C5 Reliability Question
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,849
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
C5 Reliability Question
I'm going to be trading my 96 in for a 00 or 01 vert, manual, all options next year but had a question. How is the reliability/build quality of the newer C5's compared to say..........a 96. Now my 96 is better then my 89 was but it still manages to nickle and dime me with warranty deductables. I've loved both of my vettes but the high maintenance does get a little annoying at times to say the least, will this be a re-occuring theme with the C5? Thanx for any advice you can give.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 12,952
Likes: 0
From: Greer SC
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: C5 Reliability Question (RonWhite)
I beleived the C5 just won number 1 sports car from JD Powers for initial qualtiy!
Here is more recognition for the C5... http://www.sae.org/automag/bestcar/index.htm
We are very pleased with the car. BTW if you are considering a '00 or '01, you may want to read about all the changes for the 2001... http://www.corvettemuseum.com/specs/2001/index.htm
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 5,237
Likes: 1
From: Newport Michigan
CF Pit Crew
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Almost CI III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: C5 Reliability Question (96VegasVette)
i"ve had my 2000 for 18 months and have 22k miles on it. The only problem so far is the gas guage dropping to empty when it gets to 1/2 - this is a known issue with a known fix - just waiting for winter to set in before I take it in. There is of course the infamous column lock issue - easily cured with the installation of the bypass.
Overall I'm thrilled with the build quality and overall quality of this car :yesnod:
Overall I'm thrilled with the build quality and overall quality of this car :yesnod:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
From: Pleasanton CA
Re: C5 Reliability Question (Sully C5)
I've had mine for 2.5 years and 29K miles and no major warranty work needed. I did get hit with the Column lock, which was a hassle, but it was fixed and I installed the bypass. You will be happy.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 41,789
Likes: 153
From: Houston,Texas USA
Re: C5 Reliability Question (96VegasVette)
I have owned my 99 Coupe for 21 months, and 10,700 miles. The only problems were a faulty key fob, and a rear axle seal leak. Overall, it is an excellent car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,390
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Re: C5 Reliability Question (96VegasVette)
I have a 2000 coupe w/ 25,000 miles. Here is a list of the non-regular maintence items I've had fixed:
Column Lock Recall Installed (never locked up on me)
Rotors warped twice (normal driving) - dealer reground under warranty and gave new brake pads each time
Fuel Sender Unit replaced (caused gas gauge to go to empty once with 1/2 tank of gas)
Windshield wiper sprayer went bad on lower driver's side
Driver's Seat got a tear at the seam - Replaced seat pad and cover
Driver's window had an air leak at high speed
Other than the rotors, I've been happy with the car.
Column Lock Recall Installed (never locked up on me)
Rotors warped twice (normal driving) - dealer reground under warranty and gave new brake pads each time
Fuel Sender Unit replaced (caused gas gauge to go to empty once with 1/2 tank of gas)
Windshield wiper sprayer went bad on lower driver's side
Driver's Seat got a tear at the seam - Replaced seat pad and cover
Driver's window had an air leak at high speed
Other than the rotors, I've been happy with the car.
00, 2000, c4, c5, c6, comparison, corvette, corvettes, dependability, high, hight, jd, maintenance, maitenance, powers, reliability, vettes, z06
