2002 reliability
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,685
Likes: 1,330
From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
Nothing out of whack with 2002 (or any year) in particular.... just the normal C5 issues.
There is literally DAYS of reading on the little issues commong to this generation just like any other.
There is literally DAYS of reading on the little issues commong to this generation just like any other.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
Only for automatics 01-04 A4, 97-04 MN6 are all affected by ECL recall.
02 gets all the improvements from 01, but not into the 03-04 issues that pop up some related to C6 parts being introduced.
It's all a crapshoot. One can be fine another a nightmare.
02 gets all the improvements from 01, but not into the 03-04 issues that pop up some related to C6 parts being introduced.
It's all a crapshoot. One can be fine another a nightmare.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 28
From: Uniontown Alabama
I bought my 2002 new in 2001. No major problems. I had a leak on the driver's side
rear end at 3,000 miles which was repaired under warrenty. I currently have 25,000 miles
and no problems. I think all of the earlier year issues were solved by 2002.
rear end at 3,000 miles which was repaired under warrenty. I currently have 25,000 miles
and no problems. I think all of the earlier year issues were solved by 2002.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 628
Likes: 4
From: Columbia SC
Although you may well know about this, on any year C5 be sure and look carefully underneath--particularly at the front--for damage from scraping, improper lifting/jacking, etc. Not a reliability issue but you should check. Also learn how to read the trouble codes off the dashboard--the information is here on the forum--that may alert you to problems with the car. Try to find out what has been done re the electronic column lock as this is a constant source of trouble on the C5s
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 3
My 2002 MN6 Coupe has 25,000 miles and has had ZERO problems. I put the column lock bypass from Corvettes of Houston as a pre-caution.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,617
Likes: 205
From: Westerville Ohio
This thread was posted just awhile back where one person went on about 2002's being the best year. Not really quoting validity by any means, but it's worth a read if you're concerned. A lot of good points as the thread goes on.
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Look for the usual things - rocking seat, rear differential seal leaks, column lock recalls done, etc. I've got a Corvette Buyers Checklist in a Word file and if you'd like a copy, PM me your e-mail address.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I had many of the common problems in the first few years.
Leaky diff, dead battery, new RDLCM, new EBCM
Its been very reliable recently. 02 was a good year IMHO
Leaky diff, dead battery, new RDLCM, new EBCM
Its been very reliable recently. 02 was a good year IMHO
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 790
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From: Sebastian Sunshine
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,724
Likes: 2
From: Holland Landing Ontario
It's important to know that the column lock recall did not fix the problem. If the car is an M6, the only solution is the Column Lock Bypass. They are cheap and effective and can save a large bill in the future.