1989 Chevrolet Corvette
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 15 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1981 | 6 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1984 | 14 |
| 1985 | 16 |
| 1986 | 15 |
| 1987 | 21 |
| 1988 | 16 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 34 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 7 |
| 1993 | 22 |
| 1994 | 29 |
| 1995 | 32 |
| 1996 | 44 |
| 1997 | 153 |
| 1998 | 399 |
| 1999 | 308 |
| 2000 | 278 |
| 2001 | 205 |
| 2002 | 157 |
| 2003 | 85 |
| 2004 | 217 |
| 2005 | 533 |
| 2006 | 365 |
| 2007 | 341 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 151 |
| 2010 | 84 |
| 2011 | 85 |
| 2012 | 56 |
| 2013 | 82 |
| 2014 | 63 |
| 2015 | 64 |
| 2016 | 105 |
| 2017 | 257 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 148 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
3 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Suspension
2 of 15 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing leaf spring assembly and rear.
Show complaint excerpts
I have a recall on my 1989 Chevrolet Corvette and when I took it in to the local Chevrolet dealer they said that they do not have that recall. It was the one for the rear suspension.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-02
Seat belts
2 of 15 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1989 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that the passenger side seat belt had seized without warning. As a result, the seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-02
Consumer noticed that the driver's side seat belt did not retract. The retractor was jammed. Consumer will contact the dealership.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-07-28
Power train
2 of 15 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing differential unit and clutch assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Clutch exploded, shattering components of the fuel/electrical system.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-01
Electrical system
2 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and switch.
Show complaint excerpts
Igniton key can get dirty or soiled which can make the computer chip to malfunction. Vehcile will turn on and then turn off and stay off. When this happens, consumer has to wait for about 4-30 minutes before consumer can retry.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-11-13
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1990-01-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-03-22 Tie rod socket failure
-
R
1990-03-14Suspension90V032000 Rear wheel tie rod assembly may fatigue and could fracture at the inboard bearing due to high inner joint rocking torque.
Remedy: Replace faulty tie rod assemblies.
-
R
1991-10-25Seat belts91V143000 Under certain vehicle operations and occupant usage conditions, the safety belts can lockup or jam in the safety belt retractor.
Remedy: Replace the safety belts if the lockup occurs.
-
I
1996-05-14Defect petitionClosed 1996-10-18 Brake pull
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R
2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…
Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).
-
R
2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 Certain honeywell fram racing brand HP4 and HP8 oil filters that were manufactured from May 25, 2006, through September 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above.…
Remedy: Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during November 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Chevrolet Corvette — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V032000 · Suspension
- Recall 91V143000 · Seat belts
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1989 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1989 Chevrolet Corvette?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 Chevrolet Corvette have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.