2002 Chevrolet Corvette recalls and problems

The 2002 Chevrolet Corvette has 1 safety recall and 157 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
157
Crashes / fires
3 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 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.

2002 Chevrolet Corvette problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering60
Wheels37
Electrical System17
Service Brakes, Hydraulic9
Fuel System, Gasoline9
Engine and Engine Cooling7
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)7
Exterior Lighting6
Fuel System, Other5
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Power Train3
Suspension3

Most reported parts

  • Steering › Column Locking › Anti-Theft Device — 25
  • Wheels › Rim — 15
  • Steering › Column — 6
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 4
  • Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System — 3
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 42,500 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 2002 Chevrolet Corvette complaints

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

Steering · at 51,491 miles · reported Aug 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving 5-10 MPH, the steering wheel locked-up, and the vehicle continued to drive in a circle. The steering column warning light was illuminated after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering), and the dealer determined that the electronic steering column lock replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact was…
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Mar 1, 2023
The ignition key started the car but the car continued to stall out when the clutch was released failing to propel the car leaving me stranded with a running(ideling) but non functional vehicle.I could not move the vehicle and it was subject to traffic crash. I need to have the vehicle retrieved by the dealer for repait. It is non-operable. There weree no warnings to me on the vehicle that the p roblem existed
Steering · at 68,000 miles · reported Sep 7, 2020
Steering wheel is locked after parking it after work. The recall on all other vehicles my year that has been fixed by the factory has a wire ran to the PCM are computer not sure what they are calling it. But the fix will not let the steering wheel lock. And I have watched a lot of youtube videos on this in all of the factory fixed recalls the steering wheel doesn't lock. From what I see it tells me that the fix is complete. It is a 2002 with only 68000 miles. Any help please?
Exterior Lighting · at 125,000 miles · reported Sep 3, 2019
Driving to work (In the dark) the low beam headlights shut off. Pulled the car over and turned the headlamp switch to on and they started working (Was in auto sensor mode). Next day when I was leaving the house I turned the headlamp switch on, headlights popped up but did not come on. I could turn them to high beam and they worked but not on low. After driving the car and switching back and forth from high to low beam several times, the low beams started working again.
Steering · at 16,800 miles · reported Apr 22, 2019
I have received several notices from auto nation chevrolet doral florida to bring my car in for recall GM 04006. When I took my car to them for the recall, I was told "the parts required for the recall are no longer made". I just received another notice from them. They should either make the parts or come to another resolution . I meanwhile can't drive the car because the steering wheel locks up. Help!!!

Other Chevrolet Corvette years

Compare all Chevrolet Corvette years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 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 2002 Chevrolet Corvette?

Owners report steering problems most often (60 reports), followed by wheels (37). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 42,500 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.