Ten problems related to steering column have been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The Chevrolet Corvette was started in the courthouse parking lot moving in reverse with the steering wheel locked in place narrowing avoiding pedestrians. The vehicle could be moved in either direction, but the steering wheel could not be unlocked and subsequently transported to princeton Chevrolet [formerly known as superior Chevrolet] in lawrenceville, new jersey for repair. During previous service, the vehicle was inspected for recalls including the steering defect with the manager stating that all recalls were complete. The June 26, 2013 dealer steering repair invoice makes no mention of the service recall, the manager explaining the June 25, 2013 incident was unrelated to the steering defect and safety recall. The dealership has refused to acknowledge or respond to our inquiries referencing the "electronic column lock system" product safety recall [04006c] which states;" general motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 1997-2004 model year Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. When the vehicle is started, it unlocks the steering. Two conditions can prevent steering while the vehicle is moving: . . . If one of these conditions occurs, a crash could occur without warning. " [pg 1 recall bulletin no. : 04006c] the recall specifically warns dealers; "whenever a vehicle subject to a recall . . . Is in your dealership for service . . . You must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before . . . Releasing the vehicle. " [pg 28 recall no. : 04006c] we request NHTSA investigate the failure of general motors to promptly alert owners with the locking steering defect, why the vehicle was released by the dealer without verifying the recall steering status, and whether the repair performed at princeton Chevrolet on June 26, 2013 was the repair procedure outlined in gm service bulletin no. 04006c.
The contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. While driving in reverse at 2 mph, the steering wheel failed to turn and the steering column service warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer, however, it was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number 04v060000 (steering:column locking:anti-theft device) two years ago. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 29,191.
When driving at 5 mph steering wheel felt loose and then locked up. See odi voq #8005263.
The vehicle was in park position and steering column locked up without prior warning. This also happened about 2 years ago with about 20,000 miles on the car.
Dealer replace steering column about year ago at cost of $ 500. 00. A year later the same problem recurred.
While traveling about 7 to 10 mph and without prior warning steering column locked up. Dealer was aware of problem. Please fill additional information. Ref. In ea02-031.
While backing out of my drive the steering column locked up and would not allow the wheel to turn. All I could do is pull straight forward into my garage and turn off the car. Ref. In ea02-031.
On June 23rd I just returned from getting married in reno nevada I parked my car in the drive way came back to put the car in the garage my steering wheel column was locked I had to have it towed to the dealer I see this has happened to several other owners if this was to happen while driving it could cause loss of life of mine as well as others gm should recall this safety defect before someone looses their life. Ref. In ea02-031.
While driving at 65 mph vehicle went onto an exit ramp, slowed down to about 35 mph, and it turned right. Then, went to straighten out vehicle and steering locked up. Ran vehicle off the road into emergengy lane; did not hit anything, but hurt shoulder, popped it, trying to turn steering. Could not get steering unlocked. GMC sent investigator out to check out car, and they fixed everything. Replaced steering column e7680/ part 267460, column lock/10424050s wheel, and sc4x 267460 (count 2). Claim type e om. Replaced n4800 533wc0. 60, module 1 at 9381389, sc4x 9381389. Customer to send invoice.
The vehicle experienced problems with the steering column. The column locked approximately 24 times within 4 years dealer was notified. Ref. In ea02-031.