2001 Chevrolet Corvette recalls and problems

The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette has 1 safety recall and 205 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

205

Crashes / fires

6 / 3

Injuries / deaths

3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Chevrolet Corvette recalls

Recall 04V-060: Steering

Reported Feb 9, 2004 · 126,624 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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.

2001 Chevrolet Corvette problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Steering	90
Engine and Engine Cooling	28
Electrical System	26
Fuel System, Gasoline	19
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	18
Wheels	16
Fuel/Propulsion System	11
Seat Belts	9
Structure	9
Exterior Lighting	8
Suspension	6
Power Train	5

Most reported parts

Steering › Column Locking › Anti-Theft Device — 29
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 17
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 10
Steering › Column — 8
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar — 7
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 5
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 4
Wheels › Rim — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 42,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Chevrolet Corvette complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · reported Oct 15, 2026

One of the upper rear control arm brackets partially detached from the chassis while cornering causing the rear wheel to toe out. The cause of the failure is a cold weld. The vehicle is untouched since the incident and available for review. This issue is relatively common on C5 corvettes. Please search "C5 control arm bracket tear" to find many documented instances. As these vehicle shift from being garage queens to performance bargains, the issue will become more visible. My C5 went 100k miles and 20 some years until the cold weld let go.

Steering · reported Oct 10, 2026

My Corvette was inspected as part of the initial steering lock recall and I was told it was okay, no action was needed. Subsequently, my steering column lock has frozen and the vehicle cannot be moved under its own power. Does the original recall still apply? From what I have seen on the Corvette Forum, this is an ongoing, recurring issue with C5 Corvettes.

Steering · reported Jun 17, 2022

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!!!

Steering · reported Feb 14, 2022

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 âCorvette Steering Column Lockâ, there no telling how many unhappy Corvette owners this has created. Need your help getting…

Steering · reported Oct 22, 2021

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.

Other Chevrolet Corvette years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette: 04V-060 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette?

Owners report steering problems most often (90 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (28). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 42,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.