FaultScore

FaultScore report

2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 problems

Owners have filed 62 complaints about the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 with NHTSA between 2008 and 2019. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 3 worst.

D

FaultScore 62/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

How this is worked out

The numbers

62

Complaints

3

Crashes reported

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

27,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

58%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 55 vs 50 Severity 50 vs 50 Early failure 99 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 55
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 50
9.7% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 99
58% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2006 compares with every other Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 18 29.0%

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 37,670 mi

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 11,200 mi

Body & Structure 7 11.3%

Median failure at 7,723 miles

Steering 4 6.5%

Median failure at 32,537 miles

Electrical System 4 6.5%

Median failure at 105,000 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 4 6.5%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 30,670 mi

Lights 3 4.8%

Median failure at 132,500 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 2 3.2%

Median failure at 30,500 miles

Airbags 2 3.2%

Median failure at 38,750 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 1.6%

Median failure at 160,000 miles

Suspension 1 1.6%

Median failure at 16,909 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

1,000 – 9,999 miles 13 21.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 16 26.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 15 25.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 9 15.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 2 3.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 2 3.3%
150,000+ miles 3 5.0%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Feb 2008 peak 4 Mar 2019

NHTSA investigations into the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

EA13007 Opened 23 Aug 2013 Closed 24 Jun 2014 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Simultaneous Loss of Low-Beam Headlights

On May 14, 2014, General Motors (GM) submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating NHTSA Safety Recall 14V-251 to remedy the subject vehicles.GM will remedy a defect condition in the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) by modifying the vehicle's electrical harnessing.GM also announced a customer satisfaction bulletin to address this issue on model year (MY) 2008-2013 Chevrolet Corvettes.Both programs will be conducted free of charge.According to GM, when the engine heats up and cools down (from normal use), the plastic material in the UBEC housing expands at a different rate...

PE13013 Opened 6 May 2013 Closed 26 Aug 2013 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Loss of Low Beam Headlights

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 30 reports from consumers alleging that, after driving for a short time (5 to 30 minutes), both low beam headlights stopped working simultaneously and without warning. The low beam headlights remained inoperative for the remainder of the drive cycle, however no other lighting is affected.General Motors (GM) provided information in response to ODI's information request letter explaining that the loss of headlights is caused by a fractured low beam circuit wire in the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC), a device...

EA09002 Opened 14 Jan 2009 Closed 11 May 2010 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

Electronic Stability Control

On April 26, 2010, at NHTSA's request following this investigation, General Motors submitted a Defect Information Report to NHTSA to correct a defect associated with the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system in approximately 40,000 Model Year (MY) 2005 and 2006 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles (NHTSA Recall No. 10V-172).According to the report, these vehicles may have a problem with the Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS) connector created by a fretting condition in the connector (small movement of the pins back and forth creating a residue build up) which could change the electrical resistance...

PE08056 Opened 17 Sep 2008 Closed 14 Jan 2009 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTION

ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2008, ODI OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE08-056 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF INAPPROPRIATE ACTIVATION OF THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2005 AND 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE VEHICLES.SOME REPORTS RECEIVED BY ODI AND SOME REPORTS TO GENERAL MOTORS (GM) CONTAINED IN GM'S RESPONSE TO PE08-056 ALLEGE THAT THE ESC SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING A SUDDEN AND INAPPROPRIATE BRAKING ACTION WITHOUT ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE LEFT OR RIGHT UNEXPECTEDLY. GM ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN IN JANUARY 2006, LATER REVIS...

Recalls on the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

09V491000

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2007 CORVETTE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A REMOVABLE ROOF AND MODEL YEAR 2006 AND 2007 CORVETTE Z06 VEHICLES. THE ADHESIVE BETWEEN THE ROOF PANEL AND THE FRAME MAY SEPARATE. IF THERE IS A PARTIAL SEPARATION, THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE ONE OR MORE SYMPTOMS, SUCH AS A SNAPPING NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS, WIND NOISE, POOR ROOF PANEL FIT, ROOF PANEL MOVEMENT/BOUNCE WHEN A DOOR OR HATCH IS CLOSED, OR A WATER LEAK IN THE HEADLINER.

Risk: IF THERE IS A COMPLETE SEPARATION, THE ROOF PANEL MAY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD STRIKE A FOLLOWING VEHICLE AND CAUSE INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2009362 972 units in Canada

Other

On certain vehicles equipped with a removable roof, the adhesive between the roof and the frame may separate. If there is a complete separation, the roof panel may detach from the vehicle and should this happen while driving, it could result in a crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will install a new design roof panel.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 53,083 miles Carrollton, TX Fire

ENGINE

MY SON WAS DRIVING AND JUST COMPLETED A TURN WHEN HE APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE ENGINE STOPPED ABRUPTLY. THERE WAS A CLOUD OF SMOKE AND THEN A SMALL FIRE UNDERNEATH THE CAR FROM THE OIL THAT CAME OUT FROM A BASEBALL SIZE HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE BLOCK BELOW THE NUMBER 8 CYLINDER. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, A VALVE IN THE NUMBER 8 CYLINDER SNAPPED BELOW THE VALVE GUIDE DROPPING THE HEAD OF THE VALVE ONTO THE PISTON WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. I HAVE THE ENGINE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.

NHTSA complaint #10680061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 21,000 miles Richmond, VA Crash

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

THIS CAR WAS CONVERTED TO A RACE CAR. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT ROAD ATLANTA BEFORE TURN 10A. THE ACTIVE HANDLING APPARENTLY CAUSED THE RIGHT BRAKES TO ENGAGE CAUSING A CLOCKWISE SNAP SPIN THAT RESULTED IN HITTING THE INSIDE CONCRETE RETAINING WALL. A YOUTUBE VIDEO IS AVAILABLE AT: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=--X0TR5G_U8&FEATURE=YOUTU.BE ( THE ACCIDENT OBVIOUSLY OCCURS AT THE END OF THE VIDEO.)

NHTSA complaint #10578594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 39,340 miles Sioux Falls, SD Fire

POWER TRAIN

MASSIVE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A FAILED EXHAUST VALVE AFTER INSPECTION, CAR LOST ALL POWER AND WAS IMMOBILE AFTER ROLLING TO A STOP. THE 7 AND 8 CYLINDER ON THE BLOCK WERE COMPLETELY VENTILATED. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2006-2011 CORVETTES AND MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE.WHAT HAPPENS IS THE HEAD OF THE EXHAUST VALVE FALLS OFF AND THEN IT MAKES CONTACT WITH THE PISTON AND TAKES OUT THE BLOCK AND PISTON AND RODS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS AS THERE IS SEVERAL HUNDRED OR MORE Z06 EQUIPPED WITH THE LS7 MOTOR THAT HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUE. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND IMHO THERE SHOULD BE SOME KIND OF RECALL ON THESE MOTORS.

NHTSA complaint #10479492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 39,340 miles Sioux Falls, SD Fire

ENGINE

MASSIVE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A FAILED EXHAUST VALVE AFTER INSPECTION, CAR LOST ALL POWER AND WAS IMMOBILE AFTER ROLLING TO A STOP. THE 7 AND 8 CYLINDER ON THE BLOCK WERE COMPLETELY VENTILATED. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2006-2011 CORVETTES AND MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE.WHAT HAPPENS IS THE HEAD OF THE EXHAUST VALVE FALLS OFF AND THEN IT MAKES CONTACT WITH THE PISTON AND TAKES OUT THE BLOCK AND PISTON AND RODS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS AS THERE IS SEVERAL HUNDRED OR MORE Z06 EQUIPPED WITH THE LS7 MOTOR THAT HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUE. IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND IMHO THERE SHOULD BE SOME KIND OF RECALL ON THESE MOTORS.

NHTSA complaint #10479492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 6,000 miles Marlton, NJ Crash

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

I HAVE A 2006 CORVETTE Z06 WITH 10,000 MILES AND HAVE EXPERIENCED A NUMBER OF STABILITY CONTROL PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. IN 2009 I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM MY LOCAL DEALER WITH ONLY 6,000 MILES AFTER COMPLETING THE LAST SERVICE UNDER WARRANTY. I ENTERED A TWO LANE HIGHWAY AND PROCEEDED INTO THE LEFT LANE. I ACCELERATED TO PASS A LARGE TRUCK AND THE CAR BEGAN TO THRASH BACK AND FORTH OUT OF CONTROL LIKE I WAS ON ICE. I LIFTED IMMEDIATELY AND ATTEMPTED TO REGAIN CONTROL BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT RESPOND AND SENT THE FRONT END OF THE CAR CRASHING INTO THE CONCRETE MEDIAN. NO ONE WAS HURT BUT THE DAMAGE WAS EXTENSIVE. I WAS CONVINCED IT WAS THE RUN FLAT TIRES SO I HAD ALL FOUR REPLACED WITH NITTO HIGH PERFORMANCE RADIALS. THE STICKIER COMPOUND MADE A DIFFERENCE IN TRACTION HOWEVER I QUICKLY REALIZED THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT THE PROBLEM. MY SON AND I WERE CRUISING AROUND TOWN AND I PULLED OVER TO SWITCH DRIVERS. MY SON EXITED THE PARKING LOT AND HIT THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR BEGAN TO THRASH BACK AND FORTH OUT OF CONTROL. HE TOO WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR WITH CORRECTIVE STEERING AND BRAKING. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND OR A CONCRETE MEDIAN TO SMASH INTO. WE WERE VERY LUCKY THAT NO ONE WAS HURT. WE NOW DRIVE WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM OFF AS WE ARE CONVINCED THAT THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM IS SEVERELY FLAWED AND THE CAR IS UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS AT ANY SPEED. NOW THE DISPLAY FLASHES AN ALERT THAT THE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM NEEDS SERVICING. I HAVE READ A NUMBER OF SIMILAR CASES WHERE THE DRIVER HAS LOST CONTROL OF THEIR CAR AND SUSTAINED CONSIDERABLE PERSONAL INJURY AND DAMAGE TO THEIR CAR. GM DENIES RESPONSIBILITY AND HAS FAILED TO ISSUE A RECALL. THIS CAR IS SIMPLY UNSAFE EVEN FOR THE PROFESSIONAL DRIVER. THE NHTSA SHOULD DEMAND THAT GM RECALL THIS CAR IMMEDIATELY AND TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION BEFORE OTHERS ARE INJURED, MAIMED OR KILLED.

NHTSA complaint #10464031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 4,685 miles Hooksett, NH Crash

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

DROVE THROUGH A TURN (RT HAND) EXITED TURN AT APPROX 45 MPH OR LESS,WENT STRAIGHT FOR APPROX 300 FEET AND CAR LOCKED UP RT FRONT AND LEFT REAR BRAKES CAUSING CAR TO GO INTO 4 WHEEL SLIDE (60 DEGREES FROM DIRECTION THAT WAS STRAIGHT) JUMPED OVER CURB SIDE WAYS (DRIVERS SIDE FACING CURB) WENT OFF ROAD,TIRES DUG IN AND CAR ROLLED OVER 3 TIMES,DESTROYING CAR. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ACTIVE HANDLING ISSUE. CAR IS STILL IN MY GARAGE AND HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY A AUTOMOTIVE FORENSICS INVESTIGATOR. CAR IS 100% COMPLETE AND READY FOR ANY ONES INSPECTION INCLUDING GENERAL MOTORS.

NHTSA complaint #10269865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 160,000 miles Modesto, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE FRONT LIGHTS OF THE CAR ONE OF THEM ISN'T WORKING. I BELIEVE THIS ISN'T THE FIRST COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS KIND OF CAR. IT IS DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. I HAVE TO CONTINUE TO PUT MY HIGH BEAMS ON FOR THEM TO WORK. AT TIMES BOTH THE LIGHTS ARE ON AND WITH TIME DRIVING IT WILL TURN ONE OF THEM OFF. IT'S DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE VISIBILITY ON THE ROAD FOR ME AND OTHER DRIVERS.

NHTSA complaint #11190642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Modesto, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE FRONT LIGHTS OF THE CAR ONE OF THEM ISN'T WORKING. I BELIEVE THIS ISN'T THE FIRST COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS KIND OF CAR. IT IS DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. I HAVE TO CONTINUE TO PUT MY HIGH BEAMS ON FOR THEM TO WORK. AT TIMES BOTH THE LIGHTS ARE ON AND WITH TIME DRIVING IT WILL TURN ONE OF THEM OFF. IT'S DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE VISIBILITY ON THE ROAD FOR ME AND OTHER DRIVERS.

NHTSA complaint #11190642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Modesto, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

THE FRONT LIGHTS OF THE CAR ONE OF THEM ISN'T WORKING. I BELIEVE THIS ISN'T THE FIRST COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS KIND OF CAR. IT IS DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. I HAVE TO CONTINUE TO PUT MY HIGH BEAMS ON FOR THEM TO WORK. AT TIMES BOTH THE LIGHTS ARE ON AND WITH TIME DRIVING IT WILL TURN ONE OF THEM OFF. IT'S DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE VISIBILITY ON THE ROAD FOR ME AND OTHER DRIVERS.

NHTSA complaint #11190642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 31,000 miles Mathews, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VALVE RATTLE, NOT DRIVING VEHICLE TO KEEP FROM DROPPING VALVE......COSTS $4K FOR REPAIR TO HEADS....31000 MILES... IF I DRIVE IT AND DROP VALVE, WILL COST $18K TO REPLACE ENGINE ASSEMBLY.....LONG TERM VALUE OF VEHICLE DECREASES WITH NON-MATCHING NUMBERS VEHICLE. ONE HELLUVA WAY TO TREAT CUSTOMERS THAT SPEND $85K ON A VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11047669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 31,000 miles Mathews, AL

ENGINE

VALVE RATTLE, NOT DRIVING VEHICLE TO KEEP FROM DROPPING VALVE......COSTS $4K FOR REPAIR TO HEADS....31000 MILES... IF I DRIVE IT AND DROP VALVE, WILL COST $18K TO REPLACE ENGINE ASSEMBLY.....LONG TERM VALUE OF VEHICLE DECREASES WITH NON-MATCHING NUMBERS VEHICLE. ONE HELLUVA WAY TO TREAT CUSTOMERS THAT SPEND $85K ON A VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11047669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 2,500 miles Morganville, NJ

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE FROM GM, BUT I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER'S ATTENTION WHILE I WAS IN FOR A RECALL REPAIR IN 2008. I TOLD THE TECH THAT MY TRACTION CONTROL, ACTIVE STABILITY CONTROL, WASN'T WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN I RECEIVED THE CAR BACK THE TECH SAID THE TRACTION CONTROL IS FIXED AND WORKING FINE. I DIDN'T SEE HOW HE COULD HAVE SAID THAT WHEN THE CAR NEVER LEFT THE SHOP. I REALIZE NOW THAT HE WAS AWARE OF SOMETHING THAT I WASN'T. THE TRACTION WASN'T FIXED, BUT I FELT THAT I CAN'T BRING IT BACK DUE TO INCOMPETENCE. I WENT TO FORUMS AND FOUND PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS. THEN I NOTICED THAT 2005-2006 CORVETTES WITH THE RPON37 STEERING COLUMN BUILT IN 2005 WERE RECALLED FOR THIS. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS 10V172000 AND GM'S CAMPAIGN # WAS N100118. I CALLED GM THEY SAID I AM MISTAKEN MY CAR IS NOT AFFECTED WHICH IS [XXX]. I THEN FOUND FROM THE INTERNET THAT PART #19179794, CLIP, WAS USED TO FIX THE ISSUE. I THEN ORDERED ONE OF THESE AND FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS TO REPAIR IT AND FOUND THIS CLIP WAS INSTALLED, BUT IMPROPERLY HENCE THE REASON IT WASN'T FIXED BY THE TECH, BUT HE WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION IT WAS SOLVED. I THEN REPLACED THE CLIP PROPERLY AND NOW IT'S OK. GM WAS VERY DIFFICULT AND DISMISSIVE DURING THE ENTIRE ORDEAL. LOOKING ON YOUR WEB SITE IT SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT MY VIN # DOES IN FACT FALL INTO THE SPECS OF YOUR RECALL. I AM GOING TO ENCLOSE A PHOTO OF THE BENT, IMPROPERLY, INSTALLED CLIP AND A PROPER PICTURE OF THE CLIP. ALSO THE HARNESS THAT NEEDS THE CLIP TO SHOW THAT THE BENT PRONG IS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE HARNESS. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11030440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 52,241 miles Forest Hill, TX

ENGINE

I RECENTLY HAD MY VALVES TESTED BY A LOCAL SHOP SINCE IVE HEARD FROM OTHER OWNERS THAT THE LS7 VALVES DROP AT ANY GIVEN TIME. I HAD TWO VALVES OUT OF SPECS AND HAVE TO GET IT FIXED IN ORDER TO SAVE ENGINE FROM FUTURE DAMAGE. MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS 52,241 MILES.

NHTSA complaint #10954824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Mason, OH

ENGINE

I HAD A FRIEND WHO HAD AN ENGINE FAILURE ON THIS SAME ENGINE DUE TO A FAILED EXHAUST VALVE. THE VALVE GUIDES WERE EXTREMELY WORN ON HIS CAR CAUSING THE VALVE FAILURE. DUE TO HIS FAILURE AND MANY OTHERS LIKE IT, I REMOVED MY HEADS AND INSPECTED. SURE ENOUGH, THEY WERE SIGNIFICANTLY BEYOND GENERAL MOTORS PUBLISHED TOLERANCES AND REQUIRED MACHINING TO REPAIR. THIS WAS AT SIGNIFICANT COST TO ME AND OUT OF POCKET. GM KNOWS OF THIS ISSUE AND REFUSES TO PARTICIPATE IN REPAIR COSTS FOR CARS OUT OF WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH IT'S A DESIGN FLAW AND SAFETY CONCERN. IF AND WHEN THE VALVE CATASTROPHICALLY FAILS, THE ENGINE WILL HAVE A COMPLETE SHUT DOWN, LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE OUT THE EXHAUST CLOUDING THE OTHER DRIVERS VISION, AND HAS THE POSSIBILITY OF LEAVING OIL SLICKS ON THE ROAD SURFACE.

NHTSA complaint #10919211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 22,269 miles ST Paul, MN

ENGINE

VALVE GUIDES OUT OF WEAR WITH POSSIBLE FAILURE INCLUDING VALVE TO DROP INSIDE COMBUSTION CHAMBER

NHTSA complaint #10862094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 29,400 miles SAN Leandro, CA

ENGINE

I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT A NOISE THAT I WAS HEARING IN MY 2006 Z06 THAT IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER NOISE I HAVE HEARD WHILE CURRENTLY OWNING MY THREE OTHER GM VEHICLES. I DECIDED TO BRING IT TO A WELL KNOW CORVETTE SPECIALITY SHOP NEAR ME. THE TOLD ME ABOUT THE VALVE GUIDE ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN LINKED TO THE LS7 HEADS. I IMMEDIATELY TOLD HIM TO TAKE THE HEADS OFF THE CAR AND CHECK THEM. I HAD 4 EXHAUST VALVES THAT WERE WAY OUT OF GM SPECS. I HAD THE HEADS RE-MACHINED PROPERLY AND INSTALLED NEW INTAKE AND EXHAUST VALVE GUIDES, VALVE SPRINGS AND SEALS.

NHTSA complaint #10818294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 51,051 miles Summerville, GA

ENGINE

I WAS INTERNING THE INTERSTATE 15 IN CALIFORNIA AND WAS PICKING UP SPEED TO INTER THE HWY AND MY CORVETTE Z06 STARTING MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND AND LOST POWER AND I TURNED IT OFF AND HAD IT LOOKED AT MY A VERY WELL KNOW AUTOMOTIVE SHOP WHO SPECIALIZES IN GM VEHICLES. THEY TOLD ME IT DROP AN EXHAUST VALVE.

NHTSA complaint #10818469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 14,500 miles Gilbert, AZ

AIR BAGS

AIRBAG DISABLED LIGHT COMES ON UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. SOMETIMES GOES OUT AFTER RESTART.

NHTSA complaint #10816875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,075 miles North LAS Vegas, NV

STEERING

DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROX. 65 MPH. , THE STEERING WHEEL ON MY CAR " TOOK CONTROL OF ITSELF AND JERKED TO THE LEFT: ON THE DASH POD IT STATED " SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM" . I PULLED THE CAR OVER AS SOON AS I COULD DO SO SAFELY AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. AFTER RESTARTING IT THE WARNING WENT AWAY AND THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL.

NHTSA complaint #10811989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 63,000 miles Land O Lakes, FL

AIR BAGS

VEHICLE HAS A CONSTANT AIRBAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER BEEN DEPLOYED.

NHTSA complaint #10809169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,000 miles Wyoming, MI

ENGINE

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY STREET AT 35 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND HEARD A METALLIC SOUND. THE ENGINE LOCKED UP AND THE REAR END SKIDDED TILL I PUT IN THE CLUTCH AND COASTED TO A PARKING LOT. I WAS AWARE OF THE VALVE PROBLEMS SO I TOOK THE HEAD OFF THE ENGINE AND SURE ENOUGH DROPPED A VALVE TAKING OUT THE PISTON AND BREAKING THE BLOCK. I TOOK THE CAR TO KOOL CHEVY AND WAS TOLD IN WOULD COST 22,000 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. KOOL TOLD ME GM WOULD NOT COVER ANY OF IT BECAUSE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AT 59,000 MILE ON THE CAR. I COULD NOT AFFORD TO FIX THE CAR SO I SOLD THE CAR AS IS LOSING MORE THAN HALF WHAT THE CAR WAS WORTH. I AM STILL SICK ABOUT THIS A YEAR LATER AS I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO HAVE ANOTHER CAR LIKE THIS. I FEEL LIKE GM SHOULD HAVE WORKED WITH ME AS THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE LS7 ENGINE. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE THAN IT WAS. LOST POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, AND SKIDDED WHEN THE ENGINE LOCKED UP.

NHTSA complaint #10783835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,498 miles Menifee, CA

STEERING

RARELY, DURING LOW SPEEDS (UNDER 15 MPH), WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WILL LOCK UP, INDUCING A HARSH LEFT TURN, UNSTABLE MANEUVERING, AND CAUSING THE MOTOR TO ATTEMPT TO STALL. STEERING IS EXTREMELY UNSTABLE AND VIOLENT AND OPERATOR HAS TO FIGHT AGAINST THE CAR WANTING TO TURN LEFT BY APPLYING EXTREME RIGHT TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE ONLY REMEDY IS TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE THE CLUTCH SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL THE LEFT REAR WHEEL UNLOCKS. SYMPTOMS HAVE NOT OCCURRED DURING NORMAL TRAFFIC SPEEDS (ABOVE 15 MPH). AUTO HANDLING/TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS LIGHTS ARE ACTIVATED DURING THIS EVENT. VEHICLE IS IN FACTORY CONDITION. ONLY EXCEPTION IS ALTERNATE BRAND OF TIRE (NITTO INVOS) - BUT MAINTAINING FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS (FRONT: 275/35ZR18; REAR: 325/30ZR19). HAVE NOT REPORTED TO MANUFACTURER YET (IT IS TOO RANDOM AND RARE TO REPRODUCE ON A PREDICTABLE OCCURRENCE). ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: NORMAL (SUNNY, DRY PAVED SURFACE).

NHTSA complaint #10781264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,498 miles Menifee, CA

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

RARELY, DURING LOW SPEEDS (UNDER 15 MPH), WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WILL LOCK UP, INDUCING A HARSH LEFT TURN, UNSTABLE MANEUVERING, AND CAUSING THE MOTOR TO ATTEMPT TO STALL. STEERING IS EXTREMELY UNSTABLE AND VIOLENT AND OPERATOR HAS TO FIGHT AGAINST THE CAR WANTING TO TURN LEFT BY APPLYING EXTREME RIGHT TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE ONLY REMEDY IS TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE THE CLUTCH SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL THE LEFT REAR WHEEL UNLOCKS. SYMPTOMS HAVE NOT OCCURRED DURING NORMAL TRAFFIC SPEEDS (ABOVE 15 MPH). AUTO HANDLING/TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS LIGHTS ARE ACTIVATED DURING THIS EVENT. VEHICLE IS IN FACTORY CONDITION. ONLY EXCEPTION IS ALTERNATE BRAND OF TIRE (NITTO INVOS) - BUT MAINTAINING FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS (FRONT: 275/35ZR18; REAR: 325/30ZR19). HAVE NOT REPORTED TO MANUFACTURER YET (IT IS TOO RANDOM AND RARE TO REPRODUCE ON A PREDICTABLE OCCURRENCE). ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: NORMAL (SUNNY, DRY PAVED SURFACE).

NHTSA complaint #10781264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 29,000 miles Humble, TX

ENGINE

CRUISING AT 50 MPH ON FEEDER RAMP AND DIC SHOWED ENGINE POWER REDUCED FOR 2 SECONDS THEN BOOM!

NHTSA complaint #10714339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 56,000 miles Sacramento, CA

POWER TRAIN

I BOUGHT THIS CORVETTE Z06 USED FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. THE ENGINE HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE DUE TO A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VALVE GUIDES AND VALVES IN THE LS7 MOTOR FROM THE FACTORY. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN THE MOTOR FAILED. I WAS LUCKY TO BE ONLY A MILE FROM HOME WHEN IT FAILED AND I WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO MY GARAGE. THE EXHAUST VALVE DROPPED AND DESTROYED THE #1 PISTON ALONG WITH THAT CYLINDER, AND THE ENGINE BLOCK. NOTHING IN THE MOTOR IS SALVAGEABLE AS IT BENT OR SENT METAL SHARDS INTO EVERY PART OF THE MOTOR. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET CHEVY TO HELP ME WITH THIS MOTOR, BUT THEY WILL NOT HELP AT ALL. THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT WILL NOT LIFT A FINGER TO HELP ANYONE.

NHTSA complaint #10705838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 56,000 miles Sacramento, CA

ENGINE

I BOUGHT THIS CORVETTE Z06 USED FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. THE ENGINE HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE DUE TO A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VALVE GUIDES AND VALVES IN THE LS7 MOTOR FROM THE FACTORY. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN THE MOTOR FAILED. I WAS LUCKY TO BE ONLY A MILE FROM HOME WHEN IT FAILED AND I WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO MY GARAGE. THE EXHAUST VALVE DROPPED AND DESTROYED THE #1 PISTON ALONG WITH THAT CYLINDER, AND THE ENGINE BLOCK. NOTHING IN THE MOTOR IS SALVAGEABLE AS IT BENT OR SENT METAL SHARDS INTO EVERY PART OF THE MOTOR. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET CHEVY TO HELP ME WITH THIS MOTOR, BUT THEY WILL NOT HELP AT ALL. THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT WILL NOT LIFT A FINGER TO HELP ANYONE.

NHTSA complaint #10705838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,156 miles LAS Vegas, NV

ENGINE

MANUFACTURING DEFECTED IN THE LS7 MOTOR. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I HAD MY 2006 CORVETTE Z06 INSPECTED FOR A LOUD AUDIBLE TICK IN THE MOTOR. THE SOURCE OF THIS NOISE WAS FROM THE IN-BALANCE FROM THE #3 AND #4 INTAKE VALVES ON THE ENGINES HEADS. THERE IS PREMATURE WEAR ON BOTH VALVE GUIDES CAUSING INTERNAL FAILURE TO THE MOTOR. UNDER POWER DEMAND THE IN-BALANCE WILL CAUSE THE TITANIUM ROD TO STRIKE THE SIDES OF THE VALVE SEAT CAUSING THE HEAD OF THE VALVE TO CRACK AND FALL INTO THE CYLINDER. ONCE THIS OCCURS INSTANT CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE MOTOR HAPPENS RESULTING IN WHITE BELLOWING SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST, OIL SPILLAGE, AND ENGINE LOCK RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE SKIDDING OFF THE ROAD OR LOOSING CONTROL. FORTUNATELY FOR ME I CAUGHT THIS IN TIME BEFORE HAVING A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. BOTH LS7 HEADS ARE BEING REPAIRED AND MACHINED TO MEET INDUSTRY STANDARDS. THIS PROBLEM MUST BE ADDRESSED TO ALL LS7 Z06 OWNERS AS IT COULD AND HAS CAUSED SEVERAL CRASHES AND POSSIBLE DEATHS. ONCE REPAIRS TO THE LS7 HEADS ARE MADE THE VEHICLE CAN BE RETURNED TO SERVICE.

NHTSA complaint #10702075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 19,000 miles Homer Glen, IL

ENGINE

2006 Z06 CORVETTE ENGINE WAS MAKING AN UNUSUAL NOISE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH AND THE FINDING, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VALVETRAIN ON THE ENGINE MAY BE PENDING FAILURE. THE HEADS WERE REMOVED AND VALVE TRAIN TOLERANCE CHECKED TO BE FOUND WAY OUT OF SERVICEABLE LIMITS. THUS REQUIRING REPAIR. THIS WAS CONSIDERED EXCESSIVE WEAR FOR SUCH A LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE THAT WAS PENDING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE IF THE REPAIRS TO THE HEADS WAS NOT PERFORMED. IN DOING ADDITIONAL RESEARCH, THIS APPEARS TO BE QUITE COMMON FOR THE Z06'S 7.0L LS7 ENGINE. LUCKILY MY ENGINE DID NOT HAVE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE BECAUSE I TOOK PREVENTATIVE MEASURES AT MY OWN COST, BUT THIS DESIGN SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A FAILURE AND RECALLED. I WAS NOT GOING TO RISK A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE POSSIBLY ON THE HIGHWAY AND PUT MYSELF AND OTHERS AT RISK. PLEASE INVESTIGATE.

NHTSA complaint #10690988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 16,000 miles Coplay, PA

ENGINE

DATE OF HEADS PULLED: 7/5/12 HEAD TYPE: GM LS7 YEAR: 2006 MILES: 16,000 TRACK TIME: NONE TUNE: STOCK I HAD MY CYLINDER HEADS REMOVED BECAUSE I WAS PARANOID AFTER READING ONLINE ABOUT MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVING ISSUES WITH THEIR VALVE GUIDES BEING OUT OF SPEC. MY CYLINDER HEADS HAD VALVE GUIDES THAT WERE WAY OUT OF SPEC AND THE CAR ONLY HAD 16,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS NEVER TRACKED OR ABUSED. THESE WERE ON THE VERGE OF HAVING THE VALVE BREAK OFF AND SEIZE THE MOTOR WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURY TO MYSELF AND OTHERS AROUND ME WHILE DRIVING. I PAID OUT OF MY OWN POCKET TO HAVE THESE HEADS REDONE. MAX ALLOWABLE CLEARANCE IS 0.0037 FOR BOTH INTAKE AND EXHAUST. VALVE GUIDE CLEARANCES INTAKE #1 TOP .0027 MID .0021 BOT .0024 INTAKE #2 TOP .0030 MID .0022 BOT .0028 INTAKE #3 TOP .0025 MID .0022 BOT .0023 INTAKE #4 TOP .0030 MID .0023 BOT .0025 INTAKE #5 TOP .0033 MID .0022 BOT .0027 INTAKE #6 TOP .0028 MID .0022 BOT .0025 INTAKE #7 TOP .0029 MID .0023 BOT .0027 INTAKE #8 TOP .0030 MID .0023 BOT .0028 ========================= EXHAUST #1 TOP .0022 MID .0026 BOT .0069 EXHAUST #2 TOP .0022 MID .0024 BOT .0048 EXHAUST #3 TOP .0020 MID .0028 BOT .0064 EXHAUST #4 TOP .0022 MID .0024 BOT .0039 EXHAUST #5 TOP .0021 MID .0029 BOT .0085 EXHAUST #6 TOP .0021 MID .0023 BOT .0046 EXHAUST #7 TOP .0021 MID .0024 BOT .0054 EXHAUST #8 TOP .0022 MID .0025 BOT .0033.

NHTSA complaint #10689783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 53,083 miles Carrollton, TX Fire

ENGINE

MY SON WAS DRIVING AND JUST COMPLETED A TURN WHEN HE APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE ENGINE STOPPED ABRUPTLY. THERE WAS A CLOUD OF SMOKE AND THEN A SMALL FIRE UNDERNEATH THE CAR FROM THE OIL THAT CAME OUT FROM A BASEBALL SIZE HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE BLOCK BELOW THE NUMBER 8 CYLINDER. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, A VALVE IN THE NUMBER 8 CYLINDER SNAPPED BELOW THE VALVE GUIDE DROPPING THE HEAD OF THE VALVE ONTO THE PISTON WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. I HAVE THE ENGINE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.

NHTSA complaint #10680061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles Austin, TX

ENGINE

HELLO, I AM REPORTING ON MY 2006 C6Z06 CORVETTE THAT RECENTLY HAD THE VALVE-TO-GUIDE CLEARANCES CHECKED ON MY ENGINE AND MY MEASUREMENTS ARE BEYOND THE SERVICEABLE SPECIFICATIONS ON 8 OUT OF 16 VALVES, BOTH INTAKE AND EXHAUST. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO THE FACT THAT IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AND ENGINE SEIZES, LOSS OF CONTROL MAY OCCUR. I ALSO HAVE WHAT APPEARS TO BE A LEAK ON THE FUEL MODULE/SENDING UNIT, SPECIFICALLY ON THE TOP PLASTIC ELBOW CONNECTOR. I HAVE STRONG GASOLINE ODOR IN THE CABIN OF THE CAR AND VISIBLE GASOLINE FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR NEAR THE FUEL TANK.

NHTSA complaint #10679020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.