CHEVROLET CORVETTE · model year

2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

281 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2001CHEVROLETCORVETTE carries 281 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 10 crashes, 4 fires, 5 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 2001 CORVETTE is steering with 43 filings, followed by steering:column locking:anti-theft device (29) and engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline (17). 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. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2001 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.

281
Complaints
10
Crashes
4
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

281 filings

Crashes Reported

10 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING43
STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE29
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE15
WHEELS12
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM11
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP10
STEERING:COLUMN8
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR5
SEATS4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH4
SEAT BELTS4

Recalls (3)

09E02500011/05/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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

04V06000009/02/2004

STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

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

09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

Recent Complaints

20220617STEERING

My steering column lock has failed on my C5 Corvette. I understand that there was a previous recall for this, but I have been the owner of this car since 2001 and was never notified by mail of the recall by GM. When I contact GM, they indicate that the recall is expired and there is nothing that they can do. HELP!!!

20220214STEERING

Chevy / GM recalled over 100,000 Corvettes built between 1997 and 2004 for a steering column lock issue, that renders the car un drivable. The fuel supply cuts off at 2 miles per hour. Many of the dealers did a faulty job fixing the problem, causing it to recur. My 2001 Corvette (with less than 17,000 miles) repeatedly experiences this problem. GM says they will not warrant this known defective design, due to the recall expiring. According to an internet search on “Corvette Steering Column Lock”, there no telling how many unhappy Corvette owners this has created. Need your help getting this $50,000 car back on the road.

20220214FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Chevy / GM recalled over 100,000 Corvettes built between 1997 and 2004 for a steering column lock issue, that renders the car un drivable. The fuel supply cuts off at 2 miles per hour. Many of the dealers did a faulty job fixing the problem, causing it to recur. My 2001 Corvette (with less than 17,000 miles) repeatedly experiences this problem. GM says they will not warrant this known defective design, due to the recall expiring. According to an internet search on “Corvette Steering Column Lock”, there no telling how many unhappy Corvette owners this has created. Need your help getting this $50,000 car back on the road.

20211230FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

We purchased the car on 12/17/21. I went to Costco on 12/18/21 to get gas. I had a preset amount of $50 to put into the car. When I got to $50 I shut the pump off myself, the tank was not full enough for it to shut off automatically. As I look down on the ground I saw a fluid running out from underneath the car and rolling along the ground. I touched it with my finger and discovered it was gasoline. I put the nozzle back into the holder and I checked underneath the car and saw it was dripping from the drivers side in the area just behind the drivers door. I pulled the car over to the side to inspect it further. By now the gas had stopped dripping. Since the exhaust pipe is right next to the fuel tank I was afraid of a fire or explosion. Had some fuel vapors but they dissipated shortly after. My gas gauge was registering full at this time. Since then I have not had any gasoline leaks and or vapors present. I have not put any more gas in the car since then. (I contacted the previous o

20211022STEERING

Have 2001 manual 6 speed corvette. Column locks up. Have no way to start car or steer. Worried car will lock up steering column while driving. Gm says there's no recall on this. Seems to be a problem on c5 Corvettes.

20201228STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED WITH THE SERVICE STEERING COLUMN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO I.G. BURTON LEWES AUTOMALL (17861 COASTAL HWY, LEWES, DE 19958) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THREE ADDITIONAL TIMES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V060000 (STEERING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000.

Mileage: 7,000

20200725STEERING

I PULLED OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND ALMOST GOT KILLED! THE CONSOLE LOCK SCREEN CAME ON, AND MY CAR STOPPED AS WELL! THE WHEEL WAS NOT LOCKED. THE CAR THAT WAS SO VERY UNDERSTANDING, SUGGEST I GET A FORD. GM TRULY NEEDS TO RECALL EVERY CAR THEY HAVE TO BE RECALLED FOR THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS LIVES. I WILL BE CONTACTING A LAWYER AS WELL! I HAD JUST COME TO A STOP, AND PROCEEDED WITH THE TURN, WITH PLENTY OF DISTANCE HAD THIS FOOLISHNESS NOT HAVE HAPPENED. NOW I SEE THIS IN JUST ABOUT EVERYWHERE ON THIS COMPUTER! FIX THIS IDIOTS AT GENERAL MOTORS!!!

Mileage: 88,000

20200510ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

I HAVE OWNED THIS 2001 CORVETTE SINCE IT WAS NEW IT HAS LESS THAN 7000 MILES ON IT.ON FRIDAY MAY 8TH 2020 I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER CENTURY CHEVROLET IN BROOMFIELD COLORADO.THE SERVICE COLUMN LOCK IS ON AT THE DASH AND I CANNOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IF YOU TRY TO DRIVE IT THE VEHICLE WILL STALL.I HAD RECALL 04006 PERFORMED ON THE CAR ON 10/25/2004 WITH 1912 MILES ON IT AND THIS WAS A REPROGRAMMING OF THE PCM.I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THERE HAS BEEN 2-3 UPDATES FOR THIS CONDITION AND THERE IS A RECALL 04006C AND SPECIAL POLICY #05081 FOR A NEW WIRING HARNESS TO BE INSTALLED TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION.I WAS NEVER CONTACTED BY GM ABOUT THIS AND FEEL I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A DEFECT THEY KNOW ABOUT! THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED OUT OF MY GARAGE /DRIVEWAY WE HAD TO PUSH IT OUT OF THE GARAGE ONTO A TOW TRUCK AND IT IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING TO HERE WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO. I DON'T THINK THEY ARE GOING TO OFFER ANY HELP NOR DID THEY WANT TO PICKUP THE TOW CHARGES AND A

Mileage: 6,996

20200510FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I HAVE OWNED THIS 2001 CORVETTE SINCE IT WAS NEW IT HAS LESS THAN 7000 MILES ON IT.ON FRIDAY MAY 8TH 2020 I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER CENTURY CHEVROLET IN BROOMFIELD COLORADO.THE SERVICE COLUMN LOCK IS ON AT THE DASH AND I CANNOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IF YOU TRY TO DRIVE IT THE VEHICLE WILL STALL.I HAD RECALL 04006 PERFORMED ON THE CAR ON 10/25/2004 WITH 1912 MILES ON IT AND THIS WAS A REPROGRAMMING OF THE PCM.I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THERE HAS BEEN 2-3 UPDATES FOR THIS CONDITION AND THERE IS A RECALL 04006C AND SPECIAL POLICY #05081 FOR A NEW WIRING HARNESS TO BE INSTALLED TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION.I WAS NEVER CONTACTED BY GM ABOUT THIS AND FEEL I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A DEFECT THEY KNOW ABOUT! THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED OUT OF MY GARAGE /DRIVEWAY WE HAD TO PUSH IT OUT OF THE GARAGE ONTO A TOW TRUCK AND IT IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING TO HERE WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO. I DON'T THINK THEY ARE GOING TO OFFER ANY HELP NOR DID THEY WANT TO PICKUP THE TOW CHARGES AND A

Mileage: 6,996

20200510STEERING

I HAVE OWNED THIS 2001 CORVETTE SINCE IT WAS NEW IT HAS LESS THAN 7000 MILES ON IT.ON FRIDAY MAY 8TH 2020 I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER CENTURY CHEVROLET IN BROOMFIELD COLORADO.THE SERVICE COLUMN LOCK IS ON AT THE DASH AND I CANNOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IF YOU TRY TO DRIVE IT THE VEHICLE WILL STALL.I HAD RECALL 04006 PERFORMED ON THE CAR ON 10/25/2004 WITH 1912 MILES ON IT AND THIS WAS A REPROGRAMMING OF THE PCM.I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THERE HAS BEEN 2-3 UPDATES FOR THIS CONDITION AND THERE IS A RECALL 04006C AND SPECIAL POLICY #05081 FOR A NEW WIRING HARNESS TO BE INSTALLED TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION.I WAS NEVER CONTACTED BY GM ABOUT THIS AND FEEL I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A DEFECT THEY KNOW ABOUT! THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED OUT OF MY GARAGE /DRIVEWAY WE HAD TO PUSH IT OUT OF THE GARAGE ONTO A TOW TRUCK AND IT IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING TO HERE WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO. I DON'T THINK THEY ARE GOING TO OFFER ANY HELP NOR DID THEY WANT TO PICKUP THE TOW CHARGES AND A

Mileage: 6,996

20191129WHEELS

2001 CORVETTE, PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL HAS AN APPROX 3" CRACK WHERE THE SPOKE MEETS THE RIM AND RUNS FROM WHERE THE TIRE MOUNTS TO INSIDE THE WHEEL AFFECTED WHEEL LOSES 20PSI OF AIR PER HOUR.

Mileage: 192,141

20190910ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

RECALL NUMBER 04V060000 RECALL DATE 02/09/2004 COMPONENT STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE SUMMARY. STEERING LOCKED AT EXITING FREEWAY. THE FUEL SUPPLY SHUT OFF SO THE VEHICLE CANNOT MOVED. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE STEERED.

Mileage: 61,000

20190910VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

RECALL NUMBER 04V060000 RECALL DATE 02/09/2004 COMPONENT STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE SUMMARY. STEERING LOCKED AT EXITING FREEWAY. THE FUEL SUPPLY SHUT OFF SO THE VEHICLE CANNOT MOVED. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE STEERED.

Mileage: 61,000

20190910STEERING

RECALL NUMBER 04V060000 RECALL DATE 02/09/2004 COMPONENT STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE SUMMARY. STEERING LOCKED AT EXITING FREEWAY. THE FUEL SUPPLY SHUT OFF SO THE VEHICLE CANNOT MOVED. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE STEERED.

Mileage: 61,000

20190429FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN I FILL UP MY GAS TANK THERE ARE STRONG GAS FUMES IN THE GARAGE. THE FUMES ARE NOT THERE WHEN THE TANK IS 3/4 FULL OR LESS. THIS IS A CONTINUING ISSUE.

Mileage: 35,000

20190410FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN YOU FILL UP THE FUEL TANKS YOU GET A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS IN THE CAR AS WELL AS IN THE GARAGE. GENERAL MOTORS KNOWS ABOUT THIS COMPLAINT AND WILL HELP THEIR CUSTOMERS. IN FACT THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST GM FOR YEAR CORVETTE 2004. IT WILL COST ABOUT $ 2,000.00 TO $ 2,500.00 TO MAKE THE REPAIRS. A LOT OF TIMES THE RIGHT TANK IS CRACKED OR THE CROSSOVER TUBE IS CRACKED . I HAVE CALLED GM AND ASKED FOR HELP AND THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT THIS AS A WARRANTY ISSUE. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE . BY THE WAY ALL THE GM DEALERS ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. CAN YOU HELP ME OUT ? YOU SMELL THE FUEL WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED.

Mileage: 59,000

20180817STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING COLUMN SEIZED AND THE CHECK STEERING COLUMN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS TSB NUMBER: 04006C. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 8-4532782724. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.

Mileage: 40,000

20180803STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE RESTARTING THE ENGINE, A "SERVICE STEERING COLUMN" MESSAGE APPEARED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (DAVE MCDERMOTT CHEVROLET, 655 MAIN ST, EAST HAVEN, CT) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKING MECHANISM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN ACTUATOR WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,996.

Mileage: 42,996

20180317FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

AFTER FILLING FUEL TANK. PARKED VEHICLE IN GARAGE AND NOTICED A FUEL LEAK ON PASSENGER SIDE UNDERNEATH FUEL TANK.

Mileage: 93,000

20180218CrashSERVICE BRAKES

WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR I NOTICED THE ANTENNA STOPPED WORKING BUT I HEAR THE MOTOR RUNNING AFTER I TURN THE CAR ON AND OFF . ALSO MY PARK LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF AND KEEPS GOING OUT WITH GOOD FUSES, ALSO MY HORN WON'T BLOW AND IT HAS GOOD FUSES ALSO MY SEAT WILL ONLY MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD BUT NOT UP TO GIVE ME HEIGHT THIS IS BOTH IN MOTION AND PARKED

Mileage: 102,000

Compare 2001CHEVROLETCORVETTE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE have?
The 2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE has 281 NHTSA complaints, 10 crashes, 4 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE?
Yes, the 2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE?
The most-complained component for the 2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE is STEERING with 43 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE and ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE.
Is the 2001 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.