CHEVROLET CORVETTE · model year

1999 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

389 NHTSA complaints, 19 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 1999CHEVROLETCORVETTE carries 389 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 19 crashes, 3 fires, 15 injuries, and 1 fatality. 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 1999 CORVETTE is steering: steering wheel/handle bar with 75 filings, followed by steering:column locking:anti-theft device (67) and steering (53). 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 1999 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.

389
Complaints
19
Crashes
3
Fires
15
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

389 filings

Crashes Reported

19 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR75
STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE67
STEERING53
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
STEERING:COLUMN10
SEATS10
SERVICE BRAKES10
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR9
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)9
UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
SEAT BELTS6
ENGINE5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE4
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4

Recent Complaints

20240227STEERING

The contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering) in 2019. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the message "Service - Steering Column Lock" was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that he needed to pay for a diagnostic test to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 37,300.

Mileage: 37,300

20230831ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Something is wrong where it will stall out when you start driving. Soon as I put the car in gear and start rolling forward it dies. And I’ve looked online and it’s quite common.

20230831STEERING

Something is wrong where it will stall out when you start driving. Soon as I put the car in gear and start rolling forward it dies. And I’ve looked online and it’s quite common.

20220412SERVICE BRAKES

Almost every C5 (1997-2004) Corvette is affected by a faulty electronic brake control module. When this module fails, the car illuminates the ABS and traction control light. And displays service abs and service traction control messages. This is a serious safety issue as when this happens, the abs brakes no longer work nor does the traction control. It blows my mind how this has never been recalled especially on a rear drive sports car.

20220412POWER TRAIN

Almost every C5 (1997-2004) Corvette is affected by a faulty electronic brake control module. When this module fails, the car illuminates the ABS and traction control light. And displays service abs and service traction control messages. This is a serious safety issue as when this happens, the abs brakes no longer work nor does the traction control. It blows my mind how this has never been recalled especially on a rear drive sports car.

20210928STEERING

Still having a problem with the steering column locking on my 1999 Corvette after the first recall was performed. Chevrolet issued a second recall but I never received a notification. the dealer indicated both recalls were closed and I had to pay $600+ to fix the problem. I contacted GM Customer Care for assistance but pretty much got the same feedback that the recall was closed and that there was no financial assistance they would provide, 100% of the cost would be my responsibility. I don't understand how a safety recall can be closed until it is repaired? I'm not sure why consumers have to pay for a design issue that has the potential of causing an accident due to the potential of the steering column locking up while driving! I had no choice but to direct the dealer to perform the repairs so I can drive the car with confidents it won't lockup in the future. Not expecting anything to happen as it seems these types of reported issues fall in favor of businesses and no longer th

20210730STEERING

Steering column lock warning light on vehicle which was recalled in 2004 and GM says my vehicle was not involved with recall and will not repair vehicle.

20210513SERVICE BRAKES

MY CORVETTE AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS FROM 97-04 SUFFER FROM THE ACTIVE HANDLING ABS/TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM GOING BAD. THE PART IS KNOWN AS THE EBCM. WHEN IT GOES BAD (IF CRUISE IS ENGAGED) THE CAR WILL DISABLE CRUISE CONTROL SUDDENLY CAUSING CAR TO SLOW DOWN. ALSO, WHEN THE SYSTEM FAILS WHILE MOVING IT CAUSE CAUSE UNEVEN BRAKE FEELING AND YOU LOOSE THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS . GM HAS DISCONTINUED THE PARTS REQUIRED TO REPAIR THIS AND THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS FOR MANY YEARS NOW AFFECTING MANY 97-04 CORVETTES. ALSO A PART OF THIS SYSTEM IS THE STEELING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR WHICH IS ALSO DISCONTINUED. SWPS CAN SEND WRONG INFO TO THE OTHER COMPUTERS AND THE CAR WILL MAKE ERRONEOUS 'CORRECTIONS' THAT CAN LEAD TO BRAKES BEING APPLIED AT ANY MOMENT WHILE DRIVING.

Mileage: 51,000

20210513ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY CORVETTE AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS FROM 97-04 SUFFER FROM THE ACTIVE HANDLING ABS/TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM GOING BAD. THE PART IS KNOWN AS THE EBCM. WHEN IT GOES BAD (IF CRUISE IS ENGAGED) THE CAR WILL DISABLE CRUISE CONTROL SUDDENLY CAUSING CAR TO SLOW DOWN. ALSO, WHEN THE SYSTEM FAILS WHILE MOVING IT CAUSE CAUSE UNEVEN BRAKE FEELING AND YOU LOOSE THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS . GM HAS DISCONTINUED THE PARTS REQUIRED TO REPAIR THIS AND THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS FOR MANY YEARS NOW AFFECTING MANY 97-04 CORVETTES. ALSO A PART OF THIS SYSTEM IS THE STEELING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR WHICH IS ALSO DISCONTINUED. SWPS CAN SEND WRONG INFO TO THE OTHER COMPUTERS AND THE CAR WILL MAKE ERRONEOUS 'CORRECTIONS' THAT CAN LEAD TO BRAKES BEING APPLIED AT ANY MOMENT WHILE DRIVING.

Mileage: 51,000

20210513VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MY CORVETTE AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS FROM 97-04 SUFFER FROM THE ACTIVE HANDLING ABS/TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM GOING BAD. THE PART IS KNOWN AS THE EBCM. WHEN IT GOES BAD (IF CRUISE IS ENGAGED) THE CAR WILL DISABLE CRUISE CONTROL SUDDENLY CAUSING CAR TO SLOW DOWN. ALSO, WHEN THE SYSTEM FAILS WHILE MOVING IT CAUSE CAUSE UNEVEN BRAKE FEELING AND YOU LOOSE THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS . GM HAS DISCONTINUED THE PARTS REQUIRED TO REPAIR THIS AND THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS FOR MANY YEARS NOW AFFECTING MANY 97-04 CORVETTES. ALSO A PART OF THIS SYSTEM IS THE STEELING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR WHICH IS ALSO DISCONTINUED. SWPS CAN SEND WRONG INFO TO THE OTHER COMPUTERS AND THE CAR WILL MAKE ERRONEOUS 'CORRECTIONS' THAT CAN LEAD TO BRAKES BEING APPLIED AT ANY MOMENT WHILE DRIVING.

Mileage: 51,000

20200730FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

AFTER PARKING AND TRYING TO RESTART THE ENGINE THE MESSAGE "STEERING COLUMN MAINTAINANCE NEEDED" THE ENGINE STARTED BUT WHEN I PUT IT IN GEAR THE ENGINE STOPPED. AFTER TRYING TO START THE CAR AGAIN AND AGAIN THE SAME RESULT. I CHECKED THE OWNERS MANUEL AND FOUND NO SUCH ITEM. AFTER SITTING FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES THE CAT DID START AND I GOT HOME.

Mileage: 43,000

20200730STEERING

AFTER PARKING AND TRYING TO RESTART THE ENGINE THE MESSAGE "STEERING COLUMN MAINTAINANCE NEEDED" THE ENGINE STARTED BUT WHEN I PUT IT IN GEAR THE ENGINE STOPPED. AFTER TRYING TO START THE CAR AGAIN AND AGAIN THE SAME RESULT. I CHECKED THE OWNERS MANUEL AND FOUND NO SUCH ITEM. AFTER SITTING FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES THE CAT DID START AND I GOT HOME.

Mileage: 43,000

20191208FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL LEAK FROM THE PASSENGER FUEL TANK. THIS IS CREATING A FUEL VAPOR SMELL INSIDE THE CAR AND THE GARAGE WHERE PARKED. THIS IS A FIRE AND SAFETY HAZARD!

Mileage: 130,000

20190610FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

GAS LEAKING ON TOP OF EXHAUST ON DRIVERS SIDE OF VEHICLE. NOTICED DRIP ON FLOOR OF GARAGE WHEN PARKED OVERNIGHT. PARKED CAR FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR. HAVE NOT DRIVEN SINCE.

20181205STEERING

THE CAR WAS IN THE CHEVROLET DEALERS FOR REAR BRAKE LIGHTS THE WERE NOT WORKING. THEY CALLED AND SAID THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN LOCKED AND WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED ORIGINALLY THE COST WAS $230 NOW IT'S OVER $1100

Mileage: 113,000

20181008STEERING

I AM THE THIRD OWNER OF THIS CAR AND IT HAS 24,500 ORIGINAL MILES. AT 19,000 (4/19/2004) THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THEN IN 2006 IT WAS ANNOUNCED THAT EVEN THOSE INITIAL RECALL REPAIRS WERE FAILING AND IT WAS SUGGESTED TO HAVE THE LOCKING PIN REMOVED ALTOGETHER WHICH NEVER WAS DONE TO MY CAR. MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS A LOCKED PIN AND THE DEALER SAYS THEY WILL NOT DO THE REPAIR OR REMOVE THE PIN FOR FREE UNLESS I FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTA.

Mileage: 24,500

20180730STEERING

MY STEERING COLUMN FAILED IN "LOCKED" POSITION. CAR CAN NOT BE DRIVEN. I CALLED CHEVY GLOBAL AND TOLD MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED IN RECALL NUMBER 04006C. I CALLED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FIXED IN 2004, TWO YEARS BEFORE THE 2006 RECALL. I ASKED HOW COULD THE COLUMN LOCK IF THE ORIGINAL LOCK PLATE WAS REMOVED? NO ONE CAN ANSWER THAT. THEY PROCEEDED TO REMOVE THE LOCK PLATE AND CHARGE ME $300. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION OF THIS RECALL OR SERVICE BULLETIN BACK IN 2006.

Mileage: 88,000

20180728ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

WHILE TURNING A CORNER AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED, ACTIVE HANDLING TURNED ON AND TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE VEHICLE, PUTTING ME ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH THE CAR IN THE OPPOSITE LANE. IT WOULD HAVE FORCED CROSSING OVER THE LANE HAD I NOT REACTED QUICKLY. REPAIR SHOP DIAGNOSED AS FAILED STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR; A PART GM CHOSE TO DISCONTINUE YEARS AGO EVEN THOUGH IT IS ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL SAFETY COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE.

Mileage: 110,000

20180726ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (APPLE CHEVROLET, 8585 159TH ST, TINLEY PARK, IL 60487, 866-399-5963) AND WAS INFORMED THAT DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.

Mileage: 31,000

20180620ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING

Mileage: 123,000

Compare 1999CHEVROLETCORVETTE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 1999 CHEVROLET CORVETTE have?
The 1999 CHEVROLET CORVETTE has 389 NHTSA complaints, 19 crashes, 3 fires, 15 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1999 CHEVROLET CORVETTE?
The most-complained component for the 1999 CHEVROLET CORVETTE is STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR with 75 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE and STEERING.
Is the 1999 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.