1997 problems

[kflave12]

I am looking to by a 1997 'vette. Since it was the first year of the C-5's, I am concerned that as with many first model years, it may have had some problems I should be aware of, and that may have been corrected in 1998. Had a '97, any thoughts??
Thx, ken

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
If you like, check through the database Rob has installed here.
There are many service bulletins, dealing with different engineering upgrades and concerns that have been prevalent on c5.
Throttle actuation control modules have been revised numerous times due to reliability issues.
Window motor regulators are one assembly, and have been noisy in the 97-99 model year.
If you reference the database here, I am sure you will find things that you are looking for.
Please let us know if you have more questions, we will be happy to answer them for you.
Allthebest, and welcome to the CAC, c4c5

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

kflave12,

Chevrolet has repeatedly issued many, many TSB's to instruct dealers how to repair the numerous defects of the C5's.

There have been many common problems with the C5's - leaking batteries, automatic shift rumble, leaking differentials, defective fuel modules, defective column locks, defective seat belt retractors, premature wear of the leather sport seat covers, headlight bezel plugs blowing out, clogged a/c drains, defective window regulators, oil consumption problems, squeaking idler pulleys - the list is almost endless. The early 97's were even embargoed due to defective suspension parts.

The C5 is very powerful and fun to drive but Chevrolet did a poor job in the quality and reliability department. I would be very cautious of buying a 1997 or 1998 model. Not only because they were new models, but because of all the problems.

I speak from experience - my C5 suffered 18 separate defects during the first 20,094 carefully driven miles, including three separate breakdowns while driving out-of-state on vacation.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[BigBrakeFuelie]

I don`t know if it`s true or not but I was told by a Corvette salesman that the 97`s ran too rich. That`s all I ever heard negative.

 

[JOV]

I myself would steer clear of the 97 C5 because of all the problems they had. Too me the corvette people did a lousy job on the first year but they also learned quite a bit from the 97 and 99 C5 and hopefully fixed most of the problems when the 99 models were introduced so thats why I would perfere a 99 or later model C5 , Just my $ .02 cents worth !!