VehicleVerdict

1997 Chevrolet Corvette problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 196 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.3 times the median Corvette year — the 1997 model ranks #11 of 62 Corvette years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 53% of all reports (103 of 196), far ahead of engine at 16.

196

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

4

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Corvette years?

Corvette NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted716 complaints1960: 1 complaints1964: 1 complaints1965: 0 complaints1966: 1 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 6 complaints1976: 1 complaints1977: 2 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 13 complaints1980: 3 complaints1981: 11 complaints1982: 0 complaints1984: 16 complaints1985: 16 complaints1986: 16 complaints1987: 25 complaints1988: 26 complaints1989: 15 complaints1990: 41 complaints1991: 28 complaints1992: 8 complaints1993: 26 complaints1994: 38 complaints1995: 48 complaints1996: 63 complaints1997: 196 complaints1998: 466 complaints1999: 389 complaints2000: 359 complaints2001: 281 complaints2002: 191 complaints2003: 126 complaints2004: 257 complaints2005: 716 complaints2006: 441 complaints2007: 434 complaints2008: 624 complaints2009: 178 complaints2010: 90 complaints2011: 98 complaints2012: 68 complaints2013: 94 complaints2014: 79 complaints2015: 72 complaints2016: 114 complaints2017: 272 complaints2018: 53 complaints2019: 151 complaints2020: 42 complaints2021: 14 complaints2022: 23 complaints2023: 32 complaints2024: 31 complaints2025: 12 complaints
Corvette NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Corvette years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Chevrolet Corvette problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering10353%
Engine168%
Electrical System158%
Fuel System126%
Seats105%
Brakes84%
Seat Belts84%
Other53%
Speed Control42%
Body & Structure42%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Transmission32%
Lighting11%
Suspension11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

04V060000SteeringFebruary 9, 2004 · 126,624 units

Defect

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 VEHICLE IS STARTED, THE ECL UNLOCKS THE STEERING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED SO THAT IF THE COLUMN FAILS TO UNLOCK WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED AND THE CUSTOMER TRIES TO DRIVE, THE FUEL SUPPLY WILL BE SHUT OFF SO THAT THE VEHICLE CANNOT MOVE WHEN THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE STEERED. IF VOLTAGE AT THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE IS LOW OR INTERRUPTED, HOWEVER, THE FUEL SHUT OFF MAY NOT OCCUR AND THE VEHICLE CAN BE ACCELERATED WHILE THE STEERING SYSTEM IS LOCKED. ALSO WHEN THE CONTROL SYSTEM SHOWS THAT THE ECL IS UNLOCKED AND THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, THE LOCK PIN LOCATION CAN VARY. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE LOCK PLATE RELATIVE TO THE SWITCH TRANSITION POINT, THERE COULD THEN BE CONTACT BETWEEN THE LOCK PLATE AND PIN CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK WHILE DRIVING .

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.

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 WILL LOCK BUT THE STEERING COLUMN WILL NOT LOCK. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, THE DEALER WILL REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE, PERFORM A DIMENSIONAL CHECK OF THE COLUMN LOCK AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE LOCK PLATE. THE STEERING COLUMN ON THESE VEHICLES WILL CONTINUE TO LOCK WHEN THE KEY IS REMOVED. OWNER NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS OF 1997 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS BEGAN ON APRIL 26, 2004. OWNERS OF 1998 THROUGH 2004 VEHICLES (EXCEPT 1997-1998 MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES) WILL BE NOTIFIED BEGINNING ON AUGUST 2, 2004. THE REMAINING OWNERS (1997-1998 MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES) WILL BE NOTIFIED LATER IN 2004, WHEN PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

00V111000Seat BeltsApril 17, 2000 · 71,569 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LAP BELT WEBBING CAN TWIST ALLOWING THE WEBBING TO BECOME JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR.

Consequence

WHEN THE BELT WEBBING BECOMES JAMMED IN THE RETRACTOR, THE SEAT BELT MAY BE UNUSABLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL INSERTS TO THE BELT WEB GUIDE OF EACH LAP BELT RETRACTOR.

97V104000Seat BeltsJune 28, 1997 · 4,369 units

Defect

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. THEREFORE, THE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOP WILL NOT ABSORB ENOUGH ENERGY, AND INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT CAN OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLIES.

97V105000Fuel SystemJune 23, 1997 · 3,792 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE FROM A TORN SEAL CAN RESULT IN A FIRE IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT HAND FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES (INCLUDING FUEL SENDING UNIT AND PUMP).

97V044000SuspensionMarch 20, 1997 · 1,414 units

Defect

THE REAR SUSPENSION TIE ROD ASSEMBLY CAN FRACTURE.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL CAN RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT-HAND REAR SUSPENSION TIE ROD LINKS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“NHTSA RECALL 04V-060000, ELECTRONIC COLUMN LOCK. VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AN ECL COLUMN LOCK SYSTEM, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT UNLOCK. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT BECAUSE HIS VEHICLE HAD A MANUAL TRANSMISSION IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE SCOPE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 1, 2004

“TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT WILL COME ON WITHIN A SPLIT SECOND, THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WILL COME ACROSS THE DASHBOARD, READING ENGINE REDUCTION POWER, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN WITHOUT NO REASON. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER'S SHOP MORE THE FIVE TIMES AND CONDITION STILL OCCURRING.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 30, 1997

“CONSUMER'S VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AT ANY GIVEN TIME. THE FIRST TIME CONSUMER WAS AT 0 SPEED WAITING TO ENTER INTERSECTION WHEN SHUT DOWN OCCURRED; SECOND TIME, WAS DRIVING APPROX. 35 MPH ON FREEWAY WHEN SHUT DOWN OCCURRED. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF PROBLEM, AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE GASKETS AROUND THE FUEL PUMP WERE LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 18, 2012

“DRIVER SIDE SEAT MOVES BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING. THIS WAS FIRST NOTICED ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND THE DEALER RESPONSE WAS THAT IT WOULD COST $1400.00(APPROX) TO FIX. THIS CAR IS A WEEKEND CAR. IT HAS 22,000 MI. NOW AND ONLY HAD ABOUT 20,000 AT THE TIME OF THE FIRST REPORT. SAME COMPLAINT THIS YEAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · April 4, 2002

1997 Chevrolet Corvette — common questions

Is the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 196 complaints put the 1997 model at #11 of 62 Corvette years. It is one of the Corvette years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Corvette problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (103 complaints), engine (16 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints).

Does the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Corvette years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Corvette years to avoid are 2005, 2008, 1998, 2006, 2007, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2017, 2004, 1997, 2002, 2009, 2019, 2003, 2016, 2011, 2013, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2012, 1996, 2018, 1995, 2020, 1990. The cleanest record among Corvette years belongs to 1982.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.