Should I buy a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette with documented steering problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented steering issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2006 Chevrolet Corvette steering problems

severe 48 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$700

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 10V172000 26/04/2010

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 AND 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 2004 AND JANUARY 2006 EQUIPPED WITH A TILT AND TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN (RPO N37)

IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE CHANGE IN VEHICLE MOVEMENT, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Fix: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

severe NHTSA 05V455000 05/10/2005

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD BE LOST AND INCREASED STEERING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRO-BOOST POWER BRAKES, IT COULD ALSO RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. IF THE POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAY WERE TO SPRAY ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING HOSE(S) FOR TWO SUSPECT DATE CODES AND REPLACE THEM IF REQUIRED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

What owners are reporting 3 most recent

steering · filed 12/27/2016

IN 2010, THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR "STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR." THE ISSUE WAS THE "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING" WARNING NOTICE WAS INTERMITTENTLY APPEARING IN THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER. THE REMEDY WAS TO INSTALL A PLASTIC CLIP. THIS REMEDY DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW "STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR" AND THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL AND IT WOULD BE…

steering · filed 12/26/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN SWAYING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUED DRIVING HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V172000 (STEERING:COLUMN) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INC…

steering · filed 12/23/2015

DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROX. 65 MPH. , THE STEERING WHEEL ON MY CAR " TOOK CONTROL OF ITSELF AND JERKED TO THE LEFT: ON THE DASH POD IT STATED " SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM" . I PULLED THE CAR OVER AS SOON AS I COULD DO SO SAFELY AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. AFTER RESTARTING IT THE WARNING WENT AWAY AND THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL.

Common questions

How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette?

It's a meaningful issue. 48 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.

At what mileage does the steering typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to steering?

Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.