C5 Problems/Reliability
 

Are there any common Problems with C5 Corvettes, or even specific years of them? I've been looking at some and most seem to be in good shape, but I was wondering if there was anything special to really look out for with them. Or if anything in particular generally goes out once they're above 100k, or if it's just hit and miss... Thanks for any input on the subject.

black 2000 coupe here w 85,000mi on it and ZERO real issues so far w it.. knock on wood..

2002 coupe - 72,000 miles just ABS ($150 absfixer) dim/dark HVAC display and Techron for my gas gauge; other than that just regular maintenance (Money spent on mods doesn't count. :) ) Oh I forgot, I think the original owner had the leaky diff seal fixed under warranty.

My rear tires wear too fast !!:rofl::eek:

My 04 had its water pump replaced before I bought it at 28k.
Recently it had lifter problems and they were fixed. I'm at nearly 60k now.

aside from that... tie rod end... headlight gear. eh.

Sticky, Sticky, Sticky........top of the page (weights, measurements, etc.) Take a look.

As a Corvette breed the C5 is much improved over the previous generations. However, they are still (as a breed) riddled with problems. Don't get me wrong, it is completely worth it to drive these cars everyday. Here are some things you may eventually "learn" about the C5:

1. Electrical grounding issues wreak havoc with ...fill in the blank.
2. Sensors/modules that go bad; Steering wheel position sensor, Oil pressure switch, hazzard light switch, turn signal stalk, ignition switch, ABS/AH/TC module to name a few
3. Mechanical failures include headlight gears, valve springs, leaky butt, rocking seats
4. Driving carefully to be sure not to scrape the nose or rockers on speedbumps or driveways etc

These are all common but may not happen to every car. The good news is that there are already inexpensive fixes for most things like this that you can do yourself if you are comfortable around tools and cars.

I wouldn't let any of this stuff deter you from a purchase unless you can't do any work yourself. In that case you'll need some deep pockets every now and then to keep her on the road.

There are lots of things that could go wrong. :lol:

That's a "Right Foot" control problem, very common on C5's. :D

Owning a C5 is fantastic. I"ve had 8 Vettes before this and this is really the best (2004 Vert.)
The major prolem which occurs everyday during the Spring and summer to every Vette owner, is the addiction to buying mods!!!
Take care of it...it will take care of you!
Jeff

2002 EB Coupe, purchased at 11k miles now at 16k.

Passenger headlight gear
Headlight switch wouldn't enable running/gauge lights
Bad ignition coil cylinder 7
Low oil level sensor
Ripped driver side door actuator will lock but not unlock vehicle
RDCM flakey, doesn't always do what I tell it to do
EBCM fixed at ABSfixers (usual symptoms, no tcs/abs/ah)

Yup, that's about it for now.

:lol: :yesnod: ...and don't forget that annoying grin that will give you face cramps.

I have a 97 w/192,000 miles. I replaced the transmission at 90,000 (auto). The oil sensor 2 times. The ground is a problem if you are not aware of it. Simple fix.

I just bought a 98 Vette with 100,000. One of the things that bothers me is that I can't check the trans fluid. I don't know whether I should change it, or leave it. I've heard if the fluid has been changed on a regular basis, that it is good to keep changing it. However, if it hasn't been changed, and then you do change it, the new fluid can "clean" the trans and create problems. Thoughts?

common problems discussed often here
leaky butt-differential seals going and leaking fluid
headlight motors
Column lock
EBCM
bushing in seats going out causing the seat to rock
window seals
synchros bending
oem batteries dripping acid onto the wiring underneath
window controls stop working
complete PITA clutch install.

The C5 was designed to go 300,000. Your mileage may vary

None of the above mentioned problems are not what we see every day of the week across five car lines.Nothing unusual here at all.

Many comments above summarize the common issues well. Here is my list

(My car is a 2002 with 60K on the clock)


1) Fuel sending unit assemblies going out resulting in busted gas gauge
2) Leaky butt - and 4 years after fix, problem has resurfaced
3) Headlight gear gone out
4) Door control module problem resulting in inability to lock door
5) HVAC actuator going out resulting in blasting heat on driver side and ice cold blowing on passenger side
6) Bent Synchros -- this one is the worst because I am not looking getting a rebuilt transmission
7) But of course, we must not forget the dreaded column lock!


Comments:
1) Many will tell you on the forum that Seafoam or Techron concentrate resolves the gas gauge problem. Not true in my case, I had dealer replace my fuel sending units and gas gauges work great now (and ONLY Chevron gas put in the tank ever since).
2) Most items above were small and thanks to this AWESOME forum, I fixed the issues myself
3) The synchro problem does suck... I am looking to have my tranny rebuilt. I do have a FI car so that probably accelerated the loss of life
4) I found out from the Forum, that C6 shaft seals are better than C5 shaft seals. I will try them on the next go around for the leaky butt problem.

Despite all these issues, do I still love my C5Z? Absolutely :rock:

Indeed

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ngths-etc.html

When in doubt, read the directions.

The link Jackalope provided is a good one.

I also think the harmonic balancer should be mentioned. It frequently wobbles and/or separates.

I didn't see it mentioned in this thread or the one Jackalope provided the link to (although I only looked at the first 6 pages).

Purchased a 2003 50th Anniversary Convertible 2 years ago with 11,575 miles, now at 47,000 miles. Had the issue with windows and door locks not working, tuned out to be a ground issue, fixed per Bill Curlee's great advice in C5 Tech. I've experienced some leaking at the side windows, but only when washing the car & spraying directly with the hose, never had a leak from rain while driving. So far the only big ticket item was to replace the Goodyear Runcraps with a set of Michelins at 22,500 miles and to get an alignment done. BTW the tires look like they'll probably go somewhere between 40,000-50,000 miles before wearing out. So far, so good. Biggest problem is the rapid pace with which the numbers on the odometer are increasing.

All good comments here - just check the car over carefully when buying.

nothing is perfect,, carfax,, and a look-over by a tech..is the best you can do... other than that enjoy it !!!!:D

The question arose in another thread, so I'll post it here.

I've often read the suggestion that it's best to purchase the latest model year in a generation, because any issues have been worked out by then.

At this point though, 10+ years since the last C5 was built, shouldn't any issues that earlier model years had, have been resolved by previous owners?

Am I missing something and/or being too wishful?

:skep:

not always but some sure. Its a gamble. The 04's should have the least of these but again its all chance. An example would be the 04's having gas tank crossover pipe leaks.

could and "DO"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Literally everything that can malfunction or fail on a vehicle will for sure do it with a C5 just read all the post on here

On my 04 I have replaced the drives side rear end seal twice. No other problems.

Here is a partial list of what was repaired under warranty on my 2001 coupe (never raced or taken out of town). I say "partial" because there are several other things they replaced under warranty that they did not list. The entire engine was replaced at 39,000 miles due to the starter motor breaking off a chunk of the block they could not repair.


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...894b040600.jpg

The past 5 years now that it is out of warranty, been pretty well behaved. Other than having the AC Compressor Seals replaced last year, just regular maintenance items (tires, brakes, bulbs, etc.)

Console cover question
 

Is that an aftermarket console cover I see in the third picture? I have an "Annie" as well but the cover on the console does not have the embroidered logo like yours. Wondering where you got it as it looks nice!

OK, I don't think anyone said on the C5 you can pull trouble codes from the dash and they will display in front of you. Most scanners will only pull emissions related codes. You can pull up all 325 or so potential codes that can be from the 11 or 12 computer modules in the car.

One should pull those codes before buying since they could indicate potential issues with the car. We can help you with understanding what they mean.

We recommend they be pulled before driving a car and then delete them after recording them. Then go for a drive and pull them again afterwards and record them.

Here is how. I can provide more detailed info later from home.



Mr. Sam

Imho I would buy a 2001 up c5. A lot of things are better Thant 97-00. Like fobs and tpms. Slightly more power. Fuels system.

Sticky on top

Best ever thread
page 1-3

No major issues with the C5s as long as they are maintained, and are not abused.
Nice thing is most people who owns Vettes take pride in them and maintain them well. Of course you can always get a dud or inherit someone else's troubles. Anytime you buy any used car it is a chance you take.

Over 100,000 mile Vettes would naturally have the same issues any 100,000 mile car would have. Age is also a factor, but as stated most Vette owners can better care of their cars than would your average Honda Civic or Nissan Altima owner.

Make sure to check for DIC codes and get a competent Vette mechanic to give it a once over and you should be fine. Some dealers will also provide limited warranties. If that us a concern, might want to buy from a reputable dealer or car lot.

MONEY.....You never have enough of it. If it breaks....you have to have it, If you want to do some mods...you have to have it. Whenever you look at it...you automatically think about what's the next upgrade...and you know you don't have enough money.

Money....it's made to be spent on C5's

TRU!:rofl:

I've had to replace my battery, brakes, tires, shocks and sway bars (just upgraded these to C-6 Z06) and harmonic balancer in my coupe.
All belts etc were done when the balancer were done.
I also replaced the OEM radio with a GPS/radio Double Din.
HID headlights too.
oH yea, and the oil about every 5000 miles.
The seat leather was replaced at 100,000 miles.
I'm around 130,000 miles on a 2001.
I'm going to jack it up and roll a C-7 under it one of these days.

fuel fuel fuel
 

Lots and lots of fuel refills.