLE TO MAKE THE REPAIR. SO I HAVE NO ABS OR TRACION CONTROL ON MY CAR PART NO 9367071 & 12530740

Mileage: 82,122

20190927STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE TURNING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE POWERED OFF AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE MULTIPLE TIMES, SHOOK THE STEERING WHEEL, AND REMOVED THE BATTERY SO THE COMPUTER COULD REPROGRAM; HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL REMAINED LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

Mileage: 96,000

20190113SERVICE BRAKES

PARKING BRAKES DON'T WORK.

Mileage: 7,800

20181229POWER TRAIN

AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS I WHAT TO DRIVE THE CAR. I HAVE TO KEEP PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL A FEW TIMES BEFORE I CAN GET THE SHIFT LEVER OUT OF PARK.

Mileage: 31,000

20181213ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. AFTER FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH FUEL, THE CONTACT STARTED THE ENGINE, DROVE THREE FEET, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WAITED A FEW MINUTES, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE THREE MORE FEET BEFORE THE ENGINE CUT OFF AGAIN. THE STEERING COLUMN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,253.

Mileage: 48,253

20171116STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE POWER STEERING LOCK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME SAFELY. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO SCHUMACHER BUICK GMC OF NORTH PALM BEACH DEALER LOCATED AT 3720 NORTHLAKE BLVD SUITE C, LAKE PARK, FL 33403 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING LOCK, THE STEERING PLATE, THE STEERING SHAFT AND THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 866-790-5600 AND WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND THAT THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. A CASE NUMBER 8-3480612551 WAS PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,500.

Mileage: 79,500

20171005SEATS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME FAILED TO LOCK IN POSITION WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE SEAT CONTINUED TO SLIDE FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE SEAT SLID FORWARD AND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THE SEAT SLID BACKWARDS. THE LOCAL DEALER (DON HATTAN EL DORADO, 1702 W CENTRAL AVE, EL DORADO, KS, 67042) WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD GIVE THE CONTACT A CALL BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.

Mileage: 97,000

Compare 1998CHEVROLETCORVETTE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE have?
The 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE has 466 NHTSA complaints, 16 crashes, 1 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE?
The most-complained component for the 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE is STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE with 82 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR and STEERING.
Is the 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.