1997 CHEVROLET Corvette Problems

167

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

STEERING

92 complaints

THE CHEVROLET CORVETTE WAS STARTED IN THE COURTHOUSE PARKING LOT MOVING IN REVERSE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED IN PLACE NARROWING AVOIDING PEDESTRIANS. THE VEHICLE COULD BE MOVED IN EITHER DIRECTION, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE UNLOCKED AND SUBSEQUENTLY TRANSPORTED TO PRINCETON CHEVROLET [FORMERLY KNOWN AS SUPERIOR CHEVROLET] IN LAWRENCEVILLE, NEW JERSEY FOR REPAIR. DURING PREVIOUS SERVICE, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR RECALLS INCLUDING THE STEERING DEFECT WITH THE MANAGER STATING THAT ALL RECALLS WERE COMPLETE. THE JUNE 26, 2013 DEALER STEERING REPAIR INVOICE MAKES NO MENTION OF THE SERVICE RECALL, THE MANAGER EXPLAINING THE JUNE 25, 2013 INCIDENT WAS UNRELATED TO THE STEERING DEFECT AND SAFETY RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR RESPOND TO OUR INQUIRIES REFERENCING THE "ELECTRONIC COLUMN LOCK SYSTEM" PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL [04006C] WHICH STATES;" GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT, WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY, EXISTS IN CERTAIN 1997-2004 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET CORVETTE VEHICLES.WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, IT UNLOCKS THE STEERING. TWO CONDITIONS CAN PREVENT STEERING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING: ... IF ONE OF THESE CONDITIONS OCCURS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING." [PG 1 RECALL BULLETIN NO.: 04006C] THE RECALL SPECIFICALLY WARNS DEALERS; "WHENEVER A VEHICLE SUBJECT TO A RECALL ... IS IN YOUR DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE ... YOU MUST TAKE THE STEPS NECESSARY TO BE SURE THE RECALL CORRECTION HAS BEEN MADE BEFORE ... RELEASING THE VEHICLE." [PG 28 RECALL NO.: 04006C] WE REQUEST NHTSA INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE OF GENERAL MOTORS TO PROMPTLY ALERT OWNERS WITH THE LOCKING STEERING DEFECT, WHY THE VEHICLE WAS RELEASED BY THE DEALER WITHOUT VERIFYING THE RECALL STEERING STATUS, AND WHETHER THE REPAIR PERFORMED AT PRINCETON CHEVROLET ON JUNE 26, 2013 WAS THE REPAIR PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN GM SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 04006C. *TR

May 28, 2014

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STEERING LOCK BOX WAS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CONTROL STEERING LOCK WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER PREVIOUSLY FOR REPAIRS UNDER RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V060000 (STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE). THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO EXPLAINED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS ONLY REQUIRED TO PAY FOR RECALL REPAIRS ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 268,000.

Sep 06, 2012

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V060000 (STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT IS NOW EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE STATED IN THE RECALL. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO BACK OUT OF HIS DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. ALSO, A WARNING MESSAGED APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, STATING THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING BOX MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SAME FAILURE HAS BEEN REPAIRED FIVE TIMES PRIOR TO THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 105,000.

Aug 26, 2008

SERVICE BULLETIN 05081 JUST PERFORMED ON MY CORVETTE TO FIX A STEERING COLUMN LOCK PROBLEM. AFTER WORK PERFORMED I GET A MESSAGE TO REMOVE KEY AND WAIT 10 SEC. TGM COMPLETED A SERVICE BULLETIN ON MY CAR THAT LEAVES ME WITH A CAR THAT STALLS IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING. IN THE MANY YEARS I OWNED THE CAR I HAD ONLY GOTTEN THE MESSAGE ONCE, WHICH RELATED TO THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK. NOW SINCE THE SERVICE BULLETIN WAS DONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM I GET THE MESSAGE EVERY OTHER TIME I START THE CAR. I FEEL AS THOUGH THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE I HAVE ALREADY HAD ONE OCCASION WHERE I DID NOT SEE THE INFO MESSAGE. I PROCEEDED TO PULL OUT OF A PARKING SPACE ONLY TO HAVE THE CAR STALL AND ALMOST GET HIT BY A TRUCK. FORTUNATELY THE TRUCK WAS ABLE TO STOP BEFORE A COLLISION OCCURRED. THE TRUCK DRIVER WAS NOT VERY PATIENT AND PROCEEDED TO GIVE ME A FEW CHOICE WORDS WHILE I HAD TO GO THROUGH THE FAMOUS 10 SECOND DRILL 2 TIMES BEFORE I COULD GET THE CAR TO RUN. WHAT I REALLY EXPECT IS A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT FIXES A PROBLEM NOT CAUSES ONE I NOW HAVE AN UNSAFE CAR. MY WIFE REFUSES TO DRIVE IT FOR FEAR IT WILL STALL WHEN MOVING FROM A PARKED POSITION INTO TRAFFIC. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. THE CAR HAS STALLED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK! VERY UNSAFE. *TR

Feb 28, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AT 2 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO TURN AND THE STEERING COLUMN SERVICE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER, HOWEVER, IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V060000 (STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE) TWO YEARS AGO. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 29,191.

Sep 12, 2007

+ 87 more complaints for this component

SEATS

9 complaints

THERE APPEAR TO BE MANY VERIFIED COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SEATS MOVING UNDER ACCELERATION AND/OR BRAKING IN THE 1997-2004 CORVETTES. WHY HAVEN'T YOU REQUIRED CHEVROLET TO FIX THIS? *TR

Apr 10, 2011

THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE SEAT TRACKS OF THE 1997 CORVETTE THAT CAUSE THE SEAT TO LURCH FORWARD ABOUT 1 INCH UNDER FIRM BRAKING. THIS SUDDEN CHANGE IN THE SEAT POSITION CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM IS REPORTED TO EXIST IN ALL CORVETTES MANUFACTURED FROM 1997 THROUGH 2004. CHEVROLET AND GM HAVE LONG BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT PROVIDE A REPAIR UNLESS THE CUSTOMER PAYS OVER $500 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SEAT TRACK. THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED AND CHEVROLET SHOULD BE ORDERED TO CORRECT THIS SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT. *TR

Sep 17, 2010

LOOSE SEAT TRACKS ON C5 CORVETTES (1997-2004). CHRONIC ISSUE WITH THAT MODEL OF CORVETTE. LEAVES SEATS IN A "ROCKING CHAIR" MOOD AND AFFECTS SAFETY BY DISTRACTING DRIVER AND SEAT NOT BEING SECURE IN CRASHES. SEATS HAVE TO BE REMOVED FROM CAR TO GET TO TRACKS. THEN TRACKS HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND RUBBER BUSHINGS THAT DETERIORATE EASILY AND THEY HAVE TO BE REPLACED MORE DURABLE BUSHINGS OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL. *TR

Jul 20, 2010

THE POWER SEAT MOTORS UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT CAME LOSE AND CAUSED THE SEAT TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH AND ALSO SLIDE FRONT TO BACK.*AK

Mar 17, 2005

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES FRONT SEATS MOVED BACK AND FORTH OFF THE TRACK. DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THEY WERE NOT OBLIGATED TO REPAIR FRONT SEATS WITHOUT COST. *AK

Apr 21, 2004

+ 4 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

8 complaints

ENGINE STALLED WHILE BACKING UP. VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP AT THIS TIME.*AK

Jul 29, 2002

VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER AND DRAMATICALLY DECELERATES TO 5 MPH AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING, THIS FAILURE HAS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, DEALER CAN NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *SLC

Sep 18, 2000

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON DUE TO AIR PUMP CHECK VALVE BROKEN. YH

Feb 17, 2000

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOSES POWER. IF CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 50 MPH VEHICLE WOULD DROP DOWN TO 5 MPH AND START TO SHAKE. *AK

Oct 06, 1999

VEHICLE CONTINUALLY SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING 70-80 MILES PER HOUR, SEVERAL REMEDY ATTEMPTS (GAS TANKS, MODULARS, COMPUTER REPLACEMENTS) REPLACEMENTS, HOWEVER NO REMEDY AT THIS TIME. MJS

Jun 28, 1999

+ 3 more complaints for this component

SEAT BELTS

7 complaints

RECALL 00V111000. DRIVER'S LAP BELT DOES NOT RETRACT, CAUSING THE RESTRAINT TO BE INOPERABLE. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE IF THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED UNDER THE RECALL BY THE VIN.*AK

Jul 17, 2000

THE SEAT BELT FOLDED INSIDE AND JAMED, WOULDN'T MOVE IN OR OUT

Aug 04, 1999

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. MJS

Jul 14, 1999

SEAT BELTS FAILED ON THREE OCCASIONS. MJS

Feb 01, 1999

DRIVER'S SIDE PASSIVE RESTRAINT BELT WILL NOT EXTEND OR EXTRACT. DEALER HAS ORDERED THE PART(S) TO REPAIR RESTRAINTS. *AK

Sep 05, 1997

+ 2 more complaints for this component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

6 complaints

FUEL LEAKING FROM THE GAS TANK ALONG WITH STRONG ODOR OF GAS. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN FEB 2010 I DO SEE A RECALL FOR OTHER CORVETTES SAME YEAR, BUT DIFFERENT VIN#'S. I AM CONCERNED THERE ARE MORE VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM THAT THE GM HAS NOT LOOKED AT . THIS CAR WAS MADE IN THE SAME PLANT AS THE OTHERS AND MY CAR HAS OTHER RECALLS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE THAT WERE FROM THAT PLANT BOWLING GREEN PLANT CODE 5. I AM CERTAIN THAT THOSE VIN #'S ARE NOT THE ONLY VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR

May 17, 2010

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS A MENTIONED IN RECALL 97V105000 CONCERNING SENDING UNIT. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK THERE WAS GAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF HOSE FAILURE. *JB *NM

Apr 25, 2005

THE RIGHT TANK FUEL SENDING UNIT AND GASKET FAILED AND LEAKED FUEL WHICH CAUSED FUEL TO ENTER THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. *NLM

Aug 01, 2003

THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING GASOLINE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PH

Feb 07, 2003

AFTER PARKING MY CAR IN MY GARAGE ONE EVENING AND GOING IN THE HOUSE REALIZED I NEEDED TO GET SOMETHING OUT OF THE CAR WHEN I WENT BACK TO THE CAR I SMELLED GASOLINE. I THOUGHT I HAD SPILLED SOME WHEN I FUELED UP, SO I RINSED OFF THE AREA OF THE FILLER NECK AND PUT THE CAR BACK INSIDE. THE DAY I STILL SMELLED FUEL SO I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW A LEAK AT THE BACK OF THE FUEL TANK. THE PREVIOUS OWNER TOLD ME THAT BOTH TANK AND UNITS HAD BEEN REPLACED UNDER A RECALL IN 10/97. HEAR IT IS 2 YEARS LATER LESS THAN 13000 MILES ON MY CAR AND THE LEFT TANK IS LEAKING AGAIN. I ASK THE DEALER IF THEY COULD REPLACE BOTH TANKS AGAIN WITH THE NEW BETTER PARTS. THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD ONLY REPAIR THE LEAKING SIDE. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE RIGHT TANK WILL ALSO LEAK AND POSSIBLY BE OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEN I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A FAILURE THAT WAS THE MANUFACTORS FAULT TO START WITH. IF THIS LEAK DOES OCCUR OUT SIDE OF THE WARRANTY EVEN AFTER THE RECALL WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN DONE I THINK IT IS ONLY FAIR THAT THE DEALER OR CHEVROLET TO PAY THE FULL COST FOR THE PARTS AND REPAIR AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I CAN GET A GUARANTEE ON THAT. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP! YOU CAN PROVIDE. I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED GM VEHICLES HOWEVER THIS INCIDENT WITH A A NEARLY NEW CAR IS LEAVING A BAD TASTE IN MY MOUTH.

Aug 17, 1999

+ 1 more complaint for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

5 complaints

CONSUMER VERY CONCERNED THAT BRAKES COULD FAIL DUE TO CRACKED ROTORS, CONSUMER HAS BEEN THROUGH 4 SETS OF ROTORS IN LESS THAN 13000 MILES. NLM

Jul 29, 1999

CONSUMER VERY CONCERNED THAT BRAKES COULD FAIL DUE TO CRACKED ROTORS, CONSUMER HAS BEEN THROUGH 4 SETS OF ROTORS IN LESS THAN 13000 MILES. NLM REF. IN EA02-031 *CJS

Jul 29, 1999

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE JERKS. ROTORS WERE TURNED, AND BRAKES PADS REPLACED AT 11,000 MILES. AT 17,000 MILES, ROTORS WERE TURNED AGAIN BECAUSE OF WARPING. AT 30,000 MILES, FRONT ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. AT 35,000 MILES, ROTORS WARPED AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR TWO YEARS. *AK

Jun 17, 1999

THE HANDBRAKE HASN'T WORKED SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AT THE FIRST RECOMMENDED SERVICE DATE (OIL CHANGE). AT THE TIME, I REPORTED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. I HAVE HAD IT TO TWO DEALERS A TOTAL OF FIVE TIMES OVER THIS NON-FUNCTIONING HAND BRAKE. BOTH DEALERS' SERVICE DEPARTMENTS HAVE REPLACED PARTS AND BOTH ADMIT IT'S STILL BROKEN, BUT THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. THE MANUFACTURER WEON'T HELP, SAYING IT'S A "DESIGN ISSUE" AND NOT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I HAVE COMPLETE NOTES ON ALL CONVERSATIONS AND COULD FAX THEM TO YOU. IT IS QUITE INVOLVED AND A REAL HORROR STORY. *AK

Feb 06, 1999

ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP/FAILED.

Apr 10, 1998

VISIBILITY

4 complaints

THE BOTH EXTERIOR VIEW MIRRORS RETAINER CLIP BROKE. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH

Jul 31, 2003

RIGHT FRONT WINDOW DOES NOT GO DOWN BECAUSE OF WINDOW MOTOR FAILURE. YH

Feb 17, 2000

DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MISALIGNED CAUSED LEAK. YH

Feb 17, 2000

POWER WINDOW MOTOR.

Sep 08, 1999

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

BATTERY LEAKAGE CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO WIRING HARNESS AND TCM COMPONETS.THE BATTERY POST FAILED AND ACID WAS RELEASED THRU BATTERY HOLDER TO COMPONETS BELOW.THIS ITEM IS A HAZARD SINCE IT TOTAL DISABLE CAR ELECTRONICS.AND IS OF POOR DESIGN PUTTING COMPUTER AND MAIN WIRING HARNESS DIRECTLY BELOW BATTERY CASE. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I FIND THIS HAS BEEN MANY SUCH INSTINCES OF THIS HAPPENING AND THE COST IS NOT CHEAP AT ABOUT $3000 TO $4000.*AK

Jul 21, 2003

BATTERY LEAKED ACID ON TO PCM UNDER BATTERY TRAY AND ON TO A/C VACCUM HOSE.

Dec 19, 2002

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AT ANY GIVEN TIME. THE FIRST TIME CONSUMER WAS AT 0 SPEED WAITING TO ENTER INTERSECTION WHEN SHUT DOWN OCCURRED; SECOND TIME, WAS DRIVING APPROX. 35 MPH ON FREEWAY WHEN SHUT DOWN OCCURRED. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF PROBLEM, AND WERE NOT SENDING OUT NOTICES TO CONSUMERS. *AK

Aug 04, 1997

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

WHILE DRIVING TRACTION CONTROL COMES ON AT ANY SPEED, AND THEN VEHICLE'S SPEED DROPS TO 40 MPH OR BELOW.*JB ...*AK ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER PROBLEM REOCCURRED. *TT

Jan 10, 2003

WHEN THE CAR WAS 3 OR 4 MONTHS OLD, I WAS ENTERING THE FREEWAY ON THE ON RAMP. I ACCELERATED, BUT DIDN'T PUT MY FOOT TO THE FLOOR, AND THEN EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME ON AND THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. STOPPED. I TURNED THE KEY OFF AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND IT PROCEEDED NORMALLY. I REPORTED IT TO SCOTT IRVIN CHEVROLET SOON AFTERWARD BUT THEY FOUND NOTHING. THE LASTEST INCIDENT HAPPENED A FEW DAYS AGO. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 2:30AM. I WAS GOING ABOUT 70 WHEN THE WARNING BELLS STARTED TO SOUND. THEN ON THE DASH, THE WARNING...REDUCED POWER ALTERNATING WITH SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH. THE YELLOW EMISSIONS LIGHT WAS ALSO ON. I HAD JUST HAD THE CAR IN THE SHOP 3 WEEKS AGO BECAUSE THAT YELLOW EMISSIONS LIGHT WAS LIT ON THE DASH. ANYWAY, WHEN ALL THIS STARTED HAPPENING, I COULD FEEL THE CAR LOSE POWER. I HAD NO CONTROL. I WAS COMING TO A FREEWAY INTERCHANGE WHERE THERE IS A HAIR PIN CURVE TO CONNECT TO THE NEXT FREEWAY. I HAD TO SLOW, BUT COMING OUT OF THE INTERCHANGE TO ENTER THE NEW FREEWAY, I COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO DO MORE THAN 20MPH. I STEPPED ON THE GAS BUT THERE WAS NOTHING. NO POWER. I PULLED OVER ON THE FREEWAY AND STOPPED THE CAR FEARING I WOULD BE HIT FROM BEHIND. I RESTARTED MY CAR, BUT STILL NO POWER. I PROCEEDED TO THE NEAREST OFF RAMP AT 20MPH, AND EXITED THE FREEWAY. MIND YOU, I AM A WOMAN, IT WAS 2:30AM AND I HAD TO STOP ON A DESERTED STREET. I WAITED FOR ABOUT 1 MINUTE AND RESTARTED MY CAR. IT PROCEEDED NORMALLY HOWEVER THE YELLOW EMISSIONS LIGHT REMAINED LIT ON THE DASH. I AGAIN ENTERED THE FREEWAY TO GET HOME AND SET THE CRUISE CONTROL AT 69. I GOT HOME AND PARKED THE CAR. I AM GOING TO TAKE IT IN TOMORROW FOR SERVICE. I PURCHASED THE CAR AT MARTIN CHEVROLET BUT NOW TERRY YORK CHEVROLET HAS BEEN SERVICING IT BECAUSE IT IS CLOSE TO MY HOME. I HAVE LOST ALL TRUST IN THIS CAR. IT SCARES ME TO THINK THAT AT ANYTIME WHILE I AM DRIVING, THE CAR CAN MALFUNCTION WHERE I HAVE NO CONTROL BEHIND THE WHEEL. HAD IT BEEN

Nov 01, 1998

VEHICLE "DIES" WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS.

Oct 10, 1997

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

T-TOP ROOF ASSEMBLY IS SEPARATING FROM VEHICLE. THERE IS SLIGHTLY MORE THAN AN 1/8" SEPARATION. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

May 23, 2001

ACRYLIC TARGA ROOF HAS DEVELOPED SMALL CRACKS THROUGHOUT ENTIRE ROOF - FROM INSIDE THE CAR IT LOOKS LIKE FROST IS ON THE ROOF.

Apr 13, 2000

DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT LOCK BECAUSE OF LEFT FRONT LATCH FAILURE. YH

Feb 17, 2000

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

FILLED GAS TANK..NEXT DAY GAS LEAKING WITH HEAVY GAS FUMES..MOVED CAR OUT OF GARAGE AND PARKED IN THE STREET..

Dec 27, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE GASKETS AROUND THE FUEL PUMP WERE LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

Oct 02, 2014

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

ENGINE AND SERVICE TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ANSWERING DUPLICATE LETTER, REFERENCE NUMBER 10009877 ANAMARI 3-27-03 THE BALANCER AND THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACED *TS. THE POWER STEERING BELT WAS REPLACED. *JB

Apr 04, 2003

WHILE BACKING UP ENGINE STALLED AND STEERING COLUMN LOCKED. VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP AT THIS TIME.*AK REF. IN EA02-031 *CJS

Jul 29, 2002

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

VEHICLE HAS HAD CONTINUED NO START CONDITON AND VEHICLE NOT BEING ABLE TO GO OVER 5 MPH SEVERAL REPLACEMENTS AND REPAIRS. (BATTERY,ELECTRICAL CONTROL UNITS(TCM,EBTCM,TAC) REPLACED TWO TIMES, FOR LEAK AND FAILURE,TP SENSOR REPLACED. YH

Feb 17, 2000

THREE TIMES ENGINE DIED UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING .

Apr 28, 1998

SEATS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

DRIVER SEAT ELECTRIC FASTENING MOUNTING WEAR IS TOO DEFECTIVE AND HAS TO BE REPLACES. IT MOVES IN AND OUT , SEAT IS MOVING BACK AND FORTH IN ALL POSITIONS. GM REFUSES TO RECALL THEIR PROBLEM.

Apr 01, 2020

STEERING,ENGINE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE IN REVERSE, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V060000 (STEERING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Oct 10, 2014

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET CORVETTE C5. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 30 MPH. THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE WAS RESOLVED TEMPORARILY WHEN THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 48,000.

Oct 07, 2011

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

1 complaint

THE GAS GAUGE IN THE 1997 CORVETTE, AS WELL AS ALL OTHER C5 CORVETTES BUILT FROM 1997 THROUGH 2004, WILL SUDDENLY FALL TO EMPTY WITH NO WARNING, EVEN THOUGH THERE IS FUEL REMAINING. DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO QUICKLY STOP FOR FUEL CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS PROBLEM SINCE THE DRIVER WILL NOT KNOW IF THEY ARE ABOUT TO RUN OUT OF FUEL WITHOUT WARNING. CHEVROLET AND GM HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR MANY, MANY YEARS AND REFUSE TO FIX IT WITHOUT EXPENSIVE REPAIRS THAT COULD COST AS MUCH AS $1800 WITH NO ASSURANCE THAT THE PROBLEM WILL BE CORRECTED. I BELIEVE THIS ENTIRE RANGE OF VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED TO CORRECT THIS SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT. *TR

Sep 17, 2010

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 complaint

TRACTION SYSTEM CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, NO POWER STEERING,ENGINE WILL NOT RUN ACTS LIKE ITS OUT OF GAS . ON 4 OCCASIONS THE SAME SYSTEM HAS OCCURRED 1ST OCCURRENCE 5/06 REPLACED SHORTED AIR PUMP ASSEMBLY 2ND OCCURRENCE 1/07 REPLACED SHORTED AIR PUMP ASSEMBLY UNDER WARRANTY 3RD OCCURRENCE 6/09 REPLACED BAD TB SENSOR AT TBI 4TH OCCURRENCE 9/10 REPLACING ACCUMULATOR MODULE I WORK NIGHTS AND FREEWAY WAY DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES EACH WAY MY QUESTION WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF THIS SYSTEM WOULD HAVE OCCURRED DURING RUSH HOUR. ( LUCKY FOR ME THIS PROBLEM HAPPEN AFTER A STOP.) OR IS MY LUCK GOING TO RUN OUT? *TR

Sep 04, 2010

WHEELS

1 complaint

CRACK WHEELS IN THE OUTBOARD AREA OF THE INNER PORTION OF RIM. *NM

Aug 31, 2005

STEERING,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

ON 12/21/04 I BROUGHT MY 1997 CORVETTE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET SERVICED FOR THE "#4006 ELECTRONIC COLUMN LOCK SYSTEM" RECALL. LAST THURSDAY (8/11/05) MY VEHICLE'S STEERING LOCKUP UP WHILE MOVING OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT. IT WAS TOWED IN TO BYERS DUBLIN CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP (614-793-4800) THE NEXT DAY. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED BY THIS RECALL AND THAT I NEEDED TO PURCHASE ANOTHER STEERING LOCK ACTUATOR FOR $475. I HAVE READ ON VARIOUS NEWSGROUPS THAT THIS TYPE OF LOCKUP CAN HAPPEN OVER AND OVER AGAIN IF THE LOCK PLATE IS STILL IN PLACE. I HAVE REQUESTED TO THE DEALERSHIP TO JUST REMOVE THIS LOCK PIN AND I WOULD BE HAPPY TO PAY FOR THEIR LABOR TO DO SO, BUT THEY REFUSE TO DO IT. I'VE TALKED TO CHEVROLET CORPORATE (TICKET # 1-355691956) AND THEY STILL REFUSE TO PUT IN A BYPASS OR TO REMOVE THIS LOCK ALTOGETHER. CAN YOU GIVE ME SOME ADVISE ON HOW TO RESOLVE THIS SO THAT I AM NOT DRIVING AROUND IN A CAR THAT COULD HAVE THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK UP AT ANY GIVEN TIME? IT IS A HAZARD FOR ME AND A LIABILITY TO CHEVROLET. THANKS, -KEVIN. *JB

Aug 17, 2005

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

1 complaint

REIMBURSEMENT OF REPAIR EXPENSES FOR BRAKE FAILURE.*MR ACCIDENT OCCURRED. *CB

Aug 13, 2003

Crash: 1

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE SERVICE TRACTION LIGHT HAD COME ON WHILE TRAVELING. THE REPAIR WORK WAS MADE ON THE PULLEY, AND THE BALANCER. THE TOP PULLEY LOOKED AS IF SOMEONE BEGAN TO WORK ON IT BUT DIDN'T FINISH BECAUSE THE BOLTS WERE LOOSE. THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A PROGRAM ERROR. THE PRIMARY BELT/TENSIONER BELT HAD COME OFF-THE TENSIONER BELT WAS REPLACED. THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP, THE POWER STEERING BELT WAS TAKEN OFF. THE LOW TRACTION LIGHT HAD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY WHILE ACCELERATING AND MAKING TURNS. THE KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTES WERE INOPERATIVE AND WERE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD POPPING NOISE. REFER TO ODI#10002502 SCC REF. IN EA02-031 *CJS

Mar 25, 2003

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

KEY IN IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT TURN ,AND STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT UNLOCK. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK REF. IN EA02-031 *CJS

Jul 16, 2002

PARKING BRAKE

1 complaint

EMERGENCY BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD PROPERLY WHEN ENGAGED, VEHICLE WILL ROLL ON AN INCLINE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THE DAMAGE WAS MINIMAL. *SLC

Mar 05, 2002

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND THE TRACTON CONTROL AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DISENGAGED AND AS I ACCELERATED THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND SLID INTO THE CURB AND DID EXTENSIVE DAMAGE.*AK

Mar 02, 2002

Crash: 1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD REGISTER "REDUCE ENGINE POWER" WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE NOT TO ACCELERATE, BUT GO NO MORE THEN 5 MPH. VEHICLE BACK IN DEALER'S SHOP AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER. *AK

Oct 12, 2001

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

THE CAR'S TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ENGAGES EVEN WHEN WHEELS ARE NOT SLIPPING. IT DID THIS ONCE IN A GREAT WHILE AT FIRST, BUT NOW IT DOES IT EVERY TIME I TRY TO DRIVE THE CAR. WHEN THE TCS KICKS IN, THE ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED SO YOU CAN ONLY DRIVE ABOUT 15MPH. IT SLOWS THE CAR DOWN ABRUBTLY AND NEVER TURNS OFF UNTIL YOU TURN OFF THE CAR. THE DASH DISPLAYS MANY ERROR MESSAGES REPEATEDLY SUCH AS "SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM" "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" "SERVICE ABS SYSTEM" "CHECK ENGINE". THIS IS A SUPER SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN YOU HAVE A 345HP CAR, YOU TEND TO PULL OUT ON TO A HIGHWAY KNOWING YOU CAN GET UP TO SPEED QUICKLY. SEVERAL TIMES, I PULLED OUT AND THE CAR'S ENGINE CUT OUT DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED BY MANY OTHER 97 CORVETTE OWNERS AND GM SHOULD HANDLE THIS WITH A RECALL TO FIX THE FAULTY COMPONENTS. MY CAR ONLY HAS 14,000 MILES ON IT.

Jul 12, 2001

STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

FUEL PUMP LOUD HIGH PITCH HUM BEHIND DRIVER SEAT MENTIONED TO SERVICE 3 TIMES SINCE NEW. REAR HATCH POPS OPEN WHILE IN PARK VERY OFTEN,2 TIMES WHILE PARK SECURITY THREAT. STEERING COLUMN HAS JUST STARTED TO LOCK UP IN PARK-3 TIMES. SEAT BELTS REPLACED AT 700 MILES OR SO DUE TO NOT RETRACTING...STILL LOCK UP WHILE TRYING TO BEND FORWARD TO VIEW OTHER DRIVERS,IE; OFF RAMPS/YIELDS/PARKING LOTS. SAFETY PROBLEM AT HIGH SPEEDS. PAINT FLAKING OFF MUFFLERS SINCE NEW- VERY UNSIGHTLY FOR SHOWS,YELLOWING DOOR HANDLES AT LOCKS ON WHITE CAR,WATER DRIPS INTO REAR HATCH WHEN OPENED. LEATHER SEAT IS WEARING TOO SOON ON PASSENGER SIDE/WRINKLES IN LEATHER. ABS FAILED, 2 TIMES LOCKED UP. KEYLESS REMOTE WILL NOT KEEP MEMORY AND THE ASHTRAY IS TOO SMALL AND DRIVER COULD HAVE ACCIDENT TRYING TO FIND IT BEHIND THE SHIFT HANDLE. !) EDED BY ITSELF. *AK REF. IN EA02-031 *CJS

Nov 06, 2000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, AND IMMEDIATELY VEHICLE DROPPED TO 20MPH. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON 10-MAY-2000. CONTACTED DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT MAYBE THE MOTOR GOT WET. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. CALLED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. *AK

May 31, 2000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

BACK UP LIGHT SWITCH FAILED. YH

Feb 17, 2000

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT THAT TOTALED MY 1997 CORVETTE. I WAS DRIVING AROUND A CORNER AT 45 MPH WHEN WHEN I LOST CONTROL AND SPUN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE ROADS WERE WET AND THE CAR WAS STRUCK ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. I READ YOUR REPORT ON THE CRACKED A-ARM OR RADIUS ARM AND WAS CURIOS AS TO WHEATHER MY CAR COULD HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THAT. ANY INFORMATION ON THIS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. 3 PEOPLE WERE CRITICALLY INJURED IN THIS ACCIDENT, MYSELF BEING ONE OF THEM AND I'M LOOKING FOR ANSWERS. SINCERLY, SCOTT ROGGENBECK

Nov 19, 1998

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

10/14/97 RECALL- REPLACE BOTH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS 10/14/97 SPEAKERS RATTLE WHILE DRIVING, PARTS REPLACED ON 3/9/98. 3/9/98 WAS IN SERVICE FOR 'SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM, ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED' MSG THAT WAS RECEIVED ON CAR'S SYSTEM. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY, THE CAR LOST SIGNIFICANT ENGINE POWER AND THE CAR'S SYSTEM VERY SUDDENLY REDUCED WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE I355 EXPRESSWAY. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED. THE DEALER DID NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. (I HAVE A SERVICE RECORD INDICATING THIS.) 4/6/98 WAS IN SERVICE FOR 'SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM, ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED' MSG THAT WAS RECEIVED ON CAR'S SYSTEM AGAIN. VEHICLE DID THE SAME THING AGAIN, AND I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WHEN TURNING LEFT; NEARLY GOT SIDE SWIPED BECAUSE OF THE REDUCED SPEED. WAS ACCELERATING NORMALLY TO TURN LEFT. SERVICE DEALER REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL MODULE & SAID THAT THIS WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. 7/3/98 I COMPLAINED TO DEALER SVC DEPT ABOUT BURNING GAS SMELL. ALSO, SAME MSG CAME UP 'ENGINE POWER REDUCED. '11/5/98 SAME MSG' SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM, ENGINE POWER REDUCED' CAME UP. THEY ARE REPLACING A PART & THEY ARE NOT SURE IF THIS WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. CHEVROLET TROUBLE TICKET :ON 4/17/98 I OPENED UP A TROUBLE TICKET WITH CHEVROLET REF # 980225396. 4/17/98 CALLED CUST SVC NUMBER (800) 222-1020 & TALKED TO ERNST AT X3797 HE SAID I WOULD BE CONTACTED WITHIN 2 DAYS TO DISCUSS STATUS OF THIS RECURRING PROBLEM. NOBODY EVER CONTACTED ME. 11/5/98 TALKED TO PATRICK AKANDU. HE SAID HE WOULD LEAVE A MESSAGE RICK WASHINGTON WHO IS REVIEWING MY FILE & HE WOULD GET BACK TO ME. NOBODY EVER DID. ON 11/5/98 I CALLED THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE- IN ILLINOIS AT 312-814-3000 TO FIND OUT IF LEMON LAW APPLIES- APPARENTLY NOT BECAUSE IT'S OVER 1 YEAR OLD. ON 11/16/98 CALLED & TALKED TO CUST SVC (800) 222-1020 TO ASK STATUS OF MY TICKET. THEY HAD NOTHING TO TELL ME. JOHN MCDONOUGH FROM CELOZZI ETTLESON SERVICE INDICATED THAT HE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT THIS PROBLEM W

Nov 16, 1998

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT WILL COME ON WITHIN A SPLIT SECOND, THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WILL COME ACROSS THE DASHBOARD, READING ENGINE REDUCTION POWER, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN WITHOUT NO REASON. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER'S SHOP MORE THE FIVE TIMES AND CONDITION STILL OCCURRING. LAST INCIDENT ALMOST CAUSED CONSUMER TO HAVE A DANGEROUS ACCIDENT. *AK *SLC

Jun 22, 1998

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

DEFECTIVE THROTTLE CONTROL MODULE CAUSED ENGINE TO DIE/IDLE.ALSO POWER CONTROL MODULE AND ENGINE FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL.

Apr 23, 1998

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4.2/5.0

101 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1997 CHEVROLET Corvette have?

The 1997 CHEVROLET Corvette currently has 167 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1997 CHEVROLET Corvette?

The most common problems reported for the 1997 CHEVROLET Corvette are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1997 CHEVROLET Corvette problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1997 CHEVROLET Corvette comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.