2004 Chevrolet Corvette recalls and problems

2 recalls and 217 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette.

2
recalls
217
owner complaints
4
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.

2004 Chevrolet Corvette recalls

Steering: linkages

NHTSA campaign 04V273000 · reported June 9, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 41,928 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

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 1, 2024 · Fuel/propulsion system

- Fuel tank leaks - gasoline puddles under car, heavy fumes - Fire / explosion hazard - Confirmed by local mechanic as existing problem in that year - Inspected and confirmed by selling dealer - trying to repair - No auto warning, smell of fumes and gas on garage floor day after delivery of car

Apr 17, 2024 · Electrical system

When I start my vehicle, the steering wheel locking system does not disengage and the steering wheel stays locked.

Dec 15, 2023 · Engine · 30,000 miles

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle failed to move farther than five feet before the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The pull-out key and wait-ten-seconds message were displayed. The contact had to release the key from the ignition and restart the vehicle…

Nov 24, 2023 · Fuel/propulsion system

A month after I purchased the car with approximately 40k miles, I took the car in for an oil change at the dealership and was told there was a major leak in the left fuel tank and at the crossover tube. This leaking fuel is leaking onto the exhaust. It would cost at least $4,000 to repair. I can not afford this. It is…

Nov 5, 2023 · Unknown or other

Strong Fuel smell near the fuel filler when car is parked in the garage.

Corvette model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 120563
2002 115730
2003 18591
2004 221741
2005 6533116
2006 5365122
2007 234154

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

Questions

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette, the most recent reported on June 9, 2004 (Steering: linkages). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette?
Owners have filed 217 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is fuel system, gasoline (95 complaints), followed by fuel/propulsion system (52).
How many 2004 Chevrolet Corvette complaints mention a crash or fire?
4 of 217 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 2 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 1, 2024.