2003 Chevrolet Corvette recalls and problems

The 2003 Chevrolet Corvette has 1 safety recall and 85 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

9 / 1

Injuries / deaths

1 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 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.

2003 Chevrolet Corvette problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Steering	34
Electrical System	15
Power Train	11
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	10
Fuel/Propulsion System	8
Structure	6
Engine and Engine Cooling	5
Suspension	4
Seat Belts	4
Service Brakes	4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	3
Air Bags	3

Most reported parts

Steering › Column Locking › Anti-Theft Device — 7
Structure › Body — 4
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 3
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
Visibility › Windshield — 1
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 1
Seat Belts › Front — 1
Power Train › Manual Transmission › Column Shift Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 31,000 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 2003 Chevrolet Corvette complaints

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

Steering · at 5,111 miles · reported Jul 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while reversing from the driveway, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced the relay and wiring harness kit. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 5,111.

Steering · reported Jul 15, 2025

Vehicle was part of mandatory recall for problems with steering column lock. The same identified and inherent problem happened so that the steering column lock is engaged and will not disengage. GM was contacted and refuses support and stated that I would have to take care of the problem and I would have to pay for the cost of the repair. Chevrolet created the problem, is well aware of the inherent problem and yet Chevrolet and it's local dealer will profit from the forcing the customer to pay and for customers safety. The steering column can lock up while the vehicle is moving which puts the…

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Oct 24, 2019

A very strong smell of gasoline in the cabin area and in the trunk after filling the corvette with gasoline. The strong smell of gasoline was at it's strongest scent when the deck lid was open. I stood on the rear right of the corvette with my head barely inside the trunk. So basically rear right sector of the corvette, just passed the rear right wheel well. The corvette was parked on a level concrete pad at the gas station. I did not overfill. Pump nozzle stopped. Approximately 14.6 gallons of fuel was pumped into the corvette.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 45,000 miles · reported Sep 4, 2019

My car has 45,000 miles. There is a fuel smell coming from the car. I always fill the tank full when I plan on not driving it for a while. If I leave it parked for several months and don't drive it, the fuel tank will be empty when I start it up. The fuel smell appears to be coming from the middle of the car. This has been happening for the last four or five years. I will only park the vehicle in open areas and won't park it in a garage due to fear of build up of gas fumes.

Electrical System · at 21,000 miles · reported Jun 8, 2018

The contact owns a 2003 chevrolet corvette. While driving various speeds, the column lock warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle seized. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 14v400000 (Electrical system) at great lakes chevrolet (310 s chestnut st, jefferson, oh), but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not taken back to the dealer for further diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was previously serviced per the recall and additional repairs would be the contact's responsibility.…

Other Chevrolet Corvette years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 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 2003 Chevrolet Corvette?

Owners report steering problems most often (34 reports), followed by electrical system (15). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 31,000 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.