MYRModel Year Report

1998 Chevrolet Corvette

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1998 Chevrolet Corvette
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
399
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
5

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

55% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 6 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1985: 16 complaints 1986: 15 complaints 1987: 21 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 15 complaints 1990: 34 complaints 1991: 24 complaints 1992: 7 complaints 1993: 22 complaints 1994: 29 complaints 1995: 32 complaints 1996: 44 complaints 1997: 153 complaints 1998: 399 complaints 1998 399 1999: 308 complaints 2000: 278 complaints 2001: 203 complaints 2002: 157 complaints 2003: 85 complaints 2004: 217 complaints 2005: 532 complaints 2005 2006: 365 complaints 2007: 341 complaints 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 151 complaints 2010: 84 complaints 2011: 85 complaints 2011 2012: 56 complaints 2013: 82 complaints 2014: 63 complaints 2015: 64 complaints 2016: 104 complaints 2017: 256 complaints 2017 2018: 51 complaints 2019: 148 complaints 2020: 34 complaints 2021: 13 complaints 2022: 21 complaints 2023: 26 complaints 2023 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 11 complaints
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 6 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1984 1985: 16 complaints 1986: 15 complaints 1987: 21 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 15 complaints 1990: 34 complaints 1990 1991: 24 complaints 1992: 7 complaints 1993: 22 complaints 1993 1994: 29 complaints 1995: 32 complaints 1996: 44 complaints 1997: 153 complaints 1998: 399 complaints 1998 399 1999: 308 complaints 2000: 278 complaints 2001: 203 complaints 2002: 157 complaints 2002 2003: 85 complaints 2004: 217 complaints 2005: 532 complaints 2005 2006: 365 complaints 2007: 341 complaints 2008: 541 complaints 2008 2009: 151 complaints 2010: 84 complaints 2011: 85 complaints 2011 2012: 56 complaints 2013: 82 complaints 2014: 63 complaints 2014 2015: 64 complaints 2016: 104 complaints 2017: 256 complaints 2017 2018: 51 complaints 2019: 148 complaints 2020: 34 complaints 2020 2021: 13 complaints 2022: 21 complaints 2023: 26 complaints 2023 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 11 complaints
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 6 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1984: 14 complaints 1985: 16 complaints 1985 1986: 15 complaints 1987: 21 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 15 complaints 1989 1990: 34 complaints 1991: 24 complaints 1991 1992: 7 complaints 1993: 22 complaints 1993 1994: 29 complaints 1995: 32 complaints 1995 1996: 44 complaints 1997: 153 complaints 1998: 399 complaints 1998 399 1999: 308 complaints 2000: 278 complaints 2001: 203 complaints 2001 2002: 157 complaints 2003: 85 complaints 2003 2004: 217 complaints 2005: 532 complaints 2005 2006: 365 complaints 2007: 341 complaints 2007 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 151 complaints 2009 2010: 84 complaints 2011: 85 complaints 2011 2012: 56 complaints 2013: 82 complaints 2013 2014: 63 complaints 2015: 64 complaints 2015 2016: 104 complaints 2017: 256 complaints 2017 2018: 51 complaints 2019: 148 complaints 2019 2020: 34 complaints 2021: 13 complaints 2021 2022: 21 complaints 2023: 26 complaints 2023 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 11 complaints 2025

1998: 399 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19816
19820
198414
198516
198615
198721
198816
198915
199034
199124
19927
199322
199429
199532
199644
1997153
1998399
1999308
2000278
2001203
2002157
200385
2004217
2005532
2006365
2007341
2008541
2009151
201084
201185
201256
201382
201463
201564
2016104
2017256
201851
2019148
202034
202113
202221
202326
202421
202511

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

55% · 220 reports

Most commonly citing anti-theft device and steering wheel/handle bar.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-23

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-05-18

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, 2024-08-09

Electrical system

8% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and switch.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 2017-01-17

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Service brakes

8% · 30 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIRE
Show 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, 2012-12-02

Seats

7% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing power adjust.

Seat belts

6% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1998Complaint volume 399 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    1999-11-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-07-21 Steering column lock module
  3. I
    1999-12-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-03-16 Front lap belt malfunction
  4. I
    2000-03-16Engineering analysisClosed 2000-04-18 Front lap belt malfunction
  5. R
    2000-11-13Seat belts00V111000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2002-07-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-11-15 Steering column lockup
  7. I
    2002-11-15Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-11 Steering column lockup
  8. R
    2004-04-26Steering04V060000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Chevrolet Corvette — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 220 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 32 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 30 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 00V111000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 04V060000 · Steering
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.