MYRModel Year Report

1997 Chevrolet Corvette

● Typical for this model
1997 Chevrolet Corvette
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:19.964Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
153
Recalls
7

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

65% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 6 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1985: 16 complaints 1986: 15 complaints 1987: 21 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 15 complaints 1990: 34 complaints 1991: 24 complaints 1992: 7 complaints 1993: 22 complaints 1994: 29 complaints 1995: 32 complaints 1996: 44 complaints 1997: 153 complaints 1997 153 1998: 399 complaints 1999: 308 complaints 2000: 278 complaints 2001: 205 complaints 2002: 157 complaints 2003: 85 complaints 2004: 217 complaints 2005: 533 complaints 2005 2006: 365 complaints 2007: 341 complaints 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 151 complaints 2010: 84 complaints 2011: 85 complaints 2011 2012: 56 complaints 2013: 82 complaints 2014: 63 complaints 2015: 64 complaints 2016: 105 complaints 2017: 257 complaints 2017 2018: 51 complaints 2019: 148 complaints 2020: 34 complaints 2021: 13 complaints 2022: 21 complaints 2023: 27 complaints 2023 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 11 complaints
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 6 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1984 1985: 16 complaints 1986: 15 complaints 1987: 21 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 15 complaints 1990: 34 complaints 1990 1991: 24 complaints 1992: 7 complaints 1993: 22 complaints 1993 1994: 29 complaints 1995: 32 complaints 1996: 44 complaints 1997: 153 complaints 1997 153 1998: 399 complaints 1999: 308 complaints 2000: 278 complaints 2001: 205 complaints 2002: 157 complaints 2002 2003: 85 complaints 2004: 217 complaints 2005: 533 complaints 2005 2006: 365 complaints 2007: 341 complaints 2008: 541 complaints 2008 2009: 151 complaints 2010: 84 complaints 2011: 85 complaints 2011 2012: 56 complaints 2013: 82 complaints 2014: 63 complaints 2014 2015: 64 complaints 2016: 105 complaints 2017: 257 complaints 2017 2018: 51 complaints 2019: 148 complaints 2020: 34 complaints 2020 2021: 13 complaints 2022: 21 complaints 2023: 27 complaints 2023 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 11 complaints
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 6 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1984: 14 complaints 1985: 16 complaints 1985 1986: 15 complaints 1987: 21 complaints 1987 1988: 16 complaints 1989: 15 complaints 1989 1990: 34 complaints 1991: 24 complaints 1991 1992: 7 complaints 1993: 22 complaints 1993 1994: 29 complaints 1995: 32 complaints 1995 1996: 44 complaints 1997: 153 complaints 1997 153 1998: 399 complaints 1999: 308 complaints 1999 2000: 278 complaints 2001: 205 complaints 2001 2002: 157 complaints 2003: 85 complaints 2003 2004: 217 complaints 2005: 533 complaints 2005 2006: 365 complaints 2007: 341 complaints 2007 2008: 541 complaints 2009: 151 complaints 2009 2010: 84 complaints 2011: 85 complaints 2011 2012: 56 complaints 2013: 82 complaints 2013 2014: 63 complaints 2015: 64 complaints 2015 2016: 105 complaints 2017: 257 complaints 2017 2018: 51 complaints 2019: 148 complaints 2019 2020: 34 complaints 2021: 13 complaints 2021 2022: 21 complaints 2023: 27 complaints 2023 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 11 complaints 2025

1997: 153 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19816
19820
198414
198516
198615
198721
198816
198915
199034
199124
19927
199322
199429
199532
199644
1997153
1998399
1999308
2000278
2001205
2002157
200385
2004217
2005533
2006365
2007341
2008541
2009151
201084
201185
201256
201382
201463
201564
2016105
2017257
201851
2019148
202034
202113
202221
202327
202421
202511

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

65% · 99 reports

Most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and anti-theft device.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While driving at 65 MPH vehicle went onto an exit ramp, slowed down to about 35 MPH, and it turned right. Then, went to straighten out vehicle and steering locked up.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-28

The Chevrolet Corvette was started in the courthouse parking lot moving in reverse with the steering wheel locked in place narrowing avoiding pedestrians.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-28

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-06

Engine and engine cooling

10% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Electrical system

8% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing module and 12v/24v/48v battery.

Seats

7% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing power adjust and recliner.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-04-01

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Seat belts

5% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1997-03-31Suspension97V044000 The rear suspension tie rod assembly can fracture.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right-hand rear suspension tie rod links.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1997-07-15Seat belts97V104000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The seat belts in these vehicles incorporate an energy management loop. This loop is inadequate to absorb the necessary forces that can be exerted on it.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and passenger side seat belt retractor assemblies.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1997-07-15Fuel system, gasoline97V105000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles have a torn fuel tank sending unit/pump seal. This can cause fuel odor and/or leakage at the attachment location.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right hand fuel tank assemblies (Including fuel sending unit and pump).

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1999-12-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-03-16 Front lap belt malfunction
  5. I
    2000-03-16Engineering analysisClosed 2000-04-18 Front lap belt malfunction
  6. R
    2000-11-13Seat belts00V111000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The lap belt webbing can twist allowing the webbing to become jammed in the retractor.

    Remedy: Dealers will install inserts to the belt web guide of each lap belt retractor.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    2002-07-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-11-15 Steering column lockup
  8. I
    2002-11-15Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-11 Steering column lockup
  9. R
    2004-04-26Steering04V060000 On certain passenger vehicles equipped with electronic column lock systems (Ecl), when the ignition switch is turned to "Lock," The ecl system prevents turning of the steering system. When the…

    Remedy: On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the dealer will disable the steering column lock by removing the column lock plate. When the ignition key is removed, the transmission shifter…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Chevrolet Corvette — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 99 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V044000 · Suspension
  • Recall 97V104000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 97V105000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 00V111000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 04V060000 · Steering
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette have?
7 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.