1998 Chevrolet Corvette Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering21548.2%
- Brakes368.1%
- Electrical368.1%
- Interior & seats306.7%
- Engine245.4%
- Seat belts224.9%
- Fuel system173.8%
- Transmission122.7%
- Driver assistance112.5%
- Other / unspecified92.0%
- Visibility81.8%
- Suspension71.6%
- Powertrain (other)61.3%
- Body & structure40.9%
- Exterior lighting30.7%
- Airbags30.7%
- Tires & wheels20.4%
- Heating & air conditioning10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering column lock failed to unlock, preventing the vehicle from being driven. After turning the key, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The service steering column lock warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while the vehicle was with a local transmission mechanic for service, the technician was reversing out of the service bay when the Service Column warning light illuminated. No other warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to another local mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,565.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I own a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The EBCM can have an issue. Complains of traction control, ABS braking and AH active handling. This can cause issues when driving with no ABS active. I have seen numerous complaints about this issue here and on various forums. Unfortunately the part needed to correct the issue is no longer available and for some reason cannot be repaired. Used parts are costly (2K or more) and no guarantee they work. GM should provide replacement part or work around. If not available they should offer total car buy backs for a fare price depending on condition or offer an exchange for a corvette that can be repaired.
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on slick road surfaces, the contact lost control of the vehicle with the service traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact had called several dealers in the Miami area and was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were no longer being manufactured. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Consumer stated no aftermarket replacements available or made or remanufactured.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. PROCEED TO START VEHICLE. STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP. HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. I AM THE THIRD OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. IN RESEARCHING INFORMATION REGARDING PAST RECALLS APPARENTLY HEDRICK'S DEALERSHIP OF FRESNO, CA COMPLETED WORK BUT IN ASKING WHAT THEY COMPLETED, I WAS INFORMED THAT ALL PAST COMPUTER DATA WAS PURGED FROM THEIR FILES SO THEY CANNOT TELL ME WHAT WAS COMPLETED. I THEN CALLED GM TO GET INFORMATION BUT AFTER TALKING TO THREE DIFFERENT PEOPLE I WAS TOLD THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION AS TO WHAT WAS COMPLETED. I REFERENCED A GM REPORT ENTITLED "04006C - PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL - FEBRUARY 8, 2006" IN TALKING WITH THE GM REPRESENTATIVES AND I WAS TOLD THE REPORT DIDN'T EXIST. THE REPORT WAS FOUND AT HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV. THIS REPORT REPLACED BULLETIN 04006B - NOVEMBER 23, 2004. IN READING ON NHTSA, SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS EXPERIENCED THE SAME VEHICLE ISSUES WITH STEERING COLUMN. PLUS, WITH WORK BEING COMPLETED BUT STILL HAVING SAME ISSUES. CAN YOU ASSIST ME IN OBTAINING THE RECALL WORK COMPLETION REPORT ON MY VEHICLE? HEDRICK'S INDICATED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR A DIAGNOSTIC REVIEW AT THE COST OF $165.00 AND THEN GO FROM THERE. IN READING "04006C - PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL - FEBRUARY 8, 2006" IT INDICATES, "DEALERS ARE TO SERVICE ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL AT NO CHARGE TO CUSTOMERS, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE, AGE OF VEHICLE, OR OWNERSHIP, FROM THIS TIME FORWARD." PLUS, WHATEVER WORK HEDRICK'S COMPLETED THE WORK WASN'T SUFFICIENT AS THE ISSUE OF THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKING UP CONTINUES.
HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THIS CAR. HAD A SERVICE COLUMN LOCK DISPLAY. TOOK IT IN ON A RECALL. THEY FIXED IT AND 6 MONTHS LATER LEFT ME STRANDED AGAIN WITH SAME CODE. CHARGED ME 1000 DOLLARS TO TELL ME THE WHEEL LOCK BROKE. WE ALL KNOW THAT'S NOT TRUE. 2 WEEKS LATER HAVE A SERVICE POWER TRAIN WITH NUMEROUS CODES. HAVE TO RESET ALL CODES TO DRIVE CAR. THEY COME BACK WITH SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM AND HEATER BLOWS HOT ON ONE SIDE AND COLD ON OTHER. THEN NEXT DAY IT'S THE OPPOSITE. UNFORTUNATELY THIS IS THE ONLY CORVETTE THAT I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH AND ACCORDING TO THE REVIEWS. THE C5 CORVETTE HAS MANY DRIVE TRAIN ISSUES. THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AND RECALLED IF THEY WANT BUYERS TO CHEVROLET VEHICLES.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME FAILED TO LOCK IN POSITION WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE SEAT CONTINUED TO SLIDE FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE SEAT SLID FORWARD AND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THE SEAT SLID BACKWARDS. THE LOCAL DEALER (DON HATTAN EL DORADO, 1702 W CENTRAL AVE, EL DORADO, KS, 67042) WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD GIVE THE CONTACT A CALL BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT SLIDES WITH OUT ANY WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. HE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. AFTER FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH FUEL, THE CONTACT STARTED THE ENGINE, DROVE THREE FEET, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WAITED A FEW MINUTES, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE THREE MORE FEET BEFORE THE ENGINE CUT OFF AGAIN. THE STEERING COLUMN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,253.
I HAVE OWNED MY 1998 CORVETTE FOR TWO YEARS. THE PULL KEY AND WAIT 10 SECONDS AND THE SERVICE STEERING COLUMN LOCK ERRORS ARE CRIPPLING ME ENJOYMENT OF THE CAR. I HAVE INSTALLED AN LMC5 MODULE LAST YEAR AND THE PROBLEMS WILL NOT GO AWAY. THE RECALL ON THE SERVICE COLUMN LOCK WAS PERFORMED ON THE CAR WHICH REMOVED THE ACTUAL LOCKING MECHANISM ON THE STEERING COLUMN. BUT THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE OVER TWO MILES PER HOUR WITH THE ERROR MESSAGE AND I HAVE FOUND NO FIXED THAT HELP ME. WHAT IS GM DOING ABOUT THE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE PROBLEM ON THEIR MOST DISTINGUISHED CAR MODEL.... ? ALL INSTANCES HAPPEN WHEN FIRST STARITING THE CAR NO MATTER HOW LONG IT HAS SAT. BATTERY IS PERFECT. I VERY RARELY DIVE THE CAR, BUT WHEN I DO I HAVE THIS HORRIBLE PROBLEM AND IT IS GETTING WORSE.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WILL NO EXTEND OUT OR RETRACT. JAMMING OCCURS EVEN THOUGH IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE. IT IS A PERSISTENT PROBLEM THAT STARTED ABOUT IN 2018.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN 2005 AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 00V111000, SEAT BELTS:FRONT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER ADVISED HER THAT THEY HAD NO RECORDS OF THIS RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO ADVISED HER OF THE SAME AND DID NOT HAVE ANY RECORDS INDICATING IF THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR CONSTANTLY AND REGULARLY SMELLS LIKE GAS ON THE INSIDE.
"TAKATA RECALL" STRONG FUEL VAPOR SMELL EMITTING FROM REAR OF THE CAR.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
STEERING COLUM LOCK UP AND SHIFTER LOCK UP REF. IN EA02-031 *CJS
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED THAT ENGINE CHECK LIGHT HAD COME ON. AFTER TAKING VEHICLE IN FOR A DIAGNOSIS, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT A STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR WAS NEEDED. STEERING SENSOR UNCORRELATED MALFUNCTIONED/SENSOR SHORTED-PER INVOICE. CONSUMER FELT THAT THIS WAS A DEFECT BECUASE VEHICLE HAD LOW MILEAGE, AND KNEW OF OTHERS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE AND WAS WILLING TO SPLIT THE BILL 50/50, BUT CONSUMER FELT IF DEALER DIDN'T COVER ALL CHARGES THEN FURTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN. COST OF TOTAL REPAIRS WAS $1256.36. *SCC...*AK
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR CONSTANTLY AND REGULARLY SMELLS LIKE GAS ON THE INSIDE.
ABS/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ON. WENT TO DEALER AND NO PART IS AVAILABLE TO MAKE THE REPAIR. SO I HAVE NO ABS OR TRACION CONTROL ON MY CAR PART NO 9367071 & 12530740
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR TORN MUSCLES IN HIS NECK, ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HEAD THREE INCHES ABOVE THE EAR, ONE RIB ON THE LEFT SIDE WAS FRACTURED, AND TORN MUSCLES IN THE LOWER BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
THE ABS/TRACTION CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND WILL NOT ENABLE. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SPONTANEOUSLY STOPPED WORKING. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A TECHNICIAN TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. HE SPECULATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED BECAUSE THE COMPARTMENT THAT HOLDS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR IS IMPROPERLY SEALED, WHICH ALLOWS WATER TO REACH THE MOTOR AND CAUSE IT TO FAIL. SECONDLY, HE CONCLUDED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER UTTERS DO NOT PROPERLY DRAIN THE WATER IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY, WHICH PROMOTES WATER BUILD UP. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED SO UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, WATER LEAKED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS. ALSO, THE TRUNK SUSTAINED WATER LEAKAGE AND CAUSED A STRONG ODOR AND MILDEW. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE WATER LEAKAGE FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES STILL PERSIST. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 42,000.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR SPRING BROKE WHILE DRIVING, THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SLUMP ON TOP OF REAR TIRES. OWNER HAD TALKED TO BOTH MANUFACTURER AND DEALERSHIP ,AND NEITHER HAVE MADE ANY ATTEMPTS TO ASSIST CONSUMER DUE TO THE MILEAGE ON VEHICLE.TS *TT *JB
WHEN PARKED ON AN INCLINE, ESPECIALLY WHEN FRONT OF CAR IS LOWER THAN REAR, CAR WILL SLOWLY ROLL DOWN HILL, AS MUCH AS 5-7 FEET IN A FEW HOURS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
On July 27, 2021, I was cruising in my 1998 Convertible Chevy maunal Corvette with under 50k miles. I had it inspected around the end of June. I just driving pulled ahead of traffic and the clutch pedal went all the way down to floor as I approached a stop light!!! I lost all power. I didn't know what to do, but a light bulb in my head went off. But thankfully there was no traffic and I was able to run a light and coast into a gas station and get towed. Upon research the 1998 manual clutch design is used in newer vehicles that and its a system design flaw. Car at shop and we are waiting for parts that are back ordered. Since transmission has to come out I'm getting all clutch stuff fixed. But clutch wasn't bad just the Fly wheel and Master Salve. I will send you bill when I get it. I could have died, caused an accident, been rear ended, it was crazy.
AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS I WHAT TO DRIVE THE CAR. I HAVE TO KEEP PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL A FEW TIMES BEFORE I CAN GET THE SHIFT LEVER OUT OF PARK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED SO UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, WATER LEAKED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS. ALSO, THE TRUNK SUSTAINED WATER LEAKAGE AND CAUSED A STRONG ODOR AND MILDEW. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE WATER LEAKAGE FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES STILL PERSIST. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 42,000.
UNDEDECTED WATER LEAK FROM PREVIOUS ELECTRONIC FAILURE CAUSING CAR TO NOT EXCEED 5 MPH. STILL NOT CORRECTED . CAR RETURNED TO DEALER WILL NOT START
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE COVERS ON THE INSIDE OF HEADLIGHTS ARE DESIGNED SMALL AND RESULT IN FALLING OFF CONTINUALLY. *ET REF. IN EA02-031 *CJS
HEADLAMPS DO NOT ROLL UP AT TIMES
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER HAD JUST RECEIVED THE PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF SWITCH. *PH *JB
REQUEST FOR CRASH TEST RESULTS ON CHEVROLET CORVETTE CABRIOLET CONVERTIBLE 1998. (NAR TRANSFERRED TO RULEMAKING) *PH THE EXPERTS APPOINTED FOR THE FILE CANNOT REACH A CONCLUSION ON WHETHER THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED DURING THE ACCIDENT. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOTH REAR TIRES AFTER DEMOUNT FOUND TO HAVE 6 TO 7 INCH INTERNAL CRACKS IN SIDEWALLS AFTER ~8,500 MILES OF NORMAL ON-ROAD USE!!!*AK (DOT NUMBER: EJ7JH TIRESIZE: 275/45ZR18)
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR (SENSOR) FAILED. *YC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
RUSTING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LINE.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE RUST WAS CAUSED BY WATER FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER DRAIN. THE DRAIN HOSE WAS LOCATED A COUPLE OF FEET ABOVE THE GROUND CLEARANCE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONDENSATION RAN ACROSS THE BRAKE LINE AND DOWN THE FIREWALL. *JB *NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .