1989 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 1989 Chevrolet Corvette problems
The 1989 Chevrolet Corvette has several common issues based on complaints from owners. These problems are primarily mechanical, although there are also some electrical issues.
One common mechanical issue is with the throttle linkage, which can stick and cause the throttle body to remain open. This creates a potentially serious issue in that it can cause the car to accelerate uncontrollably at ignition, resulting in damage to the vehicle and possible driver/passenger injury.
The 1989 L98 Engine is known to have overheating issues. Other engine problems include engine pinging, intermittent stalling, and rough idle due to timing retard – may require regular adjustment. Intake and Exhaust Manifold gaskets are known to leak and will require replacement.
The alternator is another component that has caused issues for 1989 Corvette owners. There have been a high number of alternator failures reported on the 1989 Chevy Corvette.
The rack and pinion unit on the 1989 Corvette is prone to failure. The rear tie rod assembly is also known to fail due to either design or the material used during manufacturing. In either case, the rear tie rod breaks, causing the right rear wheel to pull the car off road to the right. This malfunction can occur without warning, and often while during vehicle operation.
In addition to mechanical issues, there are also some electrical problems with the 1989 Corvette. The dashboard lights commonly go out due to electrical problems. This issue may be caused by defective wiring, or as the result of a defective computer command control module. If the computerized dashboard is diagnosed as defective, the entire dashboard assembly must be replaced.
The power brake booster is another component that has caused issues for 1989 Corvette owners. A defective power brake booster can cause erratic braking, making it difficult to stop the vehicle safely.
The driver’s side seat anchors have been deemed defective. GM issued a factory recall for this item.
It is important to note that not all 1989 Corvettes will have these issues, and some may have unique problems not listed here. However, these are some of the most common complaints from owners of this vehicle.
Is 89 a good year for Corvette?
My favorite car
I've owned a number of sporty cars, and always wanted a Corvette. My '89 is one of the best cars I've ever driven, great looking, good performance. My only complaint would be wanting more headroom, I'm 6' and my head almost touches the roof. Other than that it's comfortable, fast, and handles great.
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 problems does a C4 Corvette have?
The oil cooler on the Corvette C4 is another weak point, because an oil leak can begin at the joint between the inlet pipe and cooler. However, that isn't the only leak, because the rocker cover gaskets have also been known to spring a leak, dropping a telltale trail of the expensive stuff on the blacktop.
Are old Corvettes hard to maintain?
Corvettes have high maintenance because they are older vehicles that often suffer from wear and tear on the road. They may have underlying issues that you will have to deal with — however, the same situation can arise for any vehicle you buy outside a dealership.
1989 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Seat belts problems
- Suspension problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Chevrolet Corvette vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Chevrolet Corvette complaints
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Chevrolet Corvette.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-02
- VIN: 1G1YY3186K5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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.*JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-08
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G1YY2189K5
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-03
- VIN: 1G1YY3186K5
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 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.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-10
- VIN: 1G1YY2187H5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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. *TT
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-01
- VIN: 1G1YY2186K5
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-12
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-04
- VIN: 1G1YY2183K5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-30
- VIN: 1G1YY3180K5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-16
- VIN: 1G1YYZ18OK5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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. *ML
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1YY2185K5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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....
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-21
- VIN: 1G1YY2188K5
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING REAR SUSPENSION FRACTURED, ALMOST CAUSING CONSUMER TO HAVE A COLLISION. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-10
- VIN: 1G1YY3189K5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS FAILED DURING OPERATION OF VEHICLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1YY2187K5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-30
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G1YY2187K5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH EXPLODED, SHATTERING COMPONENTS OF THE FUEL/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *SD
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-01
- VIN: 1G1YY3185K5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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.*JB
1989 Chevrolet Corvette recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1989 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: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE OPERATIONS AND OCCUPANT USAGE CONDITIONS, THE SAFETY BELTS CAN LOCKUP OR JAM IN THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR.
- Consequence: IF LOCKUP OCCURS, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL BELT OUT OFTHE RETRACTOR. THE OCCUPANT OF A SEAT WITH AN UNUSABLE SAFETY BELT ISSUBJECT TO INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE SAFETY BELTS IF THE LOCKUP OCCURS.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY
- Summary: REAR WHEEL TIE ROD ASSEMBLY MAY FATIGUE AND COULD FRACTURE AT THE INBOARD BEARING DUE TO HIGH INNER JOINT ROCKING TORQUE.
- Consequence: FRACTURE IN THIS ASSEMBLY COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: REPLACE FAULTY TIE ROD ASSEMBLIES.
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