2004 Chevrolet Corvette

Certain vehicles were produced with lower control arm ball stud nut/washer assemblies with washers made of the wrong steel material.  The washers may fracture and become loose or fall away from the vehicle, reducing clamp load.  Separation of the control arm ball stud and steering knuckle, due to disengagement of the tapered attachment and retaining nut, is possible and may occur without prior indication to the vehicle operator.  If the control arm separates from the knuckle, the affected corner of the vehicle will drop and the control arm would be forced downward, contacting the wheel.  The affected wheel could tilt outward and create a dragging action that would tend to slow the vehicle and create a tendency for the vehicle to turn in the direction of the affected wheel.  In extreme situations, the affected wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle.  Separation of the wheel assembly would also sever that wheel's hydraulic brake hose and result in diminished braking performance of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.  Correction:  Dealers will install a new nut and washer, and if required, replace the ball stud and/or steering knuckle.

On certain vehicles equipped with Electronic Column Lock systems (ECL), when the ignition switch is turned to "Lock", the ECL 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 (PCM) is low or interrupted, the fuel shut off may not occur and the vehicle can be accelerated while the steering system is locked.  Correction:  On vehicle 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 vehicle equipped with a manual transmission, the dealer will reprogram the PCM.  The steering column on these vehicles will continue to lock when the key is removed..