CarRecallDB

2003 Chevrolet Corvette recalls and problems

1 recall and 85 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette.

1
recalls
85
owner complaints
9
complaints mentioning a crash
1
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.

2003 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.

Jul 17, 2026 · Steering · 5,111 miles

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…

Jul 15, 2025 · Steering

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…

Oct 28, 2022 · Steering · crash reported

Gm refuse to repurchase below is a overview. they are refusing engineering assitance to the dealership to fix the problem. Next week the car will be there a month again. This is the 7th time on this repair which was a recall by your org. The last repair last 153 days. This problem make the car unsafe to drive the…

Aug 17, 2020 · Steering · 56,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY CEASED AND THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS LATER UNLOCKED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER HALL CHEVROLET…

Oct 24, 2019 · Fuel/propulsion system

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 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 2278150
2001 120563
2002 115730
2003 18591
2004 221741
2005 6533116
2006 5365122

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

Questions

Does the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 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 2003 Chevrolet Corvette?
Owners have filed 85 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (32 complaints), followed by electrical system (15).
How many 2003 Chevrolet Corvette complaints mention a crash or fire?
9 of 85 complaints report a crash and 1 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 July 17, 2026.