1998 Chevrolet Corvette
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1981 | 6 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1984 | 14 |
| 1985 | 16 |
| 1986 | 15 |
| 1987 | 21 |
| 1988 | 16 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 34 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 7 |
| 1993 | 22 |
| 1994 | 29 |
| 1995 | 32 |
| 1996 | 44 |
| 1997 | 153 |
| 1998 | 399 |
| 1999 | 308 |
| 2000 | 277 |
| 2001 | 203 |
| 2002 | 157 |
| 2003 | 85 |
| 2004 | 217 |
| 2005 | 532 |
| 2006 | 365 |
| 2007 | 341 |
| 2008 | 540 |
| 2009 | 151 |
| 2010 | 84 |
| 2011 | 85 |
| 2012 | 56 |
| 2013 | 82 |
| 2014 | 61 |
| 2015 | 64 |
| 2016 | 103 |
| 2017 | 255 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 147 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
55% of complaints: steering — 220 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing anti-theft device and steering wheel/handle bar.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING. ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING WAS INVOLVED INTO A COLLISION WHICH HE THINKS IT WAS CAUSED DO TO STEERING PROBLEMS. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS CALLED. TS *TT
NHTSA ODI report, 20021223
I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE LISTED VEHICLE AND LOOSE HARDWARE, ESPECIALLY NUTS OR FASTENERS IN STEERING OR CONTROL AREAS THAT COME LOOSE OR OFF DURING NORMAL DRIVING CREATING CRASH HAZARDS. I AM CONCERNED. NEED HELP. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990518
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering column lock failed to unlock, preventing the vehicle from being driven.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240809
8% of complaints: electrical system — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and switch.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170117
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8% of complaints: service brakes — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
SITTING IDLE, ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATE ON DASH BOARD, IN DASH DISPLAY SHOWS"SERVICE ENGINE SOON". MADE IT HOME WHEN SMOKE BELLOWED FROM UNDER HOOD. ABS MODULE SHORTED OUT AND STARTED FIRE AT MODULE AND WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121202
7% of complaints: seats — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power adjust.
6% of complaints: seat belts — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.
SAFETY TIMELINE
STEERING COLUMN LOCK MODULE
FRONT LAP BELT MALFUNCTION
FRONT LAP BELT MALFUNCTION
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LAP BELT WEBBING CAN TWIST ALLOWING THE WEBBING TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL INSERTS TO THE BELT WEB GUIDE OF EACH LAP BELT RETRACTOR.
Campaign 00V111000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING COLUMN LOCKUP
STEERING COLUMN LOCKUP
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 VEH
Remedy: 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 WIL
Campaign 04V060000 — check if this car was fixed
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Chevrolet Corvette — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (220 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V111000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V060000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.