1979 Chevrolet Corvette problems
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 1979 Chevrolet Corvette problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1979 Chevrolet Corvette, common problems with this car include:
- Cracked Oil Pan: Owners have reported issues with cracked oil pans, which can lead to oil leaks and potential engine damage. A cracked oil pan can result from various factors, such as impact from a broken bolt or other debris.
- Non-Functioning Door Levers: Another common problem is non-functioning door levers, which can be inconvenient and affect the ease of access to the vehicle. Repairing or replacing the door lever mechanism may be necessary.
- Dead Battery: Dead batteries have been a complaint among owners, causing starting issues and requiring jump-starting. This can be due to various factors like aging batteries or electrical system issues.
- Engine Performance: Some owners have expressed concerns about the engine's performance, including low power output and unusual sounds while running. Engine issues can range from minor maintenance needs to more significant repairs.
- Interior Aesthetics: Complaints about the interior aesthetics include monochrome designs that may not appeal to all owners. The disco-era upholstery colors and design choices have been criticized for being outdated.
- Quality of Components: Various components like the clock, tachometer, and cigarette lighter have been reported as non-functional or prone to failure. These issues can affect the overall user experience and convenience of the vehicle.
- Burglar Alarm: The factory burglar alarm system has been highlighted as a common problem, with reports of frequent failures and inconvenience. Many owners have opted to disconnect or disable this system due to its unreliability.
- Radio: Issues with the radio, particularly in older models, have been noted. Problems with radio functionality or quality can impact the driving experience for owners who enjoy in-car entertainment.
These common problems with the 1979 Chevrolet Corvette highlight a range of issues that owners have faced over the years. Addressing these issues may require a combination of regular maintenance, repairs, and potentially upgrades to enhance the overall performance and usability of the vehicle.
Is a 1979 Corvette a good car?
Great,reliable sports car.
Solid ride and good brakes. L82 engine is bullet proof as well as the borg warner four speed transmission.
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 to know about 1979 Corvette?
Silver Survivor - 1979 Chevy Corvette
| ENGINE | Standard |
|---|---|
| Brakes | Hydraulic, vented four-wheel discs; 11.75” diameter, single calipers |
| Ignition | HEI electronic |
| Body construction | Separate fiberglass body and box-type ladder frame with cross-members |
| Fuel tank | 24 U.S. gal (20 imp. gal) (91L) |
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.
1979 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
- Tires problems
- Equipment problems
- Wheels problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Chevrolet Corvette vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1979 Chevrolet Corvette complaints
The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Chevrolet Corvette.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-25
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DRIVER OF 1979 CHEVY CORVETTE HEARD A BANG UNDER THE HOOD AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD ONTO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT A FIRE AND BURNED. THE FIRE STARTED AFTER AN OIL HOSE BROKE AND SPRAYED OIL ONTO THE HOT ENGINE. THE CONCLUSION WAS MADE AFTER SEEING APPROXIMATELY 700 FEET OF OIL RESIDUE ON THE ROADWAY LEADING FROM THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE CENTER LANE. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0361-89. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1Z8749S4399
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING VERY ROUGH AT LOW SPEEDS AND WOULD FREQUENTLY STALL WHEN AT IDLE, THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL DUE TO FAULTY HEAD GASKET. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE MUFFLER WAS MAKING A LOUD RATTLING NOISE. NLM
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: THE LEFT REAR TIRE CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL WELL, FENDER AND UNDERCARRIAGE, DEALER FAILED TO PROPERLY TIGHTEN THE LUG NUTS. NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HAS A LEAK, TIRE INFO NOT GIVEN. NLM
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE POWER ANTENNA IS INOPERTIVE. NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE T-TOP LEAKS WATER WHENEVER IT RAINS OR WHEN THE CAR IS WASHED. NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE T-TOP LEAKS WATER WHENEVER IT RAINS OR WHEN THE CAR IS WASHED. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1Z8749S4399
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER BELIEVES HE WAS A VICTIM OF FRAUD, HE WAS TOLD BY THE SALESMAN THAT THE PARTS ON VEHICLE WERE ORIGNAL, HOWEVER VEHICLE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH AT LOW SPEEDS AND WOULD FREQUENTLY STALL WHEN AT IDLE, THERE WAS ALSO AN ENGINE OIL LEAK AS WELL AS A LEAKY HEAD GASKET.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1Z8749S4399
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MUFFLER WAS MAKING A LOUD RATTLING NOISE.*JB
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1Z8749S4399
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE POWER ANTENNA IS INOPERATIVE.*JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1Z8749S4399
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: RIGHT REAR TIRE HAS A LEAK, AND THE LEFT REAR TIRE FLEW OFF AND CAUSED SIGNIFICGANT DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL WELL, FENDER AND UNDERCARRIAGE.*JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1Z8749S4399
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONVERTIBLE TOP LEAKS WATER WHENEVER IT RAINS OR IF THE VEHICLE IS WASHED.*JB
1979 Chevrolet Corvette recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1979 Chevrolet Corvette.
- 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.
- 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.
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