Owners have filed 43 complaints
about the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 24 of 33 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 12
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Corvette. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 48
9.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
95% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2020 compares with every other Chevrolet Corvette
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
940.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1254.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
14.5%
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.
Apr 2020peak 6Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024060273,306 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the lower beam headlamps not to turn on as it becomes dark outside if the multi-function switch is in the "OFF" or "PARKING LAMP" position. This could also cause the daytime running lamps (DRLs) to turn off when the vehicle is moving. As a result, the vehicles may not meet certain requirements of Canadian regulations. Safety Risk: Headlamps and/or DRLs that don't turn on could reduce visibility, make the vehicle less visible to others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the body control module (BCM)software.
Recall 2020452404 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, a sensor in the electronic brake boost system may have a bad connection. Under certain driving conditions, this could cause a loss of brake assist. If this happens, there would be a sudden increase in brake pedal force required to slow or stop the vehicle. Safety Risk: Reduced brake performance can cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the electronic brake boost module.
Recall 2020384880 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: If the front trunk release button on the key fob is accidentally pressed while the vehicle is parked, the front trunk lid can open. If a driver ignores the visual and audible warnings, the vehicle could be driven with a front trunk that is not latched closed. If this happens, wind force could cause the hood to open suddenly while driving at higher speeds. Safety Risk: If the hood opens while driving, it could block the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will send a wireless over-the-air update to each vehicle. This will allow you to update the Body Control Module software without having to bring the vehicle to a dealership. The update will limit the vehicle's speed when the hood is not completely closed and latched. The update will also modify the hood release on the key fob and the interior hood release buttons to require a longer press time. Alternatively, you may schedule an appointment to have the update performed by a dealer. General Motors will also mail a copy of this recall notice to all owners.
Recall 2020363653 units in Canada
Other
Issue: On certain vehicles, the trunk release button that is located inside the front trunk compartment may not work properly. Specifically, ten minutes after the vehicle is powered off, the release may not work. This could prevent a person that is trapped inside the trunk from opening it. Safety Risk: If a person is closed inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out. This could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: General Motors will send a wireless over-the-air update to each vehicle. This will allow you to update the Body Control Module software without having to bring the vehicle to a dealership. Alternatively, you may schedule an appointment to have the update performed by a dealer. General Motors will also mail a copy of this recall notice to all owners.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Woodland Hills, CACrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
My left rear axel/rear differential/ control arm snapped with normal driving and breaking. It is available for inspection. This mechanical failure made me loose control of my vehicle on the busy freeway and threw me across a lane into the freeway center divider. Nearly caused a pile up accident and killed me.. The dealership service department checked it in today. I filed a claim today with the manufacture but nobody looked at it yet. There were no warning lamps and i believe there is still no warning lamps
NHTSA complaint #11742799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodland Hills, CACrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My left rear axel/rear differential/ control arm snapped with normal driving and breaking. It is available for inspection. This mechanical failure made me loose control of my vehicle on the busy freeway and threw me across a lane into the freeway center divider. Nearly caused a pile up accident and killed me.. The dealership service department checked it in today. I filed a claim today with the manufacture but nobody looked at it yet. There were no warning lamps and i believe there is still no warning lamps
NHTSA complaint #11742799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Thousand Oaks, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11749352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodland Hills, CACrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
My left rear axel/rear differential/ control arm snapped with normal driving and breaking. It is available for inspection. This mechanical failure made me loose control of my vehicle on the busy freeway and threw me across a lane into the freeway center divider. Nearly caused a pile up accident and killed me.. The dealership service department checked it in today. I filed a claim today with the manufacture but nobody looked at it yet. There were no warning lamps and i believe there is still no warning lamps
NHTSA complaint #11742799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodland Hills, CACrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My left rear axel/rear differential/ control arm snapped with normal driving and breaking. It is available for inspection. This mechanical failure made me loose control of my vehicle on the busy freeway and threw me across a lane into the freeway center divider. Nearly caused a pile up accident and killed me.. The dealership service department checked it in today. I filed a claim today with the manufacture but nobody looked at it yet. There were no warning lamps and i believe there is still no warning lamps
NHTSA complaint #11742799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunset, SC
POWER TRAIN
The dual clutch transmission on my 2020 C8 Corvette has a diagnostic code of p1955. This was determined after the service light on the vehicle illuminated and it was taken to service at the dealership. Other codes that stored included p0868 and p0869 which indicate low hydraulic pressure and high hydraulic pressure respectively. The p1955 code is an internal fault that requires complete replacement of the transmission according to GM service bulletins. This bulletin also advises that no repair attempts are to be made except for complete replacement. The vehicle has not shown any symptoms currently. Gears shift normally, there are no vibrations, etc. However, the dealership advised the transmission can go into limp mode, fail completely, or damage other components of the power train at any point. This issue is known to GM. They have investigated the matter since 2021 or earlier. There have been no recalls on the transmission despite the safety risks of sudden loss of power, being stranded, or catastrophic destructive failure without warning. These pose risks to occupants inside the vehicle and other vehicles or people on the road. My repeated questioning of this matter to the dealership and GM customer service have been ignored. They only advise the cost to replace is with the owner of the vehicle despite the root cause being at the level of engineering of the part. They are unwilling to admit this failure is at the level of a manufacturing/engineering defect as a financial cost mitigation strategy. The Issue with sudden failure of the transmission in these vehicles are widely known, investigated, and occurring at a high rate, especially in early model C8 Corvettes.
NHTSA complaint #11737257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We have a water leak that was coming in both windows and onto the floor. Since reported it the car will slow down while driving because of codes issues about the doors are not closed and it is. I feel it's due to the water leak that is coming into the car. Took the car to a Chevrolet Dealer in Columbia South Carolina and they said it was coming from the roof weather stripping. They said it wasn't a recall for the 2020 C8 Corvette corvette yet. Also called GM Customer care to see if I can get some help to get it fixed. No luck.
NHTSA complaint #11710974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, SC
VISIBILITY/WIPER
We have a water leak that was coming in both windows and onto the floor. Since reported it the car will slow down while driving because of codes issues about the doors are not closed and it is. I feel it's due to the water leak that is coming into the car. Took the car to a Chevrolet Dealer in Columbia South Carolina and they said it was coming from the roof weather stripping. They said it wasn't a recall for the 2020 C8 Corvette corvette yet. Also called GM Customer care to see if I can get some help to get it fixed. No luck.
NHTSA complaint #11710974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lanesbourgh, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The ac compressor has had to be replaced twice since new ownership ( 38k miles now) the compressor blows apart at higher rpm causing car to be towed would need to contact dealer for exact dates
NHTSA complaint #11709439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Backup camera is intermittent. I have ain’t it to the dealership 3 times and they can replicate the issue consistently. They have scan the car for codes and seen the issue in person
NHTSA complaint #11708663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Backup camera is intermittent. I have ain’t it to the dealership 3 times and they can replicate the issue consistently. They have scan the car for codes and seen the issue in person
NHTSA complaint #11708663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Backup camera is intermittent. I have ain’t it to the dealership 3 times and they can replicate the issue consistently. They have scan the car for codes and seen the issue in person
NHTSA complaint #11708663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesHialeah, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact's son owns a 2020 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while her son was driving 65 MPH, the oil temperature and check engine warning lights illuminated; however, the driver was able to safely drive to the destination. Upon leaving and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the main wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the replacement part was on a national backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11684791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naples, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Rear back up camera becomes unresponsive randomly, causing it to become unsafe when backing up
NHTSA complaint #11671073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vero Beach, FL
POWER TRAIN
I replaced the battery in my C8 Corvette after three years of ownership. Upon removing the plastic cover from the frunk to access the battery, I discovered the two front strut mounts. To my dismay, I noticed excessive corrosion on both strut mounts, with the left side near an AC compressor line being considerably worse. I immediately took the car to the dealership, where they took pictures and agreed it was a design defect. They submitted a warranty claim to GM, which was denied multiple times. Despite having purchased an extended warranty when I bought the car, which still shows corrosion coverage until 2026 and over 100,000 miles, both the dealership and GM refused to repair my car. I explained that if my garage-kept car, which was never driven in the rain, had such severe corrosion at only 13,703 miles, one could only imagine the condition of a daily driver with the same defect. I then began noticing videos on YouTube exposing the problem and selling aftermarket strut covers (not OEM or from a dealership). This issue poses a significant safety hazard, as a strut could eventually fail due to corrosion. At high speeds of 70 mph on the interstate, this failure could potentially endanger the driver, passengers, and other motorists. However, the dealership and GM Customer Service continue to insist that it is a maintenance issue, despite it clearly being a design flaw. I voiced my concerns about the safety implications, but they offered no explanation or comment other than reiterating that it's a maintenance issue. I warned them that when someone dies as a result of this problem, they will eventually have to pay for the strut mounts and face additional lawsuits. They informed me that the conversation was being recorded, and I hope someone with authority will listen to it. It's not a matter of if, but when these strut mounts fail, endangering the safety and lives of others on the road. respectfully [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11643898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vero Beach, FL
WHEELS
I replaced the battery in my C8 Corvette after three years of ownership. Upon removing the plastic cover from the frunk to access the battery, I discovered the two front strut mounts. To my dismay, I noticed excessive corrosion on both strut mounts, with the left side near an AC compressor line being considerably worse. I immediately took the car to the dealership, where they took pictures and agreed it was a design defect. They submitted a warranty claim to GM, which was denied multiple times. Despite having purchased an extended warranty when I bought the car, which still shows corrosion coverage until 2026 and over 100,000 miles, both the dealership and GM refused to repair my car. I explained that if my garage-kept car, which was never driven in the rain, had such severe corrosion at only 13,703 miles, one could only imagine the condition of a daily driver with the same defect. I then began noticing videos on YouTube exposing the problem and selling aftermarket strut covers (not OEM or from a dealership). This issue poses a significant safety hazard, as a strut could eventually fail due to corrosion. At high speeds of 70 mph on the interstate, this failure could potentially endanger the driver, passengers, and other motorists. However, the dealership and GM Customer Service continue to insist that it is a maintenance issue, despite it clearly being a design flaw. I voiced my concerns about the safety implications, but they offered no explanation or comment other than reiterating that it's a maintenance issue. I warned them that when someone dies as a result of this problem, they will eventually have to pay for the strut mounts and face additional lawsuits. They informed me that the conversation was being recorded, and I hope someone with authority will listen to it. It's not a matter of if, but when these strut mounts fail, endangering the safety and lives of others on the road. respectfully [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11643898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vero Beach, FL
SUSPENSION
I replaced the battery in my C8 Corvette after three years of ownership. Upon removing the plastic cover from the frunk to access the battery, I discovered the two front strut mounts. To my dismay, I noticed excessive corrosion on both strut mounts, with the left side near an AC compressor line being considerably worse. I immediately took the car to the dealership, where they took pictures and agreed it was a design defect. They submitted a warranty claim to GM, which was denied multiple times. Despite having purchased an extended warranty when I bought the car, which still shows corrosion coverage until 2026 and over 100,000 miles, both the dealership and GM refused to repair my car. I explained that if my garage-kept car, which was never driven in the rain, had such severe corrosion at only 13,703 miles, one could only imagine the condition of a daily driver with the same defect. I then began noticing videos on YouTube exposing the problem and selling aftermarket strut covers (not OEM or from a dealership). This issue poses a significant safety hazard, as a strut could eventually fail due to corrosion. At high speeds of 70 mph on the interstate, this failure could potentially endanger the driver, passengers, and other motorists. However, the dealership and GM Customer Service continue to insist that it is a maintenance issue, despite it clearly being a design flaw. I voiced my concerns about the safety implications, but they offered no explanation or comment other than reiterating that it's a maintenance issue. I warned them that when someone dies as a result of this problem, they will eventually have to pay for the strut mounts and face additional lawsuits. They informed me that the conversation was being recorded, and I hope someone with authority will listen to it. It's not a matter of if, but when these strut mounts fail, endangering the safety and lives of others on the road. respectfully [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11643898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kennewick, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Periodically the Instrument Cluster(Speed, Tach and other gauges) goes black. When this happens you have know knowledge of any information about the vehicle speed, etc.. This lasts a variety length of times, but no longer that about 1minute. The instrument cluster then reappears, but usually will go out again in a few minutes. A message appears, "Service Instrument Cluster'" This will happens 4 or 5 times in a period of around 10 minutes then it will never happen again the rest of the current drive. This may not happen again for a couple of months of driving then it does it again.
NHTSA complaint #11637039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,200 milesLas Vegas, NV
POWER TRAIN
The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact came to a complete stop at a stop sign. The contact stated that the light turned green, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started jerking with a rumbling sound coming from the engine compartment. In addition, the engine independently shut off, however the transmission failed to properly shift, pressure level at zero, check engine light, idle creeping disabled, and service transmission warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he restated the vehicle and the failure reoccurred, and the contact turned the vehicle off. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle eleven times however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed valve body. The contact was informed that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The vehicle was sold to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,200.
NHTSA complaint #11561551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plano, TX
POWER TRAIN
I had a complete transmission failure while on a road trip over July 4th. I just read that GM was doing a recall on the Transmission Control Module but it does not include my car, which is what failed on my car at 19,000 miles. My trip was interrupted, we spent two days paying for hotel & rental car in Springfield, MO and now my car is fixed with new TCU in Springfield, but I live in DFW area. If my car had a recall I would have had it fixed before our trip and this all could have been avoided. Now I have to figure out how to get my car back home.
NHTSA complaint #11531051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jupiter, FL
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
2020 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO RUSTING SHOCK TOWER HOUSING.
NHTSA complaint #11511731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,850 milesSacramento, CA
ENGINE
CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH REMOTE START. ON APRIL 20TH I PARKED IN THE GARAGE, PUT GROCERIES AWAY INCLUDING SOME THAT WENT IN THE FRIDGE IN THE GARAGE. THE CORVETTE KEYS WERE IN MY POCKET. I SET A TIMER FOR ONE HOUR FOR ITEMS I HAD PUT IN THE GARAGE FREEZER TO CHILL. WHEN I WENT BACK AT THE ONE HOUR ALARM, THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING IN THE CLOSED GARAGE. TO USE REMOTE START THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE LOCKED FIRST AND I NEVER LOCK THE VEHICLE IN A CLOSED GARAGE. CHANCE MOTION OF THOSE KEYS IN MY POCKET HAD LOCKED THE VEHICLE AND INITIATED REMOTE ENGINE START. I HAD JUST LAID DOWN TO NAP WHEN THE ONE HOUR ALARM WENT OFF. I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD I NOT USED MY ALARM FOR THOSE FOOD ITEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11413108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 600 milesPort Saint Lucie, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
GM REFUSES TO REPLACE THE BRAKE MODULE DESPITE THE FACT THAT THIS HAS BEEN KNOWN SINCE SEPTEMBER 2020. THE REMEDY "IS INCOMPLETE"AND PARTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE. IT IS LUDICROUS TO ASSUME THAT PARTS ON A CURRENTLY PRODUCED CAR ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THEY ARE INSTALLING THIS MODULE DAILY. THESE ARE BRAKES THAT CAN FAIL AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHEN THEY DO FAIL.
NHTSA complaint #11397352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesFairfax, VA
ENGINE
THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE TRUNK. THE SMELL IS STRONGER WHEN THE GAS TANK IS RECENTLY FILLED OR FULL.
NHTSA complaint #11385574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
RED OAK, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2020, CHEVROLET ISSUED A RECALL FOR A POSSIBLE CONTAMINATED BRAKE BOOSTER MODULE ON NUMEROUS 2020 VEHICLES. THIS TO ME IS A SERIOUS MATTER WHEN IT DEALS WITH THE VEHICLES BRAKING SYSTEM. THERE HAVE BEEN CUSTOMERS ONLINE WHO HAVE TALKED ABOUT THIS ISSUE, WITH ONE CUSTOMER STATED THAT HIS BRAKES DID FAIL AND IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR HIM TO STOP. I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS CALLS TO GM AND NO ONE COULD GIVE ME ANY ACCURATE INFORMATION. I HAVE NOT BEEN DRIVING MY NEW 2020 CORVETTE VERY OFTEN BECAUSE OF FEAR OF BRAKE FAILURE. I WAS TOLD BY A GM REP THAT IF MODULE DID GO OUT THAT YOUR BRAKES WOULD STILL WORK. HE STATED THAT YOU WOULD JUST HAVE TO USE MORE FOOT PRESSURE ON BRAKES. IT HAS NOW BEEN OVER 90 DAYS AND I AM REQUESTING THAT THIS ISSUE GET RESOLVED FOR ALL NEW CAR OWNERS WHO HAVE THIS RECALL. GM IS TOO LARGE OF A COMPANY TO LET THIS JUST LINGER AS IF ITS NO BIG DEAL.
NHTSA complaint #11385615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesFairfax, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE TRUNK. THE SMELL IS STRONGER WHEN THE GAS TANK IS RECENTLY FILLED OR FULL.
NHTSA complaint #11385574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 660 milesFremont, CA
POWER TRAIN
AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT THE VEHICLE HAD 660 MILES. MOST OF THE ACCUMULATED MILES ARE: 60% STREET AND 40% HIWAY. I WAS INSPECTING THE WHEELS AND TIRE WHEN I SPOTTED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF GREY/BLACK COLORED GREASE RANDOMLY COVERING THE INNER WHEEL. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I NOTICED THAT THE GREASE WAS SPLATTERED ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE UNIT, SENSORS AND WIRING HARNESS. THE GREASE WAS ISOLATED TO THE REAR PASSANGER AXLE. I SUSPECT THAT THE GREASE CAME FROM A DEFECTIVE CV BOOT. TOOK VEHICLE IN TO CHECKOUT THE PROBLEM AND THEY DETERMINED THE GREASE WAS FROM A DEFECTIVE CV BOOT. NEW AXLE WAS ORDERED.
NHTSA complaint #11385542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.