2002 Chevrolet Corvette

● Typical for this model
2002 Chevrolet Corvette
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:51:29.407Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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
157
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

38% 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 1993 1994: 29 complaints 1995: 32 complaints 1996: 44 complaints 1997: 153 complaints 1998: 399 complaints 1999: 308 complaints 2000: 278 complaints 2001: 205 complaints 2002: 157 complaints 2002 157 2003: 85 complaints 2004: 217 complaints 2005: 533 complaints 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: 105 complaints 2017: 257 complaints 2017 2018: 51 complaints 2019: 148 complaints 2020: 34 complaints 2021: 13 complaints 2022: 21 complaints 2023: 27 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 1996 1997: 153 complaints 1998: 399 complaints 1999: 308 complaints 1999 2000: 278 complaints 2001: 205 complaints 2002: 157 complaints 2002 157 2003: 85 complaints 2004: 217 complaints 2005: 533 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: 105 complaints 2017: 257 complaints 2017 2018: 51 complaints 2019: 148 complaints 2020: 34 complaints 2020 2021: 13 complaints 2022: 21 complaints 2023: 27 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 1997 1998: 399 complaints 1999: 308 complaints 1999 2000: 278 complaints 2001: 205 complaints 2002: 157 complaints 2002 157 2003: 85 complaints 2004: 217 complaints 2005: 533 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: 105 complaints 2017: 257 complaints 2017 2018: 51 complaints 2019: 148 complaints 2019 2020: 34 complaints 2021: 13 complaints 2021 2022: 21 complaints 2023: 27 complaints 2023 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 11 complaints 2025

2002: 157 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
2001205
2002157
200385
2004217
2005533
2006365
2007341
2008541
2009151
201084
201185
201256
201382
201463
201564
2016105
2017257
201851
2019148
202034
202113
202221
202327
202421
202511

Known problem areas

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

Steering

38% · 60 reports

Most commonly citing anti-theft device and column.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

While driving driver was unable to steer because the steering column locked. This caused the vehicle to hit a curb, and the front left wheel detached from the vehicle. Consumer had vehicle towed to the dealer, but problem was not resolved.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-01

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving 5-10 MPH, the steering wheel locked-up, and the vehicle continued to drive in a circle. The steering column warning light was illuminated after the failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-08-06

I have received several notices from auto nation Chevrolet doral Florida to bring my car in for recall GM 04006. When I took my car to them for the recall, I was told "The parts required for the recall are no longer made".

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-22

Wheels

24% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing rim.

Show complaint excerpts

Noticed a slight vibration coming from rear of car when driving on a paved smooth road at 65 MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-23

Tl* the ocntact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. While examining the vehicle, the contact noticed a crack along side the wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the wheel needed to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-17

Electrical system

11% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing software and horn.

Show complaint excerpts

Horn is difficult to locate in an emergency situation since it is only a very small indentation on steering wheel.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-01-28

Service brakes

8% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Fuel system, gasoline

6% · 9 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. I
    2002-11-15Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-11 Steering column lockup
  2. 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…

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Chevrolet Corvette — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 60 reports on file for this year.
  • Wheels: 37 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V060000 · Steering
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.