CarRecallDB

2002 Chevrolet Corvette recalls and problems

1 recall and 157 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette.

1
recalls
157
owner complaints
3
complaints mentioning a crash
0
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.

2002 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.

Aug 6, 2025 · Steering · 51,491 miles

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…

Mar 1, 2023 · Fuel/propulsion system

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…

Sep 7, 2020 · Steering · 68,000 miles

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…

Feb 25, 2020 · Electronic stability control (ESC) · 980,000 miles

I BOUGHT CAR OFF INTERNET NOT SURE IF ANY RECALLS HAVE BEEN DONE TRACTION CONTROLS SERVICE ABS STABILITY CONTROLS LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF TOLD THAT PARTS ARE DISCONTINUED YOU MAY REACH ME AT […] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Sep 3, 2019 · Exterior lighting · 125,000 miles

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…

Corvette model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 2278150
2001 120563
2002 115730
2003 18591
2004 221741
2005 6533116

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

Questions

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 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 2002 Chevrolet Corvette?
Owners have filed 157 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (59 complaints), followed by wheels (35).
How many 2002 Chevrolet Corvette complaints mention a crash or fire?
3 of 157 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 6, 2025.