1997 Chevrolet Corsica problems

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The Chevrolet Corsica (named after Corsica, France) is a front-wheel drive compact car that was produced by Chevrolet from 1987 until 1996. The Corsica was built upon the L-body platform. It shared the L-body with the 2-door Beretta, and the rebadged revival of the Pontiac Tempest which was essentially the same car, but was only sold in Canada. The Corsica came in two styles and four trims. Sold initially only as a 4-door sedan, it was also available as a 5-door hatchback from model years 1989 until 1991. Corsicas were built alongside the Beretta by both the Wilmington Assembly in Delaware and Linden Assembly in New Jersey.

Year-to-year changes

1987–1989

The Corsica was first sold as a fleet car to rental agencies and large companies in 1987, prior to mainstream release. The Corsica and Beretta were the second best-selling passenger cars in America in calendar year 1988, right behind the Ford Escort. Much of the suspension components were borrowed from the J-body Chevrolet Cavalier, and the chassis was an extension of that of the J-body, but modeled with similar proportions to the N-body. The L-body platform however, was engineered by Chevrolet rather than Oldsmobile. The car was equipped with either the 2.0 L TBI OHV I4 from the Cavalier, or the 2.8 L MPFI OHV V6 from the Chevrolet Celebrity. The base Corsica's door handles were colored silver, while the Corsica LT/LTZ had black-colored handles. Some earlier models had a column shifter with a handbrake between the front seats, an uncommon configuration for most compact cars of the time. A 5-door hatchback model was introduced for 1989, as was an LTZ performance package that included many suspension parts from the Beretta. A rare XT trim included all the performance parts from the LTZ trim as well as a leather interior, special body kit and spoiler package designed for GM by a third party supplier.

1990

The base model Corsica was dropped, leaving the LT and LTZ. Both engines offered were increased in displacement. The Corsica now either used the same 2.2 L 4-cylinder engine and 3-speed automatic transmission as the Cavalier, or the 3.1 L V6 and 3-speed automatic from the Lumina. Minor changes were made to the interior, mostly around the driver controls.

1997 Chevrolet Corsica

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Common 1997 Chevrolet Corsica problems

Based on the search results, the following are common problems with the Chevrolet Corsica 1997:

  • Clogged Fuel Injectors: This problem can cause driveability symptoms such as long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle, and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors. This issue can be resolved by cleaning or replacing the fuel injectors.
  • Engine Knock/Rattle or Tap Noise: This problem can occur before the engine has reached operating temperature or under light load conditions at operating temperature. It can be caused by worn piston and/or rod assemblies, which need to be replaced.
  • Peeling and Chipping Paint: This problem has been persistent in Chevrolet Corsica models, including the 1997 model. General Motors announced in 1993 that it would repaint any car less than six years old regardless of mileage due to this issue. Owners can contact their dealership service manager or Chevrolet customer service to authorize the repair.
  • Transmission Unbolting from the Engine: This is a common task when working on the engine of a 1997 Chevy Corsica. The transmission bolts onto the engine, and unbolting it requires a good manual and preparation for a fun job.

These problems are based on complaints from owners of the Chevrolet Corsica 1997 and are not ranked in any particular order. It is important to note that not all vehicles of this make and model will experience these issues, and some may not experience any problems at all.

1997 Chevrolet Corsica engine

When did they stop making the Chevy Corsica?

1996

GM discontinued the Corsica and the Chevrolet Beretta after the 1996 model year, due to safety standards in 1997 that would have required a total redesign of these cars, and competition from the similarly sized redesigned Chevrolet Cavalier for compact car sales.

How much does a 1996 Chevrolet Corsica weigh?

Dimensions, Weights & Capacities

Curb Weight2745 lbs.
Max Seating Capacity5
Overall Length183.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room54.3 inches
Towing Capacity, Maximum1000 lbs.

What replaced the Corsica?

Chevrolet Malibu

Beretta sales steadily declined every year of production as the market turned away from 2-door models. In 1996, Chevrolet ended production of both the Beretta and Corsica after 10 model years. The Corsica was replaced by the Chevrolet Malibu in 1997. The last Beretta was assembled on July 30, 1996.

What is the rarest Chevy ever made?

Rare as hen's teeth – the 1969 Nova Yenko SC 427 tops of our list of the rarest Chevrolet muscle cars. Yenko wanted to order the 427 engine in the compact Nova's – but Chevrolet wouldn't allow it for safety reasons.

When did they stop making the Chevy Corsica?

1996

GM discontinued the Corsica and the Chevrolet Beretta after the 1996 model year, due to safety standards in 1997 that would have required a total redesign of these cars, and competition from the similarly sized redesigned Chevrolet Cavalier for compact car sales.

How much does a 1996 Chevrolet Corsica weigh?

Dimensions, Weights & Capacities

Curb Weight2745 lbs.
Max Seating Capacity5
Overall Length183.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room54.3 inches
Towing Capacity, Maximum1000 lbs.

Which year Chevrolet left India?

December 2017

In December 2017, the company stopped selling Chevrolet vehicles in the Indian market, while the Beat continued to be manufactured at the Talegaon plant for exports. The Talegaon plant was closed on 24 December 2020.

What replaced the Corsica?

Chevrolet Malibu

Beretta sales steadily declined every year of production as the market turned away from 2-door models. In 1996, Chevrolet ended production of both the Beretta and Corsica after 10 model years. The Corsica was replaced by the Chevrolet Malibu in 1997. The last Beretta was assembled on July 30, 1996.

1997 Chevrolet Corsica car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Chevrolet Corsica vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1997 Chevrolet Corsica complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Chevrolet Corsica.

1997-10-28

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-08-10
  • VIN: 1G1LD55M4RY
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WHICH CAUSED THE TRUCK NOT TO STOP. OWNER STATES THAT THE DEALER CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM IN THE BRAKES AND HE CAN NOT DRIVE THE TRUCK BECAUSE OF THE BRAKES PEDAL GOING TO THE FLOOR.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1997 Chevrolet Corsica problems:

Q&A: 1992 Chevrolet Corsica - Common Problems & Solutions
Q&A: 1992 Chevrolet Corsica - Common Problems & Solutions
https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/45k0g-good-afternoon-dear-sirs-i-1992-chevrolet-corsica.html

Oct 27, 2010 ... What causes intermittent failure of a 1992 Chevrolet Corsica Lt with a 2. - Answered by a verified Chevy Mechanic.

KEEP AFTER GM ON CHRONIC PEELING PAINT – Chicago Tribune
KEEP AFTER GM ON CHRONIC PEELING PAINT – Chicago Tribune
https://www.chicagotribune.com/1997/10/12/keep-after-gm-on-chronic-peeling-paint/

Oct 12, 1997 ... Q–Recently, I wrote GM regarding the peeling and chipping paint on my 1990 Chevrolet Corsica. I was assigned a case number, but GM told me ...

Chevy Corsica 1990: Expert Q&A on Common Problems
Chevy Corsica 1990: Expert Q&A on Common Problems
https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/1of3a-hi-greg-1990-chevy-corsica-heating-issue.html

Dec 29, 2008 ... Greg. I have a 1990 Chevy Corsica with a heating issue. The main problem is that it wont blow strong, it barely blows at - Answered by a ...

GM 2.2 engine problems — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
GM 2.2 engine problems — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/2658/chevrolet/x/gm-2-2-engine-problems

Dec 25, 2001 ... I believe it can do 0-60 in about 16 seconds, give or take. If you want a reliable GM motor, go for the Chevy 350 V-8. You can't kill those ...

Common problems with the early 90's GM 3.1 v6? | FEOA Forums
Common problems with the early 90's GM 3.1 v6? | FEOA Forums
https://www.feoa.net/threads/common-problems-with-the-early-90s-gm-3-1-v6.85107/

Sep 29, 2014 ... We may have been lucky, though... Casey. Previous car: 1997 Escort sedan, retired due to frame issues. Current car: ...

Other years of Chevrolet Corsica

chevrolet corsica 1987 photo
Corsica 1987
Chevrolet

2

7

0

  • 5
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  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet corsica 1988 photo
Corsica 1988
Chevrolet

82

5

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet corsica 1989 photo
Corsica 1989
Chevrolet

82

6

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet corsica 1990 photo
Corsica 1990
Chevrolet

79

2

7

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet corsica 1991 photo
Corsica 1991
Chevrolet

133

1

19

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
chevrolet corsica 1992 photo
Corsica 1992
Chevrolet

171

1

17

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1997 Chevrolet Corsica photo