Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1989 Chevrolet Corvette
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
320.0%
Seat Belts
213.3%
Median failure at 65,000 miles
Suspension
213.3%
Electrical System
213.3%
Transmission & Drivetrain
213.3%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Other & Unspecified
16.7%
Tires
16.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 76,700 mi
Body & Structure
16.7%
Steering
16.7%
Median failure at 149,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
133.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
133.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
133.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 1995peak 1Sep 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 1989 Chevrolet Corvette
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP96006Opened 14 May 1996Closed 18 Oct 1996SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE PULL
THE PETITIONS STATED THAT:WE REPRESENT THE OWNER OF A 1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE WHICH, WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, SUDDENTLY, VIOLENTLY, AND UNEXPECTEDLY PULLS TO THE LEFT.THIS IS A INTERMITTENT DEFECT WHICH DOES NOT OCCUR WITH AN REGULARITY.
PE90032Opened 12 Jan 1990Closed 22 Mar 1990SUSPENSION
TIE ROD SOCKET FAILURE
Recalls on the 1989 Chevrolet Corvette
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19930752,478 units in Canada
Emissions
THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1105 - EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS. TWO (2) SUSPECT EVAPORATIVE EMISSION HOSES MAY DETERIORATE, CRACK AND LEAK. CORRECTION: SUSPECT EVAPORATIVE EMISSION HOSES WILL BE REPLACED WITH IMPROVED HOSES WHICH WILL BE SECURED WITH HOSE CLAMPS.
Recall 199112610,758 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
NOTE: OWNER SELF INSPECTION - REPAIR ONLY IF PROBLEM OCCURS. THE SEAT BELT MAY LOCK-UP OR JAM IN THE RETRACTOR. IF THIS OCCURS, VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WILL BE UNABLE TO USE THE SEAT BELT. THUS, IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, UNBELTED OCCUPANTS WILL BE MORE AT RISK OF INJURY. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND ANY RETRACTOR SIDE BELTS LOCKING UP OR JAMMED WILL BE REPLACED.
Recall 19900202,478 units in Canada
Suspension
THE REAR WHEEL TIE ROD ASSEMBLY MAY FATIGUE AND FRACTURE AT THE INBOARD BEARING DUE TO HIGH INNER-JOINT ROCKING TORQUE. A FRACTURE IN THIS ASSEMBLY COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 76,700 milesMchenry, ILCrash
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 CHEVROLET CORVETTE EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN TIRES, TIRE LINE SIZE: 275/40Z/R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND AND CRASH INTO A DITCH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO TEMPORARILY REPAIR THE TIRE USING FIX-A-FLAT SOLUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES HAD DEVELOP BUBBLES AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,700. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
NHTSA complaint #10505643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Taunton, MAFire
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
CLUTCH EXPLODED, SHATTERING COMPONENTS OF THE FUEL/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #501217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 65,000 milesOkemos, MI
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT HAD SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 91V143000 (SEAT BELTS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 10/18/16*LJ UPDATED 10/19/16.
NHTSA complaint #10903215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,700 milesMchenry, ILCrash
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 CHEVROLET CORVETTE EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN TIRES, TIRE LINE SIZE: 275/40Z/R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND AND CRASH INTO A DITCH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO TEMPORARILY REPAIR THE TIRE USING FIX-A-FLAT SOLUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES HAD DEVELOP BUBBLES AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,700. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
NHTSA complaint #10505643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesJameson, AL
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE DECELERATING, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUMPING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE U JOINTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL TIE ROD ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SPEED AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 149,000.
NHTSA complaint #10202785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Petersburg, FL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. THE RETRACTOR WAS JAMMED. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP. *AK MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL 91V143000 FOR THE JAMMING SEAT BELT RETRACTOR.
NHTSA complaint #10083653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paso Robles, CA
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY
I HAVE A RECALL ON MY 1989 CHEVROLET CORVETTE AND WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER THEY SAID THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THAT RECALL. IT WAS THE ONE FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION.
NHTSA complaint #10037040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Temecula, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
COMPLETE FAILURE OF DOT APPROVED STAINLESS BRAIDED TEFLON BRAKE LINE, THE LINE CAME APART ON THE CONNECTION WHERE IT ENTERS INTO THE CALIPER. THIS CAUSED ALL BRAKE FLUID TO LEAVE THE SYSTEM, LEAVING LITTLE TO NO BRAKES. PEOPLE TEND TO BUY THESE TYPE OF BRAKE LINES BECAUSE THEY DO NOT FAIL, AS THE OME RUBBER LINE CAN. THE MAKER OF THESE BRAKE LINE ARE RUSSELL PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS AT 2645 GUNDRY AVE., SIGNAL HILL, CA 90806. THEY ARE SOLD UNDER THE NAME "STREET LEGAL STAINLESS BRAIDED TEFLON BRAKE LINES. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #764579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saugus, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
CONSUMER HAS NO INSIDE LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD. AT NIGHT GAUGES AREN'T VISIBLE . DEALER REFUSES TO FIX THE LIGHTS UNLESS CONSUMER IS PAYING FOR IT.
NHTSA complaint #875945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eagle, ID
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS HAS BEEN RECALLED. IF THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN FOR THIS RECALL IS IT STILL ELIGIBLE TO BE FIXED?NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY.
NHTSA complaint #718898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskegon, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
FRONT BRAKE PADS HAVE BEEN SHORTENED BECAUSE OF THE EFFECTS OF POOR STAMPING. THIS CONDITION CAUSES EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE PLATES AND FRACTURING OF THE BRAKE SHOE HOLDER. CONTACTED RETAILER AND MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #842843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bluefield, WV
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CAR IN 1991 AND ALL I WANT TO KNOW IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN FIND OUT IF THEY FIXED MY CAR AND IF THEY DIDN'T FIX IT ARE THEY STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM...I BOUGHT MY CAR USED IN LATE 1991 AND NEVER HEARD OF THE RECALL.....MAYBE IT WAS FIXED BEFORE I BOUGHT IT....
NHTSA complaint #700766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, CA
SUSPENSION:REAR
WHILE DRIVING REAR SUSPENSION FRACTURED, ALMOST CAUSING CONSUMER TO HAVE A COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #828241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leesburg, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS FAILED DURING OPERATION OF VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #526959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pinellsa Park, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
IGNITON KEY CAN GET DIRTY OR SOILED WHICH CAN MAKE THE COMPUTER CHIP TO MALFUNCTION. VEHCILE WILL TURN ON AND THEN TURN OFF AND STAY OFF. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, CONSUMER HAS TO WAIT FOR ABOUT 4-30 MINUTES BEFORE CONSUMER CAN RETRY. THIS INFO CAN ALSO BE LOCATED IN THE CAR MANUAL. DEALER CANNOT EXPLAIN PROBLEM. THIS IS A INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #819004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Taunton, MAFire
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
CLUTCH EXPLODED, SHATTERING COMPONENTS OF THE FUEL/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #501217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tyntsboro, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
THE REAR IMPACT BUMPER IS DAMAGED.TT THE FRAME EXTENSION IS PARTIALLY MISSING DUE TO A PREVIOUS ACCIDENT BEFORE CONSUMER PURCHASED VEHICLE, WITHOUT THAT PART OF THE FRAME EXTENSION, THE ENERGY ABSORBER PAD CAN NOT BE ATTACHED THERESORE RENDERING IT USELESS IF SOMEONE WERE TO CRASH INTO THE BACK OF THE AUTOMOBILE, CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP ASKING THEM TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE DAMAGED PART AND THEY REFUSED, THEY STATED THAT THE IMPACT BAR EXTENSION AND PAD WERE NOT A SAFETY PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #974631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.