1977 Chevrolet Corvette problems

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

The Chevrolet Corvette is a line of American two-door, two-seater sports cars, manufactured and marketed by General Motors, under the Chevrolet marque, since 1953.

Over the course of eight generations, indicated sequentially as C1 to C8, the Corvette is noted for its performance, distinctive styling, lightweight fiberglass or composite bodywork, and competitive pricing. Since the cessation of Ford and Chrysler's competitors, the Corvette is the only two-seat sports car produced by a major United States auto manufacturer and serves as Chevrolet's halo car.

Since its introduction in 1953, the two-seater has steadily moved upmarket. Originally a relatively modest, lightweight 6‑cylinder convertible, subsequent introductions of V8 engines, competitive chassis innovations, and rear mid-engined layout have positioned the Corvette in the supercar class. The first three Corvette generations (1953–1983) employed body-on-frame construction, and since the C4 generation, introduced in 1983 as an early 1984 model, Corvettes have used GM's unibody Y‑body platform. All Corvettes used front mid-engine configuration for seven generations, through 2019, and transitioned to a rear mid-engined layout with the C8 generation.

In 1953, GM executives accepted a suggestion by Myron Scott, then the assistant director of the Public Relations department, to name the company's new sports car after the corvette, a small maneuverable warship. The first model, a convertible, was introduced at the 1953 GM Motorama as a concept car; production models went on sale later that year. In 1963, the second generation was introduced in coupe and convertible styles. Originally manufactured in Flint, Michigan, and St. Louis, Missouri, the Corvette has been produced in Bowling Green, Kentucky, since 1981, which is also the location of the National Corvette Museum.

The Corvette has become widely known as "America's Sports Car." Automotive News wrote that after being featured in the early 1960s television show Route 66, "the Corvette became synonymous with freedom and adventure," ultimately becoming both "the most successful concept car in history and the most popular sports car in history."

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Common 1977 Chevrolet Corvette problems

The 1977 Chevrolet Corvette, part of the C3 generation, is known for its common problems that can affect the overall driving experience and reliability. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1977 Corvette:

Lack of significant improvements: The 1977 Corvette did not receive many significant changes or improvements compared to previous model years, leaving many drivers feeling underwhelmed and disappointed.

Electrical faults: The 1977 Corvette suffered from electrical faults, particularly in the taillight and turn signal circuits, which could cause irregular or complete failures.

Overheating: Overheating is a common issue with C3 Corvettes, including the 1977 model, often tied to replacing the stock radiator fan and fan shroud with an electric fan.

PCV valve issues: The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valves are essential for the C3's engine to perform correctly, and malfunctioning or damaged PCV valves can cause poor idling, stalling, and hesitation.

Transmission problems: Many drivers have had to replace the transmissions on their C3 Corvettes, including the 1977 model.

Rust: Rust is a significant concern in the frame and birdcage (door frames, windshield frame, dash support, etc.) of the 1977 Corvette due to its age.

Vacuum system problems: Vacuum system issues seem to baffle people, causing problems with the car's performance and reliability.

Water leaks: Water leaks from various parts of the 1977 Corvette have been reported, which can lead to further issues if not addressed promptly.

Disc brake caliper issues: The disc brake calipers are known to be a problematic component in the 1977 Corvette, requiring replacement or repair.

These common problems can affect the overall driving experience and reliability of the 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider the costs and effort required to maintain and repair the car.

Is a 1977 Corvette a good year?

Any Vette is at least somewhat desirable. The 77 is the last year for the 68-style dashboard and closed luggage compartment. The L82 models are faster and more fun than the L48 models. Corvettes of that era were frankly not terribly well made (paint especially) and had some nagging reliability problems.

What year was the bad Corvette?

What is the worse Corvette of all time? 1975. The body was degraded from the original 1968 shark design with energy-absorbing boat anchors on each end. The engine was a sluggish 350 with only 165 hp, hardly enough to run the quarter in 16.1 seconds at 87.4 mph.

What are the problem years for Corvette?

Years to Avoid

1997 – A Rocky Start. The inaugural year of the C5 Corvette was plagued with issues, including seven recalls. ...
1998 – High Complaints and Steering Issues. ...
2001 – A Mixed Bag. ...
2004 – Fuel System Woes.

What is the most reliable year for the Corvette?

The 1963 Corvette is widely regarded as the most reliable Corvette of all time. Much of the reliability comes down to its reuse of the transmission offerings from the 1962 Corvette, which were already well known for their dependability, especially in regards to the 4-speed manual.

Is a 1977 Corvette good?

The '77 is one of the least desirable among Corvette fans. It's one of the lowest performance Corvettes produced. Consequently, they tend to be reasonably priced.

What is a 1977 Corvette worth in good condition?

Originally Answered: How much is a fair price for a 1977 Corvette Stingray? It is totally condition based. I have seen them as low as $500 and as high as $18,000. A good average is somewhere around the $5–7,000 range for a decent car.

What year was the bad Corvette?

What are the problem years for Corvette?

Years to Avoid

1997 – A Rocky Start. The inaugural year of the C5 Corvette was plagued with issues, including seven recalls. ...
1998 – High Complaints and Steering Issues. ...
2001 – A Mixed Bag. ...
2004 – Fuel System Woes.

1977 Chevrolet Corvette car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Power train problems
Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1977 Chevrolet Corvette vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1977 Chevrolet Corvette complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1977 Chevrolet Corvette.

2000-03-07

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1999-12-04
Number Of Deaths: 1
Crash: 1
Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
Summary: WHILE DRIVING UP HILL IN HEAVY RAIN VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN 2ND GEAR AND CURVED WITH THE ROAD. THEN, VEHICLE HYDROPLANED/TURNED, AND HIT A TREE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, RESULTING IN DRIVER'S DEATH. VEHICLE'S STRUCTURE WAS MADE OF FIBERGLASS WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THE CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

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1977 Chevrolet Corvette recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1977 Chevrolet Corvette.

2007-10-24

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

2003-05-12

Manufacturer: CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER
Summary: REMANUFACTURERD REAR BRAKE CALIPERS, PART NOS. 18-7019, 18-7020, 16-7019, AND 16-7020, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2002, TO APRIL, 25, 2003., AND FOR USE ON 1965 THRU 1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTES. THE SUBJECT BRAKE CALIPERS WERE MANUFACTURED USING IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED PISTON SEALS. THESE SEALS ARE INTENDED TO PREVENT FLUID LEAKAGE BETWEEN THE CALIPER HOUSING AND THE PISTONS. THESE BRAKE CALIPERS ARE FOR USE ONLY ON 1965 THRU 1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE VEHICLES. THIS RECALL DOES NOT INVOLVE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION OR ANY OF ITS PRODUCTS.
Consequence: UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE OPERATOR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND ALL UNSOLD INVENTORY WILL BE REPURCHASED AND WILL PROVIDE A FULL REFUND TO CUSTOMERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CARDONE AT 215-912-3000.

1977-07-28

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAVE STEERING WHEEL CENTER HUBS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 107, "REFLECTING SURFACES". THE HORN BUTTON CAP AND THE LOCK LEVER HAVE A BRUSHED CHROME FINISH. THE SURFACE REFLECTIVITY OF THIS FINISH ON SOME OF THESE HORN BUTTON CAPS AND LOCK LEVERS IS APPROXIMATELY TWICE THE MAXIMUM REFLECTIVITY ALLOWED BY THE STANDARD.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE CAP AND LEVER WITH PARTS PAINTED TO MATCH THE INTERIOR TRIM COLOR AT NO COST TO OWNER.