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 PER YEAR
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 | 277 |
| 2001 | 203 |
| 2002 | 157 |
| 2003 | 85 |
| 2004 | 217 |
| 2005 | 532 |
| 2006 | 365 |
| 2007 | 341 |
| 2008 | 540 |
| 2009 | 151 |
| 2010 | 84 |
| 2011 | 85 |
| 2012 | 56 |
| 2013 | 82 |
| 2014 | 61 |
| 2015 | 64 |
| 2016 | 103 |
| 2017 | 256 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 147 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
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.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030902
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, 20160902
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. THE RETRACTOR WAS JAMMED. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040728
2 of 15 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing differential unit and clutch assembly.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CLUTCH EXPLODED, SHATTERING COMPONENTS OF THE FUEL/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *SD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960601
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, 19971113
SAFETY TIMELINE
TIE ROD SOCKET FAILURE
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.
Campaign 90V032000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 91V143000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE PULL
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
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. TH
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.
Campaign 07E088000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Chevrolet Corvette — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V032000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V143000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.