2002 Chevrolet C3 problems

General information about Chevrolet-C3
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Chevrolet Corvette (C3) is the third generation of the Corvette sports car that was produced from 1967 until 1982 by Chevrolet for the 1968 to 1982 model years. Engines and chassis components were mostly carried over from the previous generation, but the body and interior were new. It set new sales records with 53,807 produced for the 1979 model year. The C3 is the third generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, and marks the second time the Corvette would carry the Stingray name, though only for the 1969–76 model years. This time it was a single word as opposed to Sting Ray as used for the 1963–67 C2 generation. The name would then be retired until 2014 when it returned with the release of the C7.

The most expensive Corvette C3 to sell in history was a 1969 L88 Lightweight, one of only four lightweight L88s to be produced. It was sold by Barrett-Jackson in January 2014 for $2,860,000 (£1,728,941).

History

Mako Shark II Concept

The Corvette C3 was patterned after the Mako Shark II designed by Larry Shinoda. Executed under Bill Mitchell's direction, the Mako II had been initiated in early 1964. Once the mid-engined format was abandoned, the Shinoda/Mitchell car was sent to Chevrolet Styling under David Holls, where Harry Haga's studio adapted it for production on the existing Stingray chassis. The resulting lower half of the car was much like the Mako II, except for the softer contours. The concept car's name was later changed to Manta Ray. The C3 also adopted the "sugar scoop" roof treatment with vertical back window from the mid-engined concept models designed by the Duntov group. It was intended from the beginning that the rear window and that portion of the roof above the seats to be removable.

The "Shark" has the distinction of being introduced to the motoring public in an unorthodox—and unintended—fashion. GM had tried their best to keep the appearance of the upcoming car a secret, but the release of Mattel's die-cast Hot Wheels line several weeks before the C3's unveiling had a certain version of particular interest to Corvette fans: the "Custom Corvette", a GM-authorized model of the 1968 Corvette.

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Common 2002 Chevrolet C3 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Chevrolet C3 2002, several common problems have been identified:

Transmission Problems: Some owners mentioned the need for transmission replacement, indicating potential issues with the transmission system in the Chevrolet C3 2002.

Interior Lighting Issues: Complaints included flickering of interior lights and/or headlamps, which could be a sign of electrical or wiring problems within the vehicle.

Secondary Information Center Screen: Owners reported problems with the secondary information center screen going blank and the on/off button not restoring the display. This issue was noted in certain models, including the 2002 GMC/Chevrolet Truck C3 and the 2001 Chevrolet Truck C3.

Head Restraint Comfort: A bulletin highlighted information provided by General Motors regarding the adjustable comfort and custom upholstery of the driver and passenger head restraints. This could indicate concerns related to seating comfort and adjustment mechanisms.

Engine Needle Bearings: The OEM rockers' needle bearings were known to fail, leading to increased valve train noise. This issue could impact the engine's performance and longevity, requiring attention to prevent further damage.

Leaking Battery: Some C5 Corvettes came with batteries prone to exterior cracking near the battery posts, leading to leaking battery acid. This acid could cause damage to various components, including the PCM, wiring loom, and A/C lines, necessitating repairs and replacements.

Fuel Gauge Accuracy: Certain types of gasoline, especially those with high sulfur content, were reported to cause the fuel gauge to falsely read empty. Running a fuel system cleaner through the gas tank was suggested as a potential solution to address this issue.

These common problems reported by owners of the Chevrolet C3 2002 highlight a range of issues from fuel system concerns to electrical and mechanical components, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any signs of malfunction to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and safety.

What are the problems with a 2002 Corvette?

What is the recall on the 2002 Corvette?

2002 Chevrolet Corvette Recalls

IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.

What engine did the C3 have?

Chevrolet quickly introduced a 350 cubic-inch Small-Block V8 (1969) and a 454 cubic-inch Big-Block V8 (1970-74). Despite the many engine innovations over the generation, that 435 hp Big-Block 427 was the most powerful engine the C3 saw.

What is the rarest C3 Corvette?

Rarest C3 Corvette – The 1969 ZL1

Ironically, only two ZL1 Corvettes were sold during the 1969 model year, making this high-performance model one of the rarest 'Vettes to have ever been produced. This scarcity makes the ZL1 virtually priceless and a coveted trophy for any die-hard Corvette collector.

Why is the C3 so cheap?

Production Numbers: The C3 Corvette was produced from 1968 to 1982, making it one of the longest-running Corvette generations. Higher production numbers often lead to greater availability in the used car market, which can put downward pressure on prices.

What are the best years of C3?

For serious Corvette collectors, the 1968 to 1972 model years contain some of the most sought-after Corvettes in the brand's history. These models, which include the L88 and ZL1 Corvettes, are considered to be the “holy grail” of the third-generation production run.

What are the problems with a 2002 Corvette?

What was the biggest engine in the C3?

Big-Block 427

Despite the many engine innovations over the generation, that 435 hp Big-Block 427 was the most powerful engine the C3 saw. Mechanical: While the C3 did receive an all-new body, the nuts and bolts were virtually unchanged.

2002 Chevrolet C3 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet C3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems
Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Chevrolet C3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2002 Chevrolet C3 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Chevrolet C3.

2015-08-03

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-09-26
VIN: 1GBJG31R121
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
Summary: LEAKING FUEL CAUSED BY A CRACK, ON TOP OF FUEL TANK. IT WAS SENT OUT FOR REPAIR BY OUR MECHANIC AND GOT FIXED. RECENTLY IT STARTED LEAKING AGAIN, CAUSED BY ANOTHER CRACK ON TOP OF FUEL TANK. OUR REPAIR SHOP REFUSED TO REPAIR IT AGAIN, BECAUSE OF SAFETY ISSUE. THIS VEHICLE IS A FOUR WINDS 5000 MOTOR HOME AND THE TANK IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE IT HAS A BUILT IN GENERATOR. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A GAS LEAK, FOR THE THIRD TIME. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 06/07/16.*JB

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2002 Chevrolet C3 problems:

What are 68 vette problems? - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette ...

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-tech-performance/270186-what-are-68-vette-problems.html

Apr 2, 2002 ... C3 Tech/Performance - What are 68 vette problems ... In 2002, the biggest problem with a '68 ... Tags 68, corvette, door, problem, problems, vette, ...

2002 Corvette Common Issues

https://www.corvsport.com/2002-corvette-common-issues/

Aug 17, 2021 ... The needle bearings in the OEM rockers have been known to fail. The most common indicators that the engine is experiencing this type of a ...

Rust issues are more common than you think. - Corvette Forum

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-general/1858486-rust-issues-are-more-common-than-you-think.html

Nov 9, 2007 ... Go to: corvettec3.ca/ then click on "C3 Rust issues". There are pictures of common rust areas. Maybe someone can post these pictures up here.

1968 Corvette problems/issues? | Corvette Forum - Corvette Action ...

https://forums.corvetteactioncenter.com/threads/1968-corvette-problems-issues.89608/

SSJShadow, As noted many parts were made only for the 68 year isn't interchangable with other C3's, door handles are one, the vacuum system that opens/closes ...

Never would have figured it... headlight vacuum causing engine ...

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-tech-performance/412930-never-would-have-figured-it-headlight-vacuum-causing-engine-problems.html

Oct 17, 2002 ... ... C3 Corvettes, 1968 - 1982; /; C3 Tech/Performance ... 2002 01:11 AM. Safety Car. To all... I know a ... engine problems. Had it not been on the list ...