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1999 Chevrolet Corvette: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Steering is the largest complaint group in the 1999 Corvette's 308 NHTSA complaints, and owners in a sample we read describe the column locking up[1][2]. Two recalls are on file, and one of them covers the steering column lock[3][4].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 308 owner complaints for this car[1]. Of those, 14 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 11 injuries and 1 a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, These are unverified owner reports..
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Steering[2] | 194 |
| Electrical system[7] | 30 |
| Brakes[8] | 25 |
| Seat belts[9] | 19 |
| Power train[10] | 12 |
| Seats[11] | 12 |
| Engine[12] | 11 |
| Electronic stability control[13] | 9 |
Steering. Steering has 194 complaints, with 5 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries. The median mileage at failure is 42,220[2]. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe the steering column locking up, often at low speed or in reverse, and sometimes while moving. This matches the recall below.
Electrical. The electrical group has 30 complaints, with 3 crashes and 3 injuries[7]. In the sample we read, owners describe computer warnings and intermittent electrical faults. Some of the same texts describe steering column lock trouble[7].
Brakes. Brakes have 25 complaints, with 2 crashes[8]. In the sample we read, owners describe a parking brake that does not hold and lets the car roll. A smaller number describe rotors that warp or wear quickly[8].
Seat belts. Seat belts have 19 complaints and no crashes or injuries[9]. In the sample we read, owners describe retractors that jam or do not pull back in, mostly on the passenger side. Some say a replacement did not fix it[9]. This matches the seat belt recall below.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1999 Corvette[5]. Newest first:
- Steering column lock (04V060), February 2004. The car has an electronic steering column lock. If the lock does not release, the car is designed to cut fuel so it cannot move. If power to the engine computer is low or interrupted, fuel may not shut off and the car can be driven with the steering locked. The lock can also catch while driving. NHTSA says a crash could occur without warning. The fix for automatic cars is to remove the lock plate, so the column no longer locks when the key comes out. For manual cars the dealer reprograms the engine computer, checks the lock and replaces the plate if needed. About 126,624 vehicles were potentially affected[3].
- Front seat belts (00V111), April 2000. The lap belt webbing can twist and jam in the retractor. The belt may then be unusable. Dealers install inserts in the belt guide of each lap belt retractor. About 71,569 vehicles were potentially affected[4].
Fuel economy
Both EPA ratings are for a 5.7L 8-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, on premium fuel[14][6].
Engine and size
The EPA ratings list a 5.7L 8-cylinder engine[14][6]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications..
How 1999 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 32 | 0 |
| 1996 | 44 | 0 |
| 1997 | 153 | 5 |
| 1998 | 399 | 2 |
| 1999 | 308 | 2 |
| 2000 | 278 | 2 |
| 2001 | 205 | 1 |
| 2002 | 157 | 1 |
| 2003 | 85 | 1 |
| 2004 | 217 | 2 |
| 2005 | 537 | 6 |
| 2006 | 413 | 5 |
| 2007 | 386 | 2 |
| 2008 | 589 | 0 |
| 2009 | 152 | 0 |
| 2010 | 84 | 0 |
| 2011 | 85 | 1 |
| 2012 | 56 | 1 |
| 2013 | 82 | 0 |
| 2014 | 63 | 5 |
| 2015 | 65 | 5 |
| 2016 | 104 | 2 |
| 2017 | 257 | 4 |
| 2018 | 51 | 1 |
| 2019 | 148 | 1 |
| 2020 | 34 | 4 |
| 2021 | 13 | 2 |
| 2022 | 21 | 1 |
| 2023 | 26 | 1 |
| 2024 | 21 | 2 |
| 2025 | 11 | 3 |
| 2026 | 3 | 3 |
| 2027 | 1 | 0 |
Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide within the same model. The 1999 Corvette has 308 complaints and 2 recalls[5].
Five model years list more complaints: 1998 (399), 2005 (537), 2006 (413), 2007 (386) and 2008 (589)[5]. The next two years are lower: 2000 has 278 and 2001 has 205[5].
Should you buy a used 1999 Corvette?
The data points to a few things to check. Steering is the largest complaint group at 194 complaints, and the column lock has a recall with a dealer remedy[2][3]. Ask for proof the recall work was done. Seat belts have a recall and 19 complaints[9][4]. Owners in our sample also describe a parking brake that does not hold, so test it[8].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 1999 Corvette?
- Steering has the most NHTSA complaints at 194 of 308[1][2]. Electrical has 30, brakes 25 and seat belts 19[7][8][9].
- Does the 1999 Corvette have recalls?
- Yes, 2[5]. One covers the electronic steering column lock (04V060) and one covers front lap belt retractors (00V111)[3][4][5].
- What MPG does a 1999 Corvette get?
- EPA rates the automatic at 18 combined MPG and the manual at 20 combined MPG[14][6].
- Is the 1999 Corvette the year with the most complaints?
- No. 1998 lists 399, 2005 lists 537, 2006 lists 413, 2007 lists 386 and 2008 lists 589, against 308 for 1999[5].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 308 owner complaints on file for the 1999 Chevrolet Corvette (14 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 11 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 194 complaints name the steering component group (5 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,220). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 04V060, filed February 9, 2004: Steering › Column Locking › Anti-Theft Device. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V111, filed April 17, 2000: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Corvette model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Corvette, 5.7L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 30 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 38,933). NHTSA vehicle records
- 25 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 19 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 92,300). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the seats component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,100). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,903). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Corvette, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CORVETTE 2DR CONVERTIBLE: length 180 in, width 74 in, height 48 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,241 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CORVETTE 2DR COUPE: length 180 in, width 74 in, height 48 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,219 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CORVETTE 2DR HARDTOP: length 180 in, width 74 in, height 48 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,153 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov