GM Has Recalled Corvettes 1997-2004

[CRome3]

General Motors is recalling more than 60 percent of the Corvettes made in Bowling Green, Ky., between 1997 and 2004 because of a problem with the steering column.

The automaker said yesterday that it expects to recall about 127,000 Corvettes, although the exact number is not yet known.

GM sold more than 207,000 Corvettes in the seven model years (1998-2004) covered by the recall.

The recall involves a potential double failure. As with all modern cars, the Corvette's steering column locks when the key is removed to protect the vehicle from theft.

With many Corvettes, the steering column can remain locked, even after the key has been inserted and the engine started, said Jim Schell, a GM spokesman.

When the steering column is locked, a system is supposed to cut off gas to the engine to prevent drivers from moving a vehicle that cannot steer. Schell said a computer module that directs the fuel cutoff is prone to failure.

"It allows the driver to move the vehicle while the steering column is still in a locked position," Schell said.

My 1998 Corvette's steering column remained locked when I started it on 4/7/04. It cost $300.00 for the dealer to install a "steering kit", plus the cost of towing it to the dealer. When I contacted Chevrolet, I was told that the VIN number of my car does not fall under the recall. If you have had this problem, you should check to see if you can make a claim for reimbursement. If you are given the same response I was given, you can file a consumer complaint here:

http://www-di.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pro...aintsearch.cfm

Hopefully they will expand the recall to include all Corvettes with the defect.

[Purerock105]

Of course some of the aftermarket companies have offered a
column lock-bypass that cures that.

I just had my locking mechanism removed. My steering wheel
will not lock.

Still, it's about time that GM/Chevy recognize this long-standing
problem.

[Suprascene]

Originally Posted by Purerock105

Of course some of the aftermarket companies have offered a
column lock-bypass that cures that.

I just had my locking mechanism removed. My steering wheel
will not lock.

Still, it's about time that GM/Chevy recognize this long-standing
problem.

What companies make such a product?

[CRome3]

Originally Posted by Suprascene.com

What companies make such a product?

Using google.com with search words "Corvette" and "column lock" came up with this product listing: http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...d=220&pcid=156.

I'm sure there are more, it was just the first one listed.

[CRome3]

Well, filing a complaint online worked for me. Received my recall notice/reimbursement form last week!