CarRecallDB

2001 Chevrolet Corvette recalls and problems

1 recall and 205 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette.

1
recalls
205
owner complaints
6
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2001 Chevrolet Corvette recalls

Steering: column locking, anti-theft device

NHTSA campaign 04V060000 · reported February 9, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 126,624 vehicles potentially affected

The 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 .
The risk
If this occurs, a crash could occur without warning.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 15, 2026 · Structure

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…

Oct 10, 2026 · Steering

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…

Jun 17, 2022 · Steering

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!!!

Feb 14, 2022 · Steering

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)…

Dec 30, 2021 · Fuel/propulsion system

We purchased the car on 12/17/21. I went to Costco on 12/18/21 to get gas. I had a preset amount of $50 to put into the car. When I got to $50 I shut the pump off myself, the tank was not full enough for it to shut off automatically. As I look down on the ground I saw a fluid running out from underneath the car and…

Corvette model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 2278150
2001 120563
2002 115730
2003 18591
2004 221741

Across all years, the 2008 Corvette has the most complaints (541). All Chevrolet Corvette years →

Questions

Does the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette, the most recent reported on February 9, 2004 (Steering: column locking, anti-theft device). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette?
Owners have filed 205 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (88 complaints), followed by electrical system (25).
How many 2001 Chevrolet Corvette complaints mention a crash or fire?
6 of 205 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 15, 2026.