Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Chevrolet Corvette owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that the driver's seat frame failed to lock in position without warning. As a result, the seat continued to slide forward and backwards. When the brake pedal was depressed, the seat slid forward and when the brake pedal was released, the seat slid backwards. The local dealer (don hattan el dorado, 1702 w central ave, el dorado, ks, 67042) was contacted and referred the contact to NHTSA. The dealer stated that they would give the contact a call back. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
I purchased my 98 vette as a used vehicle in 2001. Soon after driving it I noticed that there was some slack in the seat position whether accelerating or stopping. I would say about 1.5 inches from its set position. I carried it to the Chevy dealership and was told that there had been some complaints, but that no bulletins had been sent by Chevy. I was told that if I moved the seat to its maximum leg room setting that they felt that it would not move when accelerating and in stopping situation. I made the adjustment and still could feel some movement of about a 1/2". I was the only driver and it still slips until this date. …
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. When the contact started the vehicle, he moved backwards in the seat. When he stopped the vehicle, the seat moved forward. The seat track would not lock in position. He took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that new seat tracs were needed in order to remedy the failure. He wrote a letter to the manufacturer, but received no response. He called the manufacturer and was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The current mileage was 42,986 and failure mileage was 41,529. Updated 10/14/08 updated 10/16/08.
1998 Chevrolet Corvette -the seats on my 1998 Chevy Corvette move back and forth about 1/2 inch in both directions during stopping and acceleration and it is a defect in GM's seat tracks that should of been a recall for a safety issue as to my understanding a lot of 97-04 Corvette have this problem and it feels very unsafe. I returned the car to the dealer within warranty period and they refused to do anything about it. The car has 25,000 miles on it and they have been bad since it was new.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. The driver' s seat moves backwards during acceleration and forward when braking. The dealer stated that the seat track failed and the replacement would cost $900 plus labor. The manufacturer is aware of the failure and stated that no recalls were available. However, parts are available, but they would not offer financial assistance. The current mileage was 42,000 and failure mileage was 400. Updated 12/18/07
My 1998 Corvette car seats (powered) slipped back several inches and my foot came gas pedal as I was accelerating along with one hand on the steering slipped. I feel this is an extremely dangerous condition similar to the cessna aircraft seat rails that were worn and allowed the seats to slip back on takeoff. I've notified Chevy and they seem disinterested.
The driver and passenger seats shift forward about a half inch when the vehicle is in motion. This has caused the driver to accelerate unintentionally. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette driver and passenger seats shift forward while vehicle is in motion. This problem has caused the driver to accelerate unintentionally.
I see a few folks had the same problem with the seats moving a 1/4 to a 1/2 inch when stopping and going. I purchased my car from carmax and they told me that was normal. I told them to take it to the Chevy dealer and they did and Chevy agreed with me that it was not normal. Chevy replaced the tracks and all id good.
Loose seat track d/s, the seat will move about 1" during acceleration and braking. The safety issue is this seat will not work properly during impact. This problem is in the c5 models of the Chevy corvettes. There is even a garage mechanic fix for it on Corvette web sites were they take the seat track apart and shim it up with a washer.
Both front seats have excessive movement, when brakes are applied. This is a 1998 Corvette with just 5,800 miles. I feel it is unsafe because both seat and safety belts move forward during ordinary braking. Both the local Chevrolet dealer and GM at [phone] request # c03551435 refuse to fix the problem unless I pay total price.
Seat complaints in other Corvette years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the seats of the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette, 7% of the model year's 399 complaints. The component named most often is front assembly › power adjust (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Corvette seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Corvette, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Corvette seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 42% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.