1997 Chevrolet Corvette Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 7%of 153 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the seats of the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette, 7% of the 153 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Loose seat tracks on c5 corvettes (1997-2004). Chronic issue with that model of Corvette. Leaves seats in a rocking chair mood and affects safety by distracting driver and seat not being secure in crashes. Seats have to be removed from car to get to tracks. Then tracks have to be removed and rubber bushings that deteriorate easily and they have to be replaced more durable bushings of a different material.”
NHTSA complaint #10344136, filed 2010-07, 50,000 miles“Driver side seat moves back and forth while driving. This was first noticed about a year ago and the dealer response was that it would cost $1400.00(approx) to fix. This car is a weekend car. It has 22,000 mi. Now and only had about 20,000 at the time of the first report. Same complaint this year same response.”
NHTSA complaint #10018528, filed 2003-05, 19,000 miles“There is a defect in the seat tracks of the 1997 Corvette that cause the seat to lurch forward about 1 inch under firm braking. This sudden change in the seat position can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. This problem is reported to exist in all corvettes manufactured from 1997 through 2004. Chevrolet and GM have long been aware of this problem but will not provide a repair unless the customer pays over $500 for the replacement of the seat track. These vehicles should be recalled and Chevrolet should be ordered to correct this serious safety defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10356220, filed 2010-09, 63,060 miles“When applying the brakes front seats moved back and forth off the track. Dealer stated that this was a known problem, however, they were not obligated to repair front seats without cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10068621, filed 2004-04, 22,000 miles“There appear to be many verified complaints about the seats moving under acceleration and/or braking in the 1997-2004 corvettes. Why haven't you required Chevrolet to fix this?”
NHTSA complaint #10395396, filed 2011-04Related service bulletins
- 10019194Feb 17, 2006Seat back recliner does not maintain the set position. Service vme.
- 10012683Mar 1, 2004Seat back twisting.
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 18% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 5 | 2% |
| 1999 | 12 | 4% |
| 1998 | 28 | 7% |
| 1997 | 10 | 7% |
| 1996 | 2 | 5% |
| 1992 | 1 | 14% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 2 | 13% |
| 1987 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette
95 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology