2002 Chevrolet Corvette
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this occurs, a crash could occur without warning.
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 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.
Owner complaints
157 complaints3 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
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. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the…
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. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering), and the dealer determined that the electronic steering column lock replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the dealer for financial assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 51,491.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
The ignition key started the car but the car continued to stall out when the clutch was released failing to propel the car leaving me stranded with a running(ideling) but non functional vehicle.I could not move the vehicle and it was subject to traffic crash. I need to have the vehicle retrieved by the dealer for repait. It is non-operable. There weree no warnings to me on the vehicle that the p roblem existed
- Steering
Steering wheel IS locked after parking it after work. The recall on all other vehicles my year that has been fixed by the factory has a wire ran to the pcm are computer not sure what they are calling it. But the fix will not let the steering wheel lock. And I have watched a lot of youtube videos on…
Steering wheel IS locked after parking it after work. The recall on all other vehicles my year that has been fixed by the factory has a wire ran to the pcm are computer not sure what they are calling it. But the fix will not let the steering wheel lock. And I have watched a lot of youtube videos on this in all of the factory fixed recalls the steering wheel doesn't lock. From what I see it tells me that the fix IS complete. It IS a 2002 with only 68000 miles. Any help please?
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Exterior lighting · Steering
I bought car off internet not sure if any recalls have been done traction controls service ABS stability controls lights will not go off told that parts are discontinued you may reach me at [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Exterior lighting
Driving to work (in the dark) the low beam headlights shut off. Pulled the car over and turned the headlamp switch to on and they started working (was in auto sensor mode). Next day when I was leaving the house I turned the headlamp switch on, headlights popped up but did not come on. I could turn…
Driving to work (in the dark) the low beam headlights shut off. Pulled the car over and turned the headlamp switch to on and they started working (was in auto sensor mode). Next day when I was leaving the house I turned the headlamp switch on, headlights popped up but did not come on. I could turn them to high beam and they worked but not on low. After driving the car and switching back and forth from high to low beam several times, the low beams started working again.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet corvette. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 04v060000 (steering). After the repair, the steering wheel seized without warning and a warning message appeared, indicating to remove the key after ten seconds. The recall…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet corvette. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 04v060000 (steering). After the repair, the steering wheel seized without warning and a warning message appeared, indicating to remove the key after ten seconds. The recall repair was performed by pape chevrolet geo (370 oakwood rd, huntington station, ny, (631) 427-0900), but was no longer in business. The vehicle was taken to robert chevrolet (236 s broadway, hicksville, ny 11801, (888) 619-7642) where it was determined that the remedy failed to provide a permanent solution. The dealer replaced the steering column lock and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer indicated that the recall repair 15 years ago should have provided a permanent remedy. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa action number: ea02031 (steering); however, the vehicle exhibited the same failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.
- Steering
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". I just received another notice from them. they should either make the parts or come to another resolution . I meanwhile can't drive the car because the steering wheel locks up. help!!!
- Wheels
Noticed a slight vibration coming from rear of car when driving on a paved smooth road at 65 mph. Upon later inspection, I discovered a 2" long cracked lr wheel the crack IS located at the base of one of 5 slender spokes where it connects to the barrel of the wheel. Any retailer who lists this 18"…
Noticed a slight vibration coming from rear of car when driving on a paved smooth road at 65 mph. Upon later inspection, I discovered a 2" long cracked lr wheel the crack IS located at the base of one of 5 slender spokes where it connects to the barrel of the wheel. Any retailer who lists this 18" forged aluminum wheel IS out of stock as this upgraded wheel was under-designed for the loading that happens to a high performance vehicle. This IS a common problem with the C5 corvettes and could result in a catastrophic accident at high interstate speeds.
- Steering
Backing up from a private parking place I almost crashed due to the steering column locked on me. I tried to free it but it wouldn't release. The car computer indicated I should remove key for 10 seconds and reinsert to free the locked steering wheel, no success. Had car towed to the chevy dealer…
Backing up from a private parking place I almost crashed due to the steering column locked on me. I tried to free it but it wouldn't release. The car computer indicated I should remove key for 10 seconds and reinsert to free the locked steering wheel, no success. Had car towed to the chevy dealer for a fix. Dealer said their was a recall on this defect back in 2004. Dealer records indicate that I took the vehicle in for a recall but I don't remember what the recall was for. Nonetheless, I have no records explaining what was specifically done at that time on the recall. The dealer also has no specific records on that recall. I am the original owner. The dealer here in pahrump NV fixed the problem and said that the problem was a computer defect causing the anti theft plate to lock the steering plate. They remove the steering plate and install a harness kit and lock plate eliminator and charged me $199.60 . I understand that recall don't expired, whether they haven't been performed or improperly repaired. I object to being charged for a defect that GMC interduce. This defect IS dangerious. Clearly GMC did not think out the comparative risk of a computer failure causing the locking plate to disengage causing the car to be stolen; or causing the plate to lock while driving the car into a deadly event.
- Steering
I took my car in for a steering colum lock recall, the car was running fine before I took it in. Once I got the car back to my house, two days later the steering wheel locked while in gear and has not unlocked to this day. I called the dealership (which was penske chevrolet) and spoke to john who…
I took my car in for a steering colum lock recall, the car was running fine before I took it in. Once I got the car back to my house, two days later the steering wheel locked while in gear and has not unlocked to this day. I called the dealership (which was penske chevrolet) and spoke to john who told me "well we already did the recall so it must've been a part or something else". I was furious and explained that I'm not going to pay for some part for the same thing that should've been fixed. I could see if maybe they found some part unrelatable that needed to be replaced, but not the exact same thing that was for the recall!! What if the wheel locked up on me with my son in the car on the freeway or something? I don't know if the dealership IS just trying to get money out of customers like this or what, but the car only has 6 miles on it since I took it home from the dealership that day. So within that six miles it has been locked and hasn't unlocked. I just simply want my car to be safe to drive. Any help you guys could give me I would greatly appreciate it. I don't know what else to do. Thank you.
- Steering
Warning light occurred once I tried what was said, remove key & wait 10 seconds, did this numerous times to no avail. Tried to move car once it hit 1 mile per car stalls. Upon reading manual says if doesn't unlock gas flow IS shut off & stalls. Checked the vin # against the recall list & my car not listed.
- Electrical system · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet corvette. The contact stated that the service column lock warning indicator illuminated. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v060000 (steering); however, the contact experienced a failure related to the recall. The manufacturer was notified of…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet corvette. The contact stated that the service column lock warning indicator illuminated. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v060000 (steering); however, the contact experienced a failure related to the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure to determine if a dealer could repair the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000. Updated 07/18/17*lj the consumer said the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. Updated 08/15/2017*js
- Visibility/wiper
Plastic fitting on cowl for rh windshield washer broke and disabled washer. Only source for this part IS a used one from a salvage operation. Gm should sell safety related parts, especially plastic ones which are subject to aging and breakage.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet corvette. When the contact shifted from park to drive, the steering wheel failed to unlock. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was repaired previously per nhtsa campaign number: 04v060000 (steering); however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,500.
- Fuel/propulsion system
After fueling vehicle and parking in garage the vehicle for days will smell very strongly of gasoline until gallons are consumed via driving to approx. 3/4 of tank. vehicle IS not over filled ! no visual indications of fuel leaking on ground. This also happened since on july 12, 2016 last time vehicle was fueled.
- Service brakes
Brakes failed while backing out of the garage. after inspection it was determined the brake line to the left rear wheel developed a hole due to excessive rusting of the steel brake line.
- Unknown or other
When the fuel tank IS filled their IS an enormous gas smell in and out of the car.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Car has fuel leak. Once I turn on the car it starts leaking gas. I could be stationary or in motion, it still leaks gas. It also smells terrible inside my car. I am worried about my health and other corvette owners. Some corvette owners may not even notice and next thing you know there car IS on…
Car has fuel leak. Once I turn on the car it starts leaking gas. I could be stationary or in motion, it still leaks gas. It also smells terrible inside my car. I am worried about my health and other corvette owners. Some corvette owners may not even notice and next thing you know there car IS on fire. Worse case scenario they could be injured or even death. This IS a safety issue and gm should recall this. Im lucky to be even writing this I could've blown up while driving the car.
- Exterior lighting
The plastic piece attaching the headlight vertical adjusting mechanism to the heaqdlight frame broke and fell off, causing large shifts in the headlight aim due to road irrregularities. Chevrolet does not make available detail parts of this rather complicated mechanism, making it necessary to buy a complete retractable headlight assembly for $1,000+. This discourages proper repair of this safety related issue.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet corvette. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet corvette. The contact stated that while driving approximately 17 mph, the steering wheel seized as the service steering column, pull key, and wait 10 seconds warning indicators illuminated. The failure recurred on two occasions. The vehicle was taken to an…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet corvette. The contact stated that while driving approximately 17 mph, the steering wheel seized as the service steering column, pull key, and wait 10 seconds warning indicators illuminated. The failure recurred on two occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lock plate needed to be taken out of the steering column for an electronic bypass harness to be installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,472.
- Steering › Column
TL* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet corvette. The contact stated that the service column lock and service active handling warning indicators illuminated. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the service column lock and service active…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet corvette. The contact stated that the service column lock and service active handling warning indicators illuminated. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the service column lock and service active handling failed. The vehicle was repaired prior to the contact owning the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
- Wheels
Both rear wheels are cracked and will not hold air for more than a day! after contacting general motors about the problem they stated that there are no recall's on these wheels. This IS a real safety issue for these wheels can brake at any time. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
While making a tight left turn to gain entrance to the I75 on ramp south of gainsville fla. The driver side front brake caliper locked up causing the car to swerve violently to the left. Fortunately no other car was alongside so an accident was avoided.. Since then this malfunction has repeated itself multiple times but fortunately at slower speeds. *tr
- Tires · Wheels
Run flat tire went flat, could not find leak in tire. Found the problem was cracked rim. since car has never been abused, this IS a factory defect. Gm needs to issue a recall to fix this liability, it seems to be a widespread problem involving thousands of C5 corvettes. proactive recall may save lives !! *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Steering column lockup
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…
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 transmissions.the notification stated that if the voltage at the powertrain control module (pcm), which was designed to shut down the fuel supply when the steering column failed to unlock and the customer tried to drive the vehicle, IS low or interrupted, the fuel shut off may not occur.as a result, the customer could drive the vehicle while the steering column was locked causing the driver to lose steering control and possibly crash without warning.gm will instruct owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer to have the pcm reprogrammed for manual transmission vehicles and the electric column lock disabled for automatic transmission vehicles.odi will monitor the effectiveness of the remedy in the manual transmission vehicles and take further action if warranted.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246884Composite Transverse Spring Damage.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245989This Preliminary Information communicates diagnostic information to dealership techs to assist them in diagnosing either a "Service Column Lock" or a "Pull Key, Wait 10 Seconds"message on the DIC.
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232811This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
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