Chevrolet Corvette Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Chevrolet Corvette options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Chevrolet Corvette has 607 owner complaints and 19 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is WHEELS. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2021 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Corvette
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 607
- Safety recall campaigns
- 19
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Fire-related complaints
- 8
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (255 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2021 (12 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- WHEELS
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Chevrolet Corvette: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe CHEVROLET CORVETTE has 607 NHTSA complaints and 19 recalls on record. 8 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 607 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 19 federal recall campaigns
- 8 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
19 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SERVICE BRAKES
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 607 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
607 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The vehicle has the dash lifting started to happen a month after I bought the vehicle that a bubble formed and now it’s peeling off it’s a common issue on all Corvette 3Lt’s and Chevy is aware of it and charge customers $3,000 to replace it and don’t think it’s right to do that and should own up to mistake but forums of Corvette owners show how common of a issue it is on the 3Lt trim since it’s leather.
Noise from the rear of the vehicle. Took vehicle in to dealership. The determined that it was a left side loose axle nut. This is clearly a safety issue. It may not have been torqued properly at the factory. The vehicle is a 2021 with only 5500 miles. They did the repair/tightened the axle nut and the noise is gone.
intermittent black screen from the Rear Vision Camera (RVC) on the infotainment screen with red icons when put in reverse the backup camera may fail with a black screen there is no full mirror coverage to the rear of the car while backing up.
I cannot believe the Corvette does not show that the alternator does not show that the car is not charging. I have a thirty year old corvette that will show you when the alternator does not show the car has an under performing alternator. If you do not have it showing on the display it will not show you that the alternator is defective. You have to show it on the display you never know you have a problem. It is an issue that is not a problem unless you know. I bought a battery and it was the alternator. They need to do a software upgrade to show you when a system goes out. My 1992 Corvette show you when there is a problem. Pathtic support on the part of General Motors.
Electrical door button is getting stuck and the door is locked from the inside. The switch has been replaced by authorized dealer once already. (July 19 2023) 4,783 miles on the vehicle at the time of first issue. From checking other forums, this is a common problem for this year vehicle.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the transmission warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission filter. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact regained possession of the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift into third gear, severely reducing motive power. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,500. The VIN was not available.
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that an unknown warning light illuminated while driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was condensation seen underneath the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the gasket, bolts, and fluid were replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,192.
One week ago received a manufacturer OTA update to install in vehicle which I always download. A few days later I drove vehicle to store and turned vehicle off in parking lot for 5 minutes. Upon returning to vehicle, unable to start vehicle. Vehicle display provided message “Battery Low Start Vehicle” but vehicle would not start. Tow company attempted to jump vehicle multiple times but not successful. Vehicle had to be towed for service. My vehicle is always stored in garage and plugged into battery charger when not in use and should not be dead. Vehicle Information System displays message “Service Brake System” and “Service Transmission Unable to Shift Soon”. Vehicle unable to operate and awaiting scheduled service at dealership.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that the warning message that the front tires were low displayed. The contact added air into the tires but the warning message that the tires were low continued to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer replaced the tires but the failure reoccurred several times and the tires were replaced several times. On another occasion, while the contact was driving 65 MPH the vehicle started shaking and the vehicle collapsed on the front driver's side, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle and the vehicle struck the wall. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was seriously injured and was taken to the hospital. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed, and the vehicle was diagnosed by the manufacturer, and the diagnosis was that the front driver-side rim fractured. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer diagnosed the vehicle but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 35,000.
At under 3000 miles car started sputtering sporadically and stopped driving while in motion. We were able to get the car home. Tried to start the car back up and it violently surged. Car had no idea what gear it was in. Transmission service now light came on and car sent me an email stating to take it to the dealership. Had car towed to dealer and used tow company they requested me to use.. Dealer says valve body flooded and replaced it. Still not working correctly and dealer says transmission is being flooded. Gm engineers not sure why. Car has been at dealer over a month and have no clue when it can be fixed. When you shifted from park to reverse car would lunge violently like you threw the transmission into park while the car was moving down the street. Car is not safe to drive as it just started to have issues during regular use. Dealer has confirmed and recreated the problem. I was told if valve body didn’t fix it that gm would overnight a new transmission. Now I’m being told they want to continue to debug the issue and they have no clue on what the issue is or when it can be fixed. I’m out a vehicle I count on and am still paying for a car that I can’t have use of. Dealer is dodging my calls now. Here is my open case with Chevrolet asking about lemon law protections since it may be another month before I get my car back. [SR:9-7132169239 Car has under 3200 miles on it and is their flagship product.
At approximately 700 miles, my check engine light came on and the car produced an error message that said "Idle Creep Temporarily Disabled". Soon after that the car would lurch, buck on acceleration, and would only drive in even numbered gears. I felt the car was extremely dangerous and unpredictable to drive in this state since the car was unpredictably bucking and lurching forward and not shifting smoothly as usual. The dealer ran an OBDII poll and found five codes relating to transmission issues. GM has admitted to me that my vehicle is one of several that have "Assembly Debris" in the TREMEC supplied DCT. This "Assembly Debris" made the transmission filter completely black in appearance at 750 miles in addition to triggering the check engine light and dangerous driving behavior.
From mile 450 (approx.) forward,my CEL came on more than 5x. along with rear axel alert. In for service numerous times. Cleared codes, flushed solenoid. Replaced transmission/leaks. Actual service invoices are available.
I have a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette HTC....(Convertible)....brought in December of 2024.....on and around May of 2025, the Cable retractable Top Fail on the Driver Side, it Pop, came loose, broke,....if you are driving with the Top Down and it Rains, this issue will cause the Top to malfunction, and the Vehicle interior will be Soaked in Water....causing a Safety problem.....the Cable is attached to a plastic container Box....they are know to Breaking....1 on each side....even if it is Repair, it will still Break due to faulty Design....Corvette Owners have Complaint all over the US....After Market Warranty will not cover the issue.....Safety Lies in....The Hard Top is stuck Up or Down, while Driving.....is a Safety Hazard, due to Changeable Weather conditions....they changed the Design in 2025.....GM knew of the problem in the C8 HTC, but fail to address it... 2020 to 2024.....so We are left with this Safety issue.... all across the US. ....there are to many Complaints on the (Corvette Forum).....please help Us deal with this Safety Convertible Hard Top issue.....if you fix one-sided, the other side breaks or pops from the plastic fix position.....it all on UTube.....how do GM get away with this Safety Convertible Top problem.....[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
245/35 ZP 19 89Y With only 16,000 miles on this vehicle, the sidewall began to bulge, and then tore, with zero damage to the rim of the wheel, and all air was lost. Luckily it is a run flat tire so it didn't completely deflate, however, I had great concern that with the tear the tire might roll out of the rim on a turn possibly causing an accident or at least a damaged rim. The dealer said they hadn't seen a tear in the sidewall of this tire. A warning light on my dash showed I had lost all air pressure. I have pictures of the tire and the rim showing only damage on the tire.
BCM failure causing the oil pressure to fall to zero and making the car unusable. It also stated the mileage on the odometer does not match the mileage on the BCM.
The retractable headrest on the folding hard top convertible broke so it does not retract appropriately to allow the folding motion to close the roof to occur. It requires sticking your hand inside the roof while trying to close it and pulling it out fast. Internet searches have revealed others had the same issue with a cable breaking. My vehicle has less than 12K miles and top has only been retracted a handful of times.
Battery drain causing none start,codes,having to disconnect negative wire on the battery terminal to reset.car is currently on 21000 miles recently purchased vehicle July 2, 2025. It’s been in the shop multiple times for a month and a half still having the same electrical issues.
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the contact heard a tinkling sound coming from the tonneau parcel cover. The contact stated that the cable used to secure the parade cover had detached from the cover. The message that the top was not secured was displayed. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 9,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while started and running, the convertible top release button was depressed; however, a wire snapped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the convertible top cable had snapped and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,500.
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the began to jerk and hesitate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,000.
Showing 20 of 607 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Chevrolet Corvette
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Chevrolet Corvette, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Chevrolet Corvette has 607 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Chevrolet Corvette has 19 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 8 of the Chevrolet Corvette's 607 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Chevrolet Corvette vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Chevrolet Corvette vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Chevrolet Corvette has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Chevrolet Corvette stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Chevrolet Corvette by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Chevrolet Corvette.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Chevrolet Corvette reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Corvette reliable?
Poor. The Chevrolet Corvette has 607 NHTSA owner complaints and 19 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is WHEELS. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Chevrolet Corvette years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (255 complaints), 2019 (147 complaints), 2018 (51 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Chevrolet Corvette problems?
Top reported issues: WHEELS (402 complaints); POWER TRAIN (45 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31 complaints).
Does the Chevrolet Corvette have recalls?
Yes — 19 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Chevrolet Corvette. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.