C5 Reliability
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 25
From: Rochester Minnesota
C5 Reliability
Years ago my wife and I had two 67 Vettes. The one I bought new (a coupe with the 427/435 engine), I've kept. The other (a well used and abused convertible) got sold when I bought a boat. I've promised my wife to get her another convertible when we retired. What kind of reliability issues did the later C5's have? What should I look for when looking at one??
Thanks.
Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Well the most common reply is to get the newest and lowest mileage car you can find. I think that's good advice - but the reality of it is that I would prefer an older car with low mileage than a newer car with high mileage.
The key is to figure out colors and options, as those changed with the model years, just like the mid years. But if you are considering a color like Torch Red or Black - those colors were available all through the model run.
The other thing is that the C5 overall is a pretty reliable automobile. Sure it has some issues but nothing that hasn't been seen here before and can't be fixed. It's not perfect by any means. In my opinion though - the drivetrain is practically bullet proof, and the cars are a different world from a mid year car from a diriveability perspective.
Check out the sticky at the top of the page for some of the common issues on C5's - good luck with the hunt!
The key is to figure out colors and options, as those changed with the model years, just like the mid years. But if you are considering a color like Torch Red or Black - those colors were available all through the model run.
The other thing is that the C5 overall is a pretty reliable automobile. Sure it has some issues but nothing that hasn't been seen here before and can't be fixed. It's not perfect by any means. In my opinion though - the drivetrain is practically bullet proof, and the cars are a different world from a mid year car from a diriveability perspective.
Check out the sticky at the top of the page for some of the common issues on C5's - good luck with the hunt!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 1
From: Orlando FL
lowest milage car you can afford. I have a 66 and a 98 both verts I drive the 98 everyday. It is sweet and I dont have issues with it. It doesnt have the character of the 66, but on a daily driver basis that is a good thing. good luck you will love it. 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,545
Likes: 17
From: Bartlett Tennessee
My 98 coupe has 87,000 miles and no issues yet.I had a 91 coupe with 67,000 miles that almost put me in the looney bin with some major issues.My 98 runs and rides smoother and the interior room is not as cramped and is easier to get in and out of. Look for the Vette that has well kept service records not just low mileage.Inspect underneath the car if possable for any leaks or undercarriage damage.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 5
From: Lake Oswego, Near Portland Oregon
Common issues...
1. lousy leather..the seams will open in high wear areas
2. The seat rails will drop s small spacer in the adjsuter machanism and have about 1/8 inch of front to back play , known to all as the 'rocking seat syndrome'
3. dual climate control display goes dark...crummy solder inside, not too hard to fix if you are good at electronic soldering, otherwise, you can sent it out for a fix at 50 to 60 bucks. We had some great how-to threads hereon the forum !
4. The steering wheel lock system fails once in a while, locking while driving, of failing to unlock when starting the car. HUGE subject here in the forum, and GM has FINALLY got a fix that supposedly removed the lockplate from the column. Some electronic devices supposedly prevent the lock motor from activating, but not 100% effective. I tore my column apart and removed the lock mechanism myself!!! There have been several recalls and not all deaerships are even aware of the most recent order to remove original column parts and replace with a non working lockplate so that no matter what the lock motor does, the column CANNOT lock. Lots of threads on this subject here on the forum too.
5 Look for wobbly front main pully on engine. If true, do nothing. If wobbles, get it tightend with LOCTITE to keep it tight.
6. Keep an eye on batteries and potential leakage. The 2 computers are under the battery area and big$$$ if damaged by leaked battery acid.
7. The car is always on, the redio receiver for the key fob-remote and the alarm system. If you leave the car for a few days or have the hood up, doors upen for many hours, you might drain a battery. Optima RED top battery may not do well with the discharge and suffer short life, I have had this problem. Optima yellow top or Excide Orbatal may be better choices for solid electrlyte batteries than the Red Top.
8. Factory radiatior is good to about 85 degrees outside, and then the engne runs warmer. Some of us don't like this, though they seem to do OK in the desert SW running at over 230 or 240 degrees...Some would suggest an upgrade radiator.
9. make sure the window and door seals are good when you buy. They can be expensive to replace.
10. Some mid years prone to louder piston slap when starting cold, goes away as engine warms up. All years have this to some extent. Mid years had a differnt piston alloy that shrinks father when cold, hence louder until warmed up. Using thicker oil than the usual will usually help and also reduce engine wear in all engines. I use the thickest Mobil 1 I can buy, and a quart of Lucas Oil Synthetic oil enhancer. The slap I had when I got my 98 at mid 60K miles has virtually vanished, oil pressure is higher, and consumption is totally ZERO!!! we are in the 90K region now.
Overall, the C5 is a very reliable car. I expect to keep mine as a daily driver for many years more, and well over 100K miles. I have never been stranded in over 2 years of everday use, and had only a few problems, dark HVAC display,Optima Red Top battery that last only 2 years, windshiled washer pump, and later the electrics for that washer pump. It has actually been the most reliable car I have ever owned.
1. lousy leather..the seams will open in high wear areas
2. The seat rails will drop s small spacer in the adjsuter machanism and have about 1/8 inch of front to back play , known to all as the 'rocking seat syndrome'
3. dual climate control display goes dark...crummy solder inside, not too hard to fix if you are good at electronic soldering, otherwise, you can sent it out for a fix at 50 to 60 bucks. We had some great how-to threads hereon the forum !
4. The steering wheel lock system fails once in a while, locking while driving, of failing to unlock when starting the car. HUGE subject here in the forum, and GM has FINALLY got a fix that supposedly removed the lockplate from the column. Some electronic devices supposedly prevent the lock motor from activating, but not 100% effective. I tore my column apart and removed the lock mechanism myself!!! There have been several recalls and not all deaerships are even aware of the most recent order to remove original column parts and replace with a non working lockplate so that no matter what the lock motor does, the column CANNOT lock. Lots of threads on this subject here on the forum too.
5 Look for wobbly front main pully on engine. If true, do nothing. If wobbles, get it tightend with LOCTITE to keep it tight.
6. Keep an eye on batteries and potential leakage. The 2 computers are under the battery area and big$$$ if damaged by leaked battery acid.
7. The car is always on, the redio receiver for the key fob-remote and the alarm system. If you leave the car for a few days or have the hood up, doors upen for many hours, you might drain a battery. Optima RED top battery may not do well with the discharge and suffer short life, I have had this problem. Optima yellow top or Excide Orbatal may be better choices for solid electrlyte batteries than the Red Top.
8. Factory radiatior is good to about 85 degrees outside, and then the engne runs warmer. Some of us don't like this, though they seem to do OK in the desert SW running at over 230 or 240 degrees...Some would suggest an upgrade radiator.
9. make sure the window and door seals are good when you buy. They can be expensive to replace.
10. Some mid years prone to louder piston slap when starting cold, goes away as engine warms up. All years have this to some extent. Mid years had a differnt piston alloy that shrinks father when cold, hence louder until warmed up. Using thicker oil than the usual will usually help and also reduce engine wear in all engines. I use the thickest Mobil 1 I can buy, and a quart of Lucas Oil Synthetic oil enhancer. The slap I had when I got my 98 at mid 60K miles has virtually vanished, oil pressure is higher, and consumption is totally ZERO!!! we are in the 90K region now.
Overall, the C5 is a very reliable car. I expect to keep mine as a daily driver for many years more, and well over 100K miles. I have never been stranded in over 2 years of everday use, and had only a few problems, dark HVAC display,Optima Red Top battery that last only 2 years, windshiled washer pump, and later the electrics for that washer pump. It has actually been the most reliable car I have ever owned.
Last edited by FiberglassFan; Jan 22, 2007 at 05:13 AM. Reason: spelling and added info
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville Georgia
Years ago my wife and I had two 67 Vettes. The one I bought new (a coupe with the 427/435 engine), I've kept. The other (a well used and abused convertible) got sold when I bought a boat. I've promised my wife to get her another convertible when we retired. What kind of reliability issues did the later C5's have? What should I look for when looking at one??
Thanks.
Thanks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,030
Likes: 9,787
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
I wouldn't go with as low as mileage as some people are inferring. Low mile cars are a disaster waiting to happen. Besides problems with seals that do not get lubricated from lack of use they are usually off from warranty and you have the problem of having a new car without a warranty. All makes have infant mortality problems (especially in electronic parts) and a car that hasn't been driven enough to expose those issues can get expensive to repair.
Bill
Bill
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 19,003
Likes: 0
From: Call me, I'm single
My '02 vert has 41,000 miles and very few problems.
1. Batteries will not last if you don't start the car every few weeks.
2. Display for heat and air controls went dark.
3. Windshield washer fluid button popped out. That was wierd!
Very happy with the way the car has held up!
1. Batteries will not last if you don't start the car every few weeks.
2. Display for heat and air controls went dark.
3. Windshield washer fluid button popped out. That was wierd!
Very happy with the way the car has held up!
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,763
Likes: 24,683
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
The C5 has proven to be a very reliable platform. FiberGlass Fan pretty much sums up the major problems. I've been very pleased with mine.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Asheboro NC
I've had my 98 for about a year with only a couple of minor issues like a belt and pully that were making some noise. My advice is what some of the other forum members already said, find a good car that hasn't been abused or neglected and you'll be fine.
An old mechanic told me years ago the secret to keeping a car in good condition is there is no secret. If you treat it right and do your scheduled maintenance it will last a long time and not give you too many problems.
Good luck with your ride!
An old mechanic told me years ago the secret to keeping a car in good condition is there is no secret. If you treat it right and do your scheduled maintenance it will last a long time and not give you too many problems.
Good luck with your ride!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,044
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
Common issues...
1. lousy leather..the seams will open in high wear areas
2. The seat rails will drop s small spacer in the adjsuter machanism and have about 1/8 inch of front to back play , known to all as the 'rocking seat syndrome'
3. dual climate control display goes dark...crummy solder inside, not too hard to fix if you are good at electronic soldering, otherwise, you can sent it out for a fix at 50 to 60 bucks. We had some great how-to threads hereon the forum !
4. The steering wheel lock system fails once in a while, locking while driving, of failing to unlock when starting the car. HUGE subject here in the forum, and GM has FINALLY got a fix that supposedly removed the lockplate from the column. Some electronic devices supposedly prevent the lock motor from activating, but not 100% effective. I tore my column apart and removed the lock mechanism myself!!! There have been several recalls and not all deaerships are even aware of the most recent order to remove original column parts and replace with a non working lockplate so that no matter what the lock motor does, the column CANNOT lock. Lots of threads on this subject here on the forum too.
5 Look for wobbly front main pully on engine. If true, do nothing. If wobbles, get it tightend with LOCTITE to keep it tight.
6. Keep an eye on batteries and potential leakage. The 2 computers are under the battery area and big$$$ if damaged by leaked battery acid.
7. The car is always on, the redio receiver for the key fob-remote and the alarm system. If you leave the car for a few days or have the hood up, doors upen for many hours, you might drain a battery. Optima RED top battery may not do well with the discharge and suffer short life, I have had this problem. Optima yellow top or Excide Orbatal may be better choices for solid electrlyte batteries than the Red Top.
8. Factory radiatior is good to about 85 degrees outside, and then the engne runs warmer. Some of us don't like this, though they seem to do OK in the desert SW running at over 230 or 240 degrees...Some would suggest an upgrade radiator.
9. make sure the window and door seals are good when you buy. They can be expensive to replace.
10. Some mid years prone to louder piston slap when starting cold, goes away as engine warms up. All years have this to some extent. Mid years had a differnt piston alloy that shrinks father when cold, hence louder until warmed up. Using thicker oil than the usual will usually help and also reduce engine wear in all engines. I use the thickest Mobil 1 I can buy, and a quart of Lucas Oil Synthetic oil enhancer. The slap I had when I got my 98 at mid 60K miles has virtually vanished, oil pressure is higher, and consumption is totally ZERO!!! we are in the 90K region now.
Overall, the C5 is a very reliable car. I expect to keep mine as a daily driver for many years more, and well over 100K miles. I have never been stranded in over 2 years of everday use, and had only a few problems, dark HVAC display,Optima Red Top battery that last only 2 years, windshiled washer pump, and later the electrics for that washer pump. It has actually been the most reliable car I have ever owned.
1. lousy leather..the seams will open in high wear areas
2. The seat rails will drop s small spacer in the adjsuter machanism and have about 1/8 inch of front to back play , known to all as the 'rocking seat syndrome'
3. dual climate control display goes dark...crummy solder inside, not too hard to fix if you are good at electronic soldering, otherwise, you can sent it out for a fix at 50 to 60 bucks. We had some great how-to threads hereon the forum !
4. The steering wheel lock system fails once in a while, locking while driving, of failing to unlock when starting the car. HUGE subject here in the forum, and GM has FINALLY got a fix that supposedly removed the lockplate from the column. Some electronic devices supposedly prevent the lock motor from activating, but not 100% effective. I tore my column apart and removed the lock mechanism myself!!! There have been several recalls and not all deaerships are even aware of the most recent order to remove original column parts and replace with a non working lockplate so that no matter what the lock motor does, the column CANNOT lock. Lots of threads on this subject here on the forum too.
5 Look for wobbly front main pully on engine. If true, do nothing. If wobbles, get it tightend with LOCTITE to keep it tight.
6. Keep an eye on batteries and potential leakage. The 2 computers are under the battery area and big$$$ if damaged by leaked battery acid.
7. The car is always on, the redio receiver for the key fob-remote and the alarm system. If you leave the car for a few days or have the hood up, doors upen for many hours, you might drain a battery. Optima RED top battery may not do well with the discharge and suffer short life, I have had this problem. Optima yellow top or Excide Orbatal may be better choices for solid electrlyte batteries than the Red Top.
8. Factory radiatior is good to about 85 degrees outside, and then the engne runs warmer. Some of us don't like this, though they seem to do OK in the desert SW running at over 230 or 240 degrees...Some would suggest an upgrade radiator.
9. make sure the window and door seals are good when you buy. They can be expensive to replace.
10. Some mid years prone to louder piston slap when starting cold, goes away as engine warms up. All years have this to some extent. Mid years had a differnt piston alloy that shrinks father when cold, hence louder until warmed up. Using thicker oil than the usual will usually help and also reduce engine wear in all engines. I use the thickest Mobil 1 I can buy, and a quart of Lucas Oil Synthetic oil enhancer. The slap I had when I got my 98 at mid 60K miles has virtually vanished, oil pressure is higher, and consumption is totally ZERO!!! we are in the 90K region now.
Overall, the C5 is a very reliable car. I expect to keep mine as a daily driver for many years more, and well over 100K miles. I have never been stranded in over 2 years of everday use, and had only a few problems, dark HVAC display,Optima Red Top battery that last only 2 years, windshiled washer pump, and later the electrics for that washer pump. It has actually been the most reliable car I have ever owned.
...after reading the above, I would never buy a C5 if I didn't already have one...thats scary spice...
BTW...heres the best advice so far...
Originally Posted by Bill Dearborne
I wouldn't go with as low as mileage as some people are inferring. Low mile cars are a disaster waiting to happen. Besides problems with seals that do not get lubricated from lack of use they are usually off from warranty and you have the problem of having a new car without a warranty. All makes have infant mortality problems (especially in electronic parts) and a car that hasn't been driven enough to expose those issues can get expensive to repair.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,119
Likes: 272
From: SC
These are sports cars, so... expect some problems, but over-all they are pretty reliable. Like any car, if properly taken car of, less problems. Don't get me wrong here, but I don't trust a vette like I do my wife's Lexus, but then again, they are two different machines. One is for comfort and reliability, the other is for showing my *** and fun..I will say they are much more reliable than the eariler generation vettes, but they are Chevy's, and anyone who has owed a sports car will understand they are not made for just transportation. I am not a chevy, ford, or dodge fan to start with, but the vette is just different. I don't even consider it as a chevy. It's just America's greatest sports car.
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,904
Likes: 2
From: London(UK)/Troyes(France)
Great car!!! Especially when you are in the USA!!
I bought mine because they are reliable and I am in France with no qualified shops to work on it! And its is holding the abuse very well!
I just have a small problem now that must be related to ignition (Iposted a thread about that). If not it is the piston or something but that is because of the mods and the stock motors is not really built for that!!
But a stock Vette should make you smile each time you take it for a ride and for several trouble free years!!!
I bought mine because they are reliable and I am in France with no qualified shops to work on it!
And its is holding the abuse very well!I just have a small problem now that must be related to ignition (Iposted a thread about that). If not it is the piston or something but that is because of the mods and the stock motors is not really built for that!!
But a stock Vette should make you smile each time you take it for a ride and for several trouble free years!!!