Chevrolet

Corvette (C6)

2005-2013 · Sports Car · 9 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.0)
4,570 NHTSA Complaints
7 Recalls
33 Fire Reports
100 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

LS1

5.7L 8-cyl
Recommended (4.0)
6 complaints 2.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
2
steering
2
fuel system
2
safety systems
2

Known Issues

Engine Issues (2 complaints)
Steering Issues (2 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

GMC L Series (2003-2003)PONTIAC Firebird (2000-2000)CHEVROLET S-10 (2001-2001)CHEVROLET Astro (2000-2000)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003)CHEVROLET Corvette (2005-2013)CHEVROLET Astro (2003-2003)PONTIAC Sunfire (2000-2005) +37 more

L91

1.6L 4-cyl
Recommended (4.0)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
2

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Optra (2006-2006)CHEVROLET Aveo (2004-2011)CHEVROLET Cobalt (2005-2010)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003)CHEVROLET Corvette (2005-2013)CHEVROLET Astro (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Impala (2006-2016)CHEVROLET Trailblazer (2002-2009) +16 more

L32

3.8L 6-cyl
Recommended (3.8)
11 complaints 2.7 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
6
body
3
electrical
1
other
1

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (6 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (3 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC L Series (2003-2003)PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)CHEVROLET Malibu (2004-2007)CHEVROLET Cobalt (2005-2010)CHEVROLET Corvette (2005-2013)CADILLAC DeVille (2000-2005)CHEVROLET Monte Carlo (2000-2007)PONTIAC Grand Prix (2004-2008) +2 more

L37

4.6L 8-cyl
Recommended (3.8)
5 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
3
electrical
2

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (3 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (2 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Corvette (2005-2013)CHEVROLET Classic (2005-2005)CADILLAC DeVille (2000-2005)BUICK Lucerne (2006-2011)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)CADILLAC DTS (2006-2011)CADILLAC Escalade (2002-2006)CADILLAC CTS (2003-2007) +12 more

LM7 Iron

5.3L 8-cyl
Recommended (3.8)
3 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
3

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (3 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Avalanche (2006-2006)GMC L Series (2003-2003)CHEVROLET C/K Pickups (2002-2002)CHEVROLET C/K Series (2002-2002)CHEVROLET Sierra (2003-2003)GMC S Series (2002-2002)CHEVROLET Tahoe (2007-2014)GMC Pickup (2000-2000) +58 more

LA9

2.2L 4-cyl
⚠️ Caution (2.2)
271 complaints 67.8 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
172
safety systems
42
electrical
23
transmission
19
exterior
12

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (172 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (42 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (23 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Corvette (2005-2013)

LS3

6.2L 8-cyl
Avoid (1.2)
1,661 complaints 273.3 per year Gasoline
9 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
1120
electrical
173
safety systems
137
exterior
100
transmission
82

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (1,120 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (173 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (137 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET SS (2014-2017)CHEVROLET Corvette (2005-2013)CHEVROLET Camaro (2010-2015)CHEVROLET Impala (2006-2016)CADILLAC SRX (2010-2016)PONTIAC G8 (2008-2009)CHEVROLET Express (2003-2025)

LS2

6.0L 8-cyl
Avoid (1.0)
1,657 complaints 414.2 per year Gasoline
13 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
407
fuel system
318
exterior
264
transmission
204
body
192

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (407 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (318 complaints)
Exterior Issues (264 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Corvette (2005-2013)CHEVROLET Trailblazer (2002-2009)BMW 5 Series (2004-2010)CADILLAC CTS (2003-2007)CHEVROLET Corvette (2014-2019)CADILLAC CTS (2008-2013)CHEVROLET SSR (2003-2006)PONTIAC Gto (2005-2005) +1 more

LS7

7.0L 8-cyl
Avoid (1.0)
603 complaints 75.4 per year Gasoline
10 fire reports 2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
288
fuel system
130
transmission
55
electrical
55
steering
45

Known Issues

Engine Issues (288 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (130 complaints)
Transmission Issues (55 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Corvette (2005-2013)CHEVROLET Camaro (2010-2015)CHEVROLET Malibu (2008-2012)CHEVROLET Malibu (2013-2016)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Chevrolet Corvette regardless of engine variant.

Fuel System Issues (1,753 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Electrical System Issues (661 complaints)
electrical critical
Exterior Issues (364 complaints)
exterior serious
Engine Issues (290 complaints)
engine critical
Transmission Issues (278 complaints)
transmission critical

Recalls (7)

14V251000May 13, 2014serious
Electrical System

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles manufactured March 29, 2004, through June 22, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) housing can expand and cause the headlamp low beam relay control circuit wire to bend. If the wire is repeatedly bent, it may fracture causing a loss of low beam headlamp illumination.

11V491000Mar 9, 2011serious
Structure

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET CORVETTE COUPE VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 24, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS". THE REAR HATCH HINGES MAY NOT MEET THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN THE SAFETY STANDARD.

10V172000Apr 25, 2010serious
Steering

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 AND 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 2004 AND JANUARY 2006 EQUIPPED WITH A TILT AND TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN (RPO N37). IN RARE CASES, REPEATED MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING COLUMN MAY CAUSE A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION WITHIN THE COLUMN. IF THIS OCCURS, THE MESSAGE, "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM" WILL APPEAR IN THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER, AND ONE OR MORE OF THE BRAKES MAY APPLY, POSSIBLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT.

09V491000Dec 22, 2009serious
Structure

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.

06V181000May 23, 2006serious
Structure

ON CERTAIN 2005-2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTES EQUIPPED WITH PAINTED ROOFS, THE ADHESIVE BETWEEN THE ROOF PANEL AND THE FRAME MAY SEPARATE.

05V455000May 9, 2005serious
Steering

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION. UNDER EXTREME STEERING MANEUVERS, SUCH AS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE BRAKING, THE HOSE MAY FRACTURE AND LEAK FLUID.

04V525000Mar 10, 2004serious
Service Brakes

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH ONE OR BOTH REAR BRAKE HYDRAULIC LINES THAT CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH OR BE AFFECTED BY HEAT FROM THE LEFT ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE LEFT EXHAUST PIPE. THE BRAKE FLUID COULD REACH ELEVATED TEMPERATURES AND BOIL.

Alternatives in Sports Car

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette problems?

The 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette has accumulated 4,570 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Fuel System, Electrical System, Exterior. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Chevrolet Corvette engine is most reliable?

The 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette was offered with 9 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 6.2L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette a good used car?

The 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 4,570 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette have?

The 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette has 4,570 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette?

There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Corvette?

Before buying a used Chevrolet Corvette, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Fuel System, Electrical System, Exterior, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 4,570 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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