Common 2003 model problems

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Jan 7, 2020 | 01:20 PM

Z11

Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 3

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Common 2003 model problems

I’m currently a multiple Corvette owner - ‘63 coupe, ‘78 pace, ‘86 convertible, ‘19 convertible - but I’m looking at an ‘03 50th Anniversary convertible.

I’ve owned two C6s, as well, but never a C5.

Is there anything in particular I should look out for on a sub-25k mile 2003 model year? Transmission, engine, electrical, fuel, etc.?

Thanks!

Tom in Indy

Jan 7, 2020 | 01:38 PM

ShagVette

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 4,455

Likes: 916

From: South East

Wow nice collection, and a C5 will be a great addition!

I'm sure others will chime in, but being at the end of the generation, an 03 is a safe bet.

Jan 7, 2020 | 02:31 PM

Billy346

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2017

Posts: 883

Likes: 407

Lots of good info on this page.......

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...fo-thread.html

For the most part, 2001 through 2004 have a reputation for being reliable, but when they do break, the problems are pretty well documented, as well as the fixes.

Jan 7, 2020 | 02:44 PM

STRMLNE

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 2,515

Likes: 441

From: Arizona

Headlight motors
EBCM
steering sensor
oil sensor failure and leak
hvac blend doors
hvac dim light
sway bar end links
balancer
cracked radiator side tanks
cracked radiator surge tank
oil leaks (rear/front main, oil pan)

Jan 7, 2020 | 04:12 PM

dleibman

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2018

Posts: 1,511

Likes: 385

From: Punta gorda Florida

I have the same car your looking at. Have had two years. Has 31k on it. Problem free and taken many road trips. Yes HVAC blend door has had a problem, but great car.

Jan 7, 2020 | 04:29 PM

STRMLNE

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 2,515

Likes: 441

From: Arizona

I’ve had it 19 years 70k miles.

Jan 7, 2020 | 09:14 PM

ALLEGRO

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 6,683

Likes: 144

From: Memphis Tennessee

Mine will have a 17th birthday on January 15 and with 40K on the clock she has run without issue. All in all my AE has been bulletproof and full of smiles for me.

Jan 7, 2020 | 09:41 PM

RSbeast

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 1,135

Likes: 258

Personally an 03 is the best year to own. All the upgrades and revisions but without the goofy 04 fuel system.

As mentioned the usual applies of ECBM but for the most part it’s the most solid c5 option.

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Jan 7, 2020 | 10:20 PM

Hepcat

Racer

Joined: Jun 2019

Posts: 457

Likes: 322

From: Gulf Coast, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by dleibman

I have the same car your looking at. Have had two years. Has 31k on it. Problem free and taken many road trips. Yes HVAC blend door has had a problem, but great car.

That's a great looking 50th vert! Beautiful on Florida water. Congrats! Loving my 000 DBGM vert and if I ever had the dough would add the anniversary year.

Jan 7, 2020 | 11:03 PM

#10

Whipitnow

Pro

Joined: Oct 2018

Posts: 741

Likes: 80

Quote:

Originally Posted by dleibman

I have the same car your looking at. Have had two years. Has 31k on it. Problem free and taken many road trips. Yes HVAC blend door has had a problem, but great car.

I second that, a GREAT looking car for sure....