2004 Chevrolet Corvette recalls and problems
The 2004 Chevrolet Corvette has 2 safety recalls and 217 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2004 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2004 Chevrolet Corvette recalls
Recall 04V-273: Steering
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles involved in this campaign, the lower control arm ball stud nut/washer assemblies with washers were made of the wrong material. The washers may fracture and become loose or fall away from the vehicle, reducing clamp load. Separation of the control arm ball stud and steering knuckle, due to disengagement of the tapered attachment and retaining nut, is possible.
Risk: If the control arm separates from the knuckle, the affected corner of the vehicle will drop and the control arm would be forced downward, contacting the wheel. The affected wheel could tilt outward and create a dragging action that would tend to slow the vehicle and create a tendency for the vehicle to turn in the direction of the affected wheel. In extreme situations, the affected wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle. Separation of the wheel assembly would also sever that wheel;s hydraulic brake hose and result in diminished braking performance of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the ball stud joints and measure the torque of the nut for all front lower control arms in all models affected as well as the rear lower control arms on the xlr and corvette. If the torque is not at specification, the dealers will replace the ball stud, the knuckle, and the nut. If the torque is at specification, the dealers will replace the nut/washer assembly only. The recall will begin on august 25, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
Recall 04V-060: Steering
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.
2004 Chevrolet Corvette problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 97 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 52 | |
| Steering | 37 | |
| Electrical System | 12 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 8 | |
| Service Brakes | 7 | |
| Traction Control System | 5 | |
| Visibility | 4 | |
| Air Bags | 4 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | |
| Structure | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 12
- Steering › Column Locking › Anti-Theft Device — 7
- Steering › Column — 3
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 3
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 2
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage — 2
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 2
- Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 33,200 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 2004 Chevrolet Corvette complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Chevrolet Corvette years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette: 04V-273 (steering), 04V-060 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette?
Owners report fuel system, gasoline problems most often (97 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (52). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 33,200 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.