FaultScore

Chevrolet Corvette engine problems

322 of the 6,324 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Corvette are about the engine — 5% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2001.

322

Complaints

5%

Share of all complaints

11

Crashes

11

Fires

Engine & Cooling complaints by model year

1975 Corvette 1 0.3%
1979 Corvette 5 1.6%
1981 Corvette 1 0.3%
1988 Corvette 1 0.3%

Median failure at 85,372 miles

1993 Corvette 3 0.9%
1994 Corvette 3 0.9%

Median failure at 8,000 miles

1995 Corvette 3 0.9%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

1996 Corvette 2 0.6%

Median failure at 100,000 miles

1997 Corvette 16 5.0%

Median failure at 37,138 miles

1998 Corvette 24 7.5%

Median failure at 71,722 miles

1999 Corvette 11 3.4%

Median failure at 50,100 miles

2000 Corvette 16 5.0%

Median failure at 34,000 miles

2001 Corvette 30 9.3%

Median failure at 39,000 miles

2002 Corvette 7 2.2%

Median failure at 28,042 miles

2003 Corvette 6 1.9%

Median failure at 34,000 miles

2004 Corvette 5 1.6%

Median failure at 25,000 miles

2005 Corvette 29 9.0%

Median failure at 29,137 miles

2006 Corvette 28 8.7%

Median failure at 29,000 miles

2007 Corvette 28 8.7%

Median failure at 29,750 miles

2008 Corvette 22 6.8%

Median failure at 32,000 miles

2009 Corvette 25 7.8%

Median failure at 26,922 miles

2010 Corvette 3 0.9%

Median failure at 13,887 miles

2011 Corvette 6 1.9%

Median failure at 33,507 miles

2012 Corvette 1 0.3%
2013 Corvette 8 2.5%

Median failure at 7,125 miles

2014 Corvette 6 1.9%

Median failure at 4,022 miles

2015 Corvette 8 2.5%

Median failure at 10,638 miles

2016 Corvette 6 1.9%

Median failure at 10,122 miles

2017 Corvette 3 0.9%

Median failure at 500 miles

2019 Corvette 4 1.2%

Median failure at 35,000 miles

2020 Corvette 5 1.6%

Median failure at 1,152 miles

2022 Corvette 1 0.3%
2023 Corvette 2 0.6%
2024 Corvette 2 0.6%
2025 Corvette 1 0.3%

What owners said

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Evans, CO

ENGINE

While driving normally, I was in the middle of a busy highway/intersection when the vehicle suddenly lost power and came to a complete stop. The vehicle shut itself off without warning, leaving the Corvette disabled in the roadway and causing a complete blockage of the road/intersection. Traffic was actively traveling around me, creating a serious safety hazard and putting both myself and other motorists at risk of a collision. After the vehicle stopped, it would not restart. The instrument cluster displayed a theft-deterrent/immobilizer warning and a lock/security symbol, along with a message stating that there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system and referring to Immobilizer Operation. The vehicle has full electrical power, but when attempting to start it, it only clicks and the engine does not crank or start. I placed the key fob in the designated backup location as instructed in the owner’s manual, but the vehicle still would not start. The exact failed component has not yet been diagnosed or confirmed. The vehicle is available for inspection. The sudden and unexpected loss of power while I was in the middle of a busy highway/intersection caused an immediate and serious safety concern because the vehicle became completely disabled and blocked the roadway.

NHTSA complaint #11755590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Chevrolet Corvette Thousand Oaks, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11749352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Chevrolet Corvette Bethlehem, PA

ENGINE

I am a long time Corvette owner and have purchased many through the years. I recently purchased a 2008 Corvette Coupe with only 30k miles, one owner vehicle. Unbelievable to me, I have had to spend over $4,000 the past month replacing the ECM and most notably the Fuel Pump, to relieve the constant Fuel Smell, not to mention the rack and pinion steering gear needs to be replaced, with again, only 30k miles on the vehicle, and that part is discontinued. The failure of the ECM almost cost my wife and I our life when we were coming home to [XXX] from [XXX] . The car completely lost all power on the highway and we almost got railed by traffic. Not a good situation to say the least. I almost had a heart attack. So we had to have it towed and finally made it home, only to find out the next day after a nice ride, my entire garage was overwhelmed with a gas smell that evening which permeated through the whole house. I took notice that GM covered this exact situation with GM Bulletin # xxx back in 2017, so they KNEW there was a problem! My question is, how can GM not cover this NOW. Many 2008 Corvettes are still being bought and sold. I spent over $2800 for this last week! I am asking you and GM to at least cover 50% of this charge. I don't think that is too much to ask. It's much cheaper than having been sued by our family, should me wife and I have not survived that situation on the road, a case I know they would have won. We should definitely be compensated to say the least! Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11736536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Cranford, NJ Fire 1 injured

ENGINE

Component/System: Fuel System – Fuel Filler / Left-Side Radiator and Cooling Fan Assembly (subject to NHTSA Recall 25V536). What happened: On June 15, 2024, I was refueling my 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 at a BP gas station in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. As I removed the fuel pump nozzle from the vehicle, a violent explosion occurred. I was immediately engulfed in a fireball. My clothing caught fire and was burning me. I jumped clear of the flames and extinguished the fire on my clothing. I saw that the vehicle remained fully engulfed in flames with the pump nozzle still lodged in the filler. I ran to the adjacent pump island where a station attendant was attempting but was unable to open a locked fire extinguisher cabinet. I broke the glass with both of my bare hands to remove the fire extinguisher. I sustained a severe laceration to my forehead that was approximately 3 inches long and required plastic surgery of over 50 stitches to close. I then ran to the car that was burning with approximately 10 foot flames and I used the fire extinguisher to put out the fire on the vehicle and pump. I then pulled the pump handle from the fuel filler opening and called the police. The police and fire department arrived and confirmed the fire was extinguished. The flames singed the hair on my head and legs. Component availability: Documentation including photographs, police report, and medical records are available. Safety risk: A fuel-fed explosion at an active gasoline pump created an extreme and immediate risk of death or serious injury to me the station attendants and others. Dealer/manufacturer confirmation: GM subsequently issued NHTSA Recall 25V536, acknowledging the defect — fuel spillage during refueling can contact the left-side radiator cooling fan, which remains active even with the ignition off, causing ignition. This recall directly confirms the defect that caused my incident. Insurance inspection: The police and Geico inspected the vehicle. No warnings at all.

NHTSA complaint #11726536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Chevrolet Corvette Reseda, CA

ENGINE

Intermittent drivability issue involving the transmission during takeoff from a complete stop, most noticeable in heavy traffic and stop and go conditions. Vehicle shudders and lurches when accelerating from a dead stop, with a sensation similar to being hit from behind followed by abrupt engagement. This creates unpredictable launch behavior and raises concern for safe acceleration in traffic, including potential risk when entering intersections or merging. In addition, vehicle has a recurring squeaking noise on cold start that sounds like a belt or pulley related issue. Also experiencing an HVAC airflow malfunction where the center dash vents initially blow air, but within about 30 seconds the center vents stop and airflow shifts to lower vents and or upper dash vents only, affecting normal climate control and potentially defogging or visibility depending on conditions. Issue has been reported to authorized service centers, but the transmission concern has been difficult to duplicate and remains unresolved.

NHTSA complaint #11715879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Chevrolet Corvette Marshfield, WI Fire

ENGINE

On August 1st, my '24 Z06 unexpectedly caught fire after a short evening of driving — 7 miles to dinner, 7 miles to a store, then 2 miles to drop my wife off at the grocery store. I was heading to refuel when the fire started. The car was in Sport Mode, so the fans were running. Thankfully, we were able to put it out. GM sent three inspectors, including an independent expert who noted that most fire cases he sees result in the car being reduced to a blob. On August 28, Scott Bell (VP of Global Chevrolet) told our dealer he would expedite a replacement. We placed the order — but the following week, GM reversed course, claiming the fire was caused by "non-car material" and not their responsibility. Meanwhile, our insurance company determined the fire originated from the gas vent system. They’ll cover the damage ($9,000), but not the cause — leaving us to pay $1,000 out-of-pocket for the vent system. No safety lights were indicated while driving, or even after the fire (it still starts). The car is in the process of being repaired, so probably no longer available to inspect. I, as the insurance company, believe this is related to the recall on this car

NHTSA complaint #11693431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Oronogo, MO

ENGINE

Driving down interstate at 74 MPH when engine acted like it wasn't accelerating and I was able to get off on an exit when car died had to have it towed to a chevrolet dealership. Engine wouldn't turn over at all. So Chevrolet did a visual inspection and said a valve spring on #8 cylinder had broke and they needed to tear into it further. So for another $1160.00 they would tear the engine down further to see what damage had been done. Chevrolet never notified me that they had a TSB on valve spring issue. Now my engine is no good. General Motors will give no assistance on repair. My engine shut down at 74 mph no longer running on an interstate.

NHTSA complaint #11680707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette Madisonville, LA

ENGINE

Engine needed to be replaced and it was but new engine misfiring and throwing knock codes and misfire codes. Contacted General Motors only to be told they can’t do anything about it and that’s unacceptable. Case number [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11669384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Chevrolet Corvette Pensacola, FL

ENGINE

We were driving 55 and the car stalled. This has happened several times. Been at dealer and the codes show fine they replaced what they thought was issue and it still does this. Very scary

NHTSA complaint #11660289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Chevrolet Corvette Burleson, TX

ENGINE

I left my car at Vandergriff Chevrolet in Arlington, TX for diagnosis and repair of a transmission sensor failure. They took nearly 6 weeks to fix the issue. When I went to pick up the car, there was a new noise in the engine so I left the vehicle for diagnosis. Now, they are telling me it's a known issue that is considered 'crucial' to repair but is not a recall and they are so far unwilling to cover the repair since it seems to have happened while they had the vehicle. I've attached their service bulletin indicating the known issue and repair.

NHTSA complaint #11656223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette Madisonville, LA

ENGINE

My vehicle has been a legacy gmc dealership in Slidell la for three months now waiting on a replacement engine from a factory failure. And I have no clue when and if I will ever get it back because all General Motors is says is that the engine is on back order and from what I’m reading they discontinued this engine back in 2023. They haven’t helped me with anything I been paying my car note and renting a vehicle at my cost and they’re doing nothing. And I can’t get them to give me any info on if or when this will get fixed . Meanwhile, this is putting a huge financial burden on me and my family and GM doesn’t give [XXX][ about it. Companies like this be allowed to just walk over people with no record of their actions. Thank you for any help with this. I’ve reached out to everyone and no one will help. Thank you. case number [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11648078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette Madisonville, LA

ENGINE

Engine blew up and it’s been at dealership waiting on GM to replace sense January 2025. And GM has done nothing to fix the problem. Been paying car note and renting a vehicle at my cost also . And they are still doing nothing. How can these people be aloud to treat Americans like this without any recourse?

NHTSA complaint #11646825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette at 4,400 miles Long Beach, CA Crash

ENGINE

The contact owned a 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while trying to get out of parallel parking, the accelerator was depressed, and the vehicle jumped. There were no warning lights illuminated. As a result, the vehicle crashed into the vehicle that was in front. The contact snapped her neck. No medical assistance was needed. No police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired however the failure persisted four more times. On a separate occasion, the vehicle would accelerate on its own without any reason, the contact would turn the vehicle off and back on, to drive the vehicle back to normal conditions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where unknown repairs were completed. The dealer informed the contact that the gas pedal had glue on it. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,400.

NHTSA complaint #11646472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette at 35,000 miles Madisonville, LA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway to inspect the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the #5 and #6 spark plugs had burned and melted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump causing the vehicle to run lean, resulting in damages to the engine and spark plugs. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer was no longer producing the 6.2-liter V8 engine for the year, make, and model. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA complaint #11641174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Chevrolet Corvette Corona, CA

ENGINE

My Corvette c6 model has had a longterm issue with the left fuel pump, which I was not made aware of by the local dealership servicing my vehicle or the manufacturer, General Motors. I recently discovered the fuel pump issue, which results in a significant fuel leak thru the bottom left side of the vehicle. GM and the dealership failed to notify me of this issue even though they issued a Special Bulletin that addresses the fuel pump issue and which advises dealerships to repair the vehicle at no cost to the owner - me. I have complained to General Motors and I'm currently awaiting their response to my complaint and request for assistance with the repairs. As of 9:00 am Pacific Time, December 9, 2024, I've received no response from GM. My concern and reason for this report is GM's failure and the dealership's failure to notify me, and failure to issue a recall for this significant and dangerous problem with my vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11629653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Chevrolet Corvette Ballston Lake, NY

ENGINE

When driving, car will falsely and intermittently get random error codes on BUS module; resulting in a false FRUNK or Front Latch Service warning under Body Control Module code B1A5F or U164F for gateway. Chevy has found electrical connectors for car built in Nov/Dec 2023 which have plastic or bits inside the connectors making the electrical system have issues. However, even after addressing those faulty connectors they now think its also related to bad software. No resolution after 8 months of attempted repairs, and Chevy forums show other people with the BUS errors around same build time of end 2023. If you are driving car when these errors randomly pop in or out, the car will go into reduced power and speed limit of 25 MPH as it thinks the front trunk latch is open (when its closed). If on a highway, this can result in death or major accident. Multiple safety concerns go unaddressed by Chevy since early 2024 reports of issues.

NHTSA complaint #11615622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Houston, TX

ENGINE

My entire garage is filled with gas fumes after I filled my car up to full yesterday. I drive my car once every 2 weeks and this is filling my garage with fumes. There are no visible leaks, there is a technical service bulletin regarding a gas tank issue that expired. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? UNKNOWN, the vehicle is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I could smell gas fumes from inside my garage door. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? It will be tomorrow. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet. Haven't got that far. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Appeared today, drove for 2 hours each direction yesterday after a 75% tank fill.

NHTSA complaint #11588339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Charlotte, NC

ENGINE

The vehicle fails to keep the engine cool when idling or traveling at low speeds and in low gears. When at a stop light, the engine temperature quickly increases to unsafe temperatures, and has even had to be shut off and went up in steam from the engine. Coolant level was and is still full. I believe the cooling fans fail to stay on, maybe due to being turned off on the highways, and therefore fail to turn back on after exiting the highway.

NHTSA complaint #11566612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 Chevrolet Corvette at 30,000 miles New Albany, IN

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle failed to move farther than five feet before the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The pull-out key and wait-ten-seconds message were displayed. The contact had to release the key from the ignition and restart the vehicle. The contact called an independent mechanic and was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA complaint #11560269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Chevrolet Corvette Redford, MI

ENGINE

Happened twice within a day. The main electric fan on the radiator stopped working and the car overheated. Once at idle, was able to shut the car off safely. The second time, there was traffic on the highway, and the fan stopped working and the car started to overheat. Had to shut the car off and wait for it to cool down on the side of the road. When I got the car home, I found the electrical connector of the fan to be melted and fused together. There was no indicator that the fan would stop running prior to the engine overheating.

NHTSA complaint #11538312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Chevrolet Corvette problems