1997 Chevrolet Corvette
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.
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 | 84 |
| 2004 | 217 |
| 2005 | 531 |
| 2006 | 365 |
| 2007 | 340 |
| 2008 | 539 |
| 2009 | 151 |
| 2010 | 84 |
| 2011 | 84 |
| 2012 | 56 |
| 2013 | 82 |
| 2014 | 61 |
| 2015 | 64 |
| 2016 | 103 |
| 2017 | 255 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 147 |
| 2020 | 33 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 22 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
29% of complaints: steering — 45 distinct reports on file.
21% of complaints: steering — 32 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow 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, 20031028
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: steering — 11 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow 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, 20031028
6% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20140528
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, 20120906
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE REAR SUSPENSION TIE ROD ASSEMBLY CAN FRACTURE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT-HAND REAR SUSPENSION TIE ROD LINKS.
Campaign 97V044000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 97V104000 — check if this car was fixed
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).
Campaign 97V105000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT LAP BELT MALFUNCTION
FRONT LAP BELT MALFUNCTION
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.
Campaign 00V111000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING COLUMN LOCKUP
STEERING COLUMN LOCKUP
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 VEH
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 WIL
Campaign 04V060000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Chevrolet Corvette — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (45 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V044000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V104000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V105000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V111000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V060000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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: steering wheel/handle bar, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.