Southpaw,
My 1999 C5 coupe, purchased new, suffered 18 separate defects in the first 20,094 carefully driven miles. It broke down three separate times while I was out-of-state, on vacation (column lock, a/c drain clog - ruined computer, and defective alternator). It was recalled for a safety defect and was the subject of a "satisfaction campaign".
Many of the defects were the classic, common C5 flaws: column lock, fuel gauge problems, leaking Delco battery, A4 shift rumble, clogged a/c drain, idler pulley defective (squeaking), premature sport seat leather cover wear, passenger seatbelt jamming, headlight bezel plugs repeatedly blowing out, etc. etc.
Many of these problems took Chevrolet years to produce a "fix" or correction. I think they wait until they get a bunch of warranty claims, then realize how many problems there are.
I waited until the third model year to order my C5 (my third Corvette) thinking that the "bugs" would be worked out. Boy, was I wrong.
Now, the driver's seat is beginning to rock when I accelerate or slow the vehicle. The fuel gauge is acting up again, although the fuel modules were replaced. I'll have to pay a $100.00 deductible under the GMPP to have it fixed, although Chevrolet has known that there was a problem with the seat transmission assembly and the fuel gauge system.