Model year record

2000 Chevrolet Corvette recalls & problems

The 2000 Chevrolet Corvette has 4 safety recalls and 278 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering (176 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls

Complaints278filed by owners

Crashes · fires15 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths12 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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.

SteeringFeb 9, 2004

Column locking › Anti-theft device

Recall 04V060000126,624 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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 VEHICLE IS STARTED, THE ECL UNLOCKS THE STEERING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED SO THAT IF THE COLUMN FAILS TO UNLOCK WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED AND THE CUSTOMER TRIES TO DRIVE, THE FUEL SUPPLY WILL BE SHUT OFF SO THAT THE VEHICLE CANNOT MOVE WHEN THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE STEERED. IF VOLTAGE AT THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE IS LOW OR INTERRUPTED, HOWEVER, THE FUEL SHUT OFF MAY NOT OCCUR AND THE VEHICLE CAN BE ACCELERATED WHILE THE STEERING SYSTEM IS LOCKED. ALSO WHEN THE CONTROL SYSTEM SHOWS THAT THE ECL IS UNLOCKED AND THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, THE LOCK PIN LOCATION CAN VARY. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE LOCK PLATE RELATIVE TO THE SWITCH TRANSITION POINT, THERE COULD THEN BE CONTACT BETWEEN THE LOCK PLATE AND PIN CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK WHILE DRIVING .
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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 WILL LOCK BUT THE STEERING COLUMN WILL NOT LOCK. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, THE DEALER WILL REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE, PERFORM A DIMENSIONAL CHECK OF THE COLUMN LOCK AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE LOCK PLATE. THE STEERING COLUMN ON THESE VEHICLES WILL CONTINUE TO LOCK WHEN THE KEY IS REMOVED. OWNER NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS OF 1997 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS BEGAN ON APRIL 26, 2004. OWNERS OF 1998 THROUGH 2004 VEHICLES (EXCEPT 1997-1998 MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES) WILL BE NOTIFIED BEGINNING ON AUGUST 2, 2004. THE REMAINING OWNERS (1997-1998 MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES) WILL BE NOTIFIED LATER IN 2004, WHEN PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Seat beltsApr 17, 2000

Front

Recall 00V11100071,569 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LAP BELT WEBBING CAN TWIST ALLOWING THE WEBBING TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR.
Risk: WHEN THE BELT WEBBING BECOMES JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR, THE SEAT BELT MAY BE UNUSABLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL INSERTS TO THE BELT WEB GUIDE OF EACH LAP BELT RETRACTOR.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

Corvette

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

Corvette

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
SteeringColumn locking › Anti-theft device; Steering wheel/handle bar	176	7	14	38,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition › Module; 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables	24	0	1	40,000 mi
Exterior lightingTurn signal; Turn signal › Flasher unit	18	1	1	36,911 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light	17	1	0	35,972 mi
Service brakes	17	2	0	72,500 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Exhaust system › Emission control	11	0	1	—
Electronic stability control (esc)	11	0	0	72,500 mi
Fuel system, otherStorage › Fuel gauge system	9	0	0	12,695 mi
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Fuel injection system	8	0	0	14,576 mi
Power trainClutch assembly; Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines	7	0	0	36,000 mi
SuspensionRear; Front › Control arm › Upper arm	6	0	0	9,000 mi
StructureBody › Roof and pillars; Frame and members	6	1	2	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Steering
I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the steering column of my 2000 Chevrolet Corvette, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission. The vehicle displays âSERVICE COLUMN LOCK.â The engine will start, but the steering wheel remains physically locked and the vehicle cannot be safely driven. This vehicle was previously subject to GM Safety Recall N040006 concerning the electronic steering column lock. GMâs records show that Recall N040006 was completed on XXX, with the description: âInstall Harness Kit, Reprogram and Perform Functional Test.â I contacted a Chevrolet dealer to determine what work was actually performed under the recall. The dealer…
Jul 26, 2026
Steering
The contact owned a 2000 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized, with the steering column warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and became aware that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000.
Dec 16, 2024 · 21,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel leaks from car when filled more than 5/8 full.
Feb 14, 2024
Steering
The Electronic Column Lock System (ECLS) failed. Car was recalled for this problem twice (2004 and 2006) My car was only included in 2004 recall, not the 2006 recall My car currently has 15,524 miles for an average of 675miles per year At time of 2004 recall my car had approx 2700 miles At time of 2006 recall my car had approx 4050 miles The failure of the ECLS is a prevalent problem in the 2000 Corvette I never had a problem until June 2023 I was told by Chevrolet that this could happen again I am under the understanding from my research the ECLS could fail while driving I want My car properly repaired to avoid a possible future catastrophe and to be reimbursed for towing and repairs
Jun 1, 2023
Steering
The contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while reversing, the steering wheel became firm. The contact turned off the vehicle and moved the steering wheel side to side at the same time while restarting the vehicle, and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering) and referred the contact the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted a case was filed, and the manufacturer also stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall and advised the contact to file a…
Apr 12, 2023 · 58,000 miles
Steering
The contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the steering column lock bypass needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Mar 17, 2023 · 55,000 miles
Steering
The contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would seize as the vehicle would stall and an error message would illuminate on the instrument panel to remove the key. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where they informed him that they could not service his vehicle. The contact then took the vehicle to Cumming Chevrolet (Mile of Cars, 2301 National City Blvd, National City, CA 91950) where they informed him of NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact then ordered the part to have the vehicle repaired; however, the dealer refused to service…
Nov 8, 2021 · 100,000 miles
Service brakes
THE EBCM TRACTION CONTROL MODULE , ABS CONTROL MODULES AND THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR FOR THE C5 CORVETTES MADE FROM 1997 THRU 2000 ARE NO LONGER MANUFACTURED BY GENERAL MOTORS OR LICENSED TO AN AFTER MARKET MANUFACTURER FOR PRODUCTION AS AN AFTER MARKET REPLACEMENT. WHEN THESE MODULES GO BAD THERE IS A RISK FOR ACCIDENTS OR DEATH WHILE DRIVING AS THE ABS SYSTEM THAT WORKS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THESE MODULES WILL LOCK UP ONE OR MORE OF THE BRAKES CAUSING THE DRIVER TO SWERVE INTO OTHER LANES. THIS HAPPENED TO ME WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR FAILED. WE CORVETTE OWNERS ARE FORCED TO DRIVE WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF BECAUSE WE CANNOT FIND NEW REPLACEMENT EBCM MODULES, ABS…
Mar 23, 2021 · 125,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

STEERING COLUMN LOCKUPClosedLed to recall 04V060000
IN 2001, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) ISSUED CUSTOMER SERVICE CAMPAIGNS 1044 AND 1044A TO ADDRESS A CONDITION WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD FAIL TO UNLOCK DURING THE INITIAL KEY-IN AND START-UP IN CERTAIN MY 1998-2000 CORVETTE VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI CONTINUED TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING STEERING COLUMN LOCKUP ON CORVETTE VEHICLES.AS A RESULT, PE02-054 WAS OPENED AND LATER UPGRADED TO EA02-031 FOR MY 1997-2001 SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED CONCERNS WITH POST-REPAIR FAILURES IN VEHICLES SERVICED THROUGH THE CAMPAIGNS, AS WELL AS, FAILURES IN MY 1997-2003 SUBJECT VEHICLES NOT INCLUDED IN THE CAMPAIGNS.(NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER FAILURE DATA ABOVE IS LIMITED TO MY 1997-2003 VEHICLES THROUGH 10/17/2003.)ON FEBRUARY 6, 2004, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT IN MY 1997-2004 CORVETTE VEHCLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND MY 1997-2000 CORVETTE VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC…
EA02031 · opened Nov 15, 2002 · closed Mar 11, 2004
STEERING COLUMN LOCKUPClosed
SEE RESUME IN REPOSITORY.
PE02054 · opened Jul 1, 2002 · closed Nov 15, 2002
FRONT LAP BELT MALFUNCTIONClosedLed to recall 00V111000
ODI OPENED THIS EA00-009 ON MARCH 16, 2000, TO CONTINUE ANALYSES BEGUN UNDER PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE99-076.THE ALLEGED DEFECT: LAP BELT WEBBING IN BOTH SEATING POSITIONS TENDS TO FOLD OVER WHILE ENTERING THE RETRACTOR OPENING.THESE FOLDS FREQUENTLY IMPEDE PROPER WEBBING RETRACTION.IF THE RETRACTOR HAS BEEN INADVERTENTLY TOGGLED INTO AUTOMATIC LOCK RETRACTOR (ALR) MODE BY BEING EXTENDED TO ITS FULL LENGTH, IT MAY FAIL TO RESET ITSELF TO THE NORMAL EMERGENCY LOCK RETRACTOR (ELR) MODE.SUCH A CONDITION HAS BEEN SHOWN TO RENDER THE ACTIVE RESTRAINT UNUSABLE.CONCLUSION: GM WILL REMEDY THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN 71,569 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO AUGUST 1999 BY ADDING WEBBING GUIDE INSERTS TO THE LAP RETRACTOR OPENINGS OF BOTH SEATING POSITIONS TO PREVENT THE ADMISSION OF FOLDED WEBBING ONTO THE RETRACTOR SPOOL.THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN CLOSED.
EA00009 · opened Mar 16, 2000 · closed Apr 18, 2000