RoadVitals

1994 Chevrolet Corvette

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
29
Latest Apr 21, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest May 19, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

Overview

Our database contains 29 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1994 Chevrolet Corvette, most frequently naming the brakes, electrical and transmission categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 10 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes514.3%
  • Electrical514.3%
  • Transmission38.6%
  • Engine38.6%
  • Airbags38.6%
  • Body & structure38.6%
  • Other / unspecified38.6%
  • Visibility25.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

DP96006ClosedDefect Petition

BRAKE PULL

Opened May 14, 1996
Closed Oct 18, 1996

THE PETITIONS STATED THAT:WE REPRESENT THE OWNER OF A 1990 CHEVROLET CORVETTE WHICH, WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, SUDDENTLY, VIOLENTLY, AND UNEXPECTEDLY PULLS TO THE LEFT.THIS IS A INTERMITTENT DEFECT WHICH DOES NOT OCCUR WITH AN REGULARITY.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SQ94015ClosedInvestigation

ENGINE WIRING HARNESS ROUTING

Opened Mar 11, 1994
Closed Mar 21, 1994

THIS CONDITION POSES NO SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCE IF THE IDENTIFIED WIRING HARNESS WERE TO CONTACT THE EXHAUST SHIELD.ONLY ONE MONTH OF PRODUCTION WAS INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.THE SUBJECT WIRING HARNESS CONTAINS THE GROUND WIRES FOR THE ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE SENSOR, O2 SENSOR, KNOCK SENSOR, AND THE OIL LEVEL SENSOR.ALL SENSORS INVOLVED OPERATE AT A VERY LOW VOLTAGE (LESS THAN 1 V).THE ONLY REPORTED ADVERSE EFFECT IF THE HARNESS WERE TO CONTACT THE EXHAUSE SHIELD, WOULD BE THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ERRATIC DASH GAUGE MOVEMENT.THIS SQ IS CLOSED.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 29
BrakesElectrical
Filed Apr 21, 2023

The contact owns a 1994 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was shaking with the brake pads abnormally grabbing. The contact stated that he had to lightly depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from shaking and the brake pads grabbing. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the power locks would unlock and lock unintendedly. The contact also stated that the interior lights would turn off and on independently. The contact stated that the failures had become constant. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failures. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ID
11518322
Incident
Sep 21, 2019
Mileage
77,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 28, 2017

FUEL ODER FROM REAR OF THE VEHICLE

NHTSA ID
10968932
Incident
Jun 11, 2016
Mileage
94,000 mi
ElectricalEngineExterior lighting
Filed Feb 14, 2016

AT 19,528 MILEAGE. MY TIRES NEED TO BE REPLACED,SIDE WALLS WHERE CRACKED, NO SAFE TO DRIVE IN MOTION. REPLACE BACK UP LAMP SWITCH INTERNAL SHORTED,PART NO LONGER AVAILABLE THRU GM. LIGHTING SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLE MOTION INTENT ,IN MOTION IN CITY AND HIGHWAY. AT 23,353 MILEAGE. FOUND # 5 CYLINDER IS MISFIRING AND THE SPARK PLUG IS FOULED. FOUND NO SPARK ON THAT CYLINDER ALSO. FOUND THE ABITS DISTRIBUTOR MODULE IS FAULTY .NEED TO REPLACE THE ABITS. REPLACED THE ABITS DISTRIBUTOR. SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES,IN MOTION IN CITY AND HIGHWAY. THEN AGAIN AT 27,011MILAGE. REPLACE SERPENTINE BELT. REPLACE HUB ASSEMBLY RF ,FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. REPLACE BROKEN R+R ROCKER ARM STUD,IN MOTION IN CITY AND HIGHWAY. AT 27.088 MILEAGE. NEED TO REPLACE THE DISTRIBUTOR MODULE IS FAULTY AGAIN. THE COIL NEED TO REPLACE TOO. REPLACED THE ABITS DISTRIBUTOR " THIS IS THE 3 RD TIME ",THE DEALER SAID THAT MANY OWNERS COMPLAIN BECAUSE NO RECALL . TODAY IS IN THE SHOP

NHTSA ID
10826030
Incident
Sep 28, 2010
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 28, 2014

THE CHEVROLET LT1 5.7 LITER ENGINE HAS A DEFECT WITH THE WATER PUMP. IT IS A CAM SHAFT DRIVEN WATER PUMP AND LEAKS ANTIFREEZE ONTO THE OPTISPARK(AKA DISTRIBUTOR) WHICH SHORTS OUT THE OPTISPARK. IF THE CAR IS DRIVING IT WILL NO LONGER RUN. THIS ALSO DISABLE POWER STEERING. THIS DEFECT WAS ACKNOWLEDGED AND FIXED IN 1995 AND NEWER MODELS BUT THE PREVIOUS YEAR MODELS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS A MOVING CAR CAN BE DISABLED WHILE DRIVING. THIS THE EXACT SAME RESULT AS THE GM IGNITION KEY RECALL AND IT SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10606625
Incident
Jun 3, 2007
Mileage
8,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 24, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC SEVERAL TIMES WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10584689
Incident
Apr 1, 1998
Transmission
Filed Oct 9, 2008
Fire reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE AND WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY ISSUES BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 134,000.

NHTSA ID
10244934
Incident
Jan 14, 2006
Mileage
134,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Jun 12, 2007

CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT DISENGAGE AND ACTUALLY ACCELERATES ON MY 1994 CORVETTE. TO BRAKE THE CAR, THE ENGINE HAS TO BE SHUT OFF WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING IN EXCESS OF 85 MPH. THIS FIRST HAPPENED IN JANUARY 1999. I TOOK THE CAR TO TWO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS, ONE IN FLORIDA THE OTHER KELLE CHEVROLET, FARMINGDALE, NJ 07727, AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CRUSIE CONTROL. I HAVE NOT USED THE CRUSIE SINCE THEN FOR FEAR THAT THE SAME THING WOULD HAPPEN. I LENT THE CAR TO MY COUSIN IN MAY OF 2007, AND NOT KNOWING THAT THERE COULD BE A PROBLEM, HE USED THE CRUISE AND ONCE AGAIN IT WOULD NOT DISENGAGE AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. I CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS, CASE NUMBER, 71-526476194, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING.

NHTSA ID
10193004
Incident
May 26, 2007
Mileage
38,610 mi
Airbags
Filed May 11, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 42 MPH THE ENTIRE AIR BAG CAME OFF, BUT DID NOT DEPLOY. IT REQUIRES 4 SCREWS TO HOLD IT ON, BUT THE CONTACT ONLY FOUND 2 SCREWS. ATTEMPTED TO PUT THEM IN BUT ONLY ONE SEEMED TO TAKE, AND EVEN THAT ONE WAS NOT TIGHT. THE DEALER WOULD NOT HELP. THIS REPRESENTED A SAFETY CONCERN. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. UPDATED 05/30/06. *AK

NHTSA ID
10157279
Incident
May 11, 2006
Mileage
95,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIC4696E

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.  The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.  E version update is to add administrative details.

PIC4696D

EQUIPMENT

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.  The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.

PIC4696C

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.

130089009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

050310019

SUSPENSION

INFORMATION ON RUN FLAT, ZERO PRESSURE OR EXTENDED MOBILITY TIRES (EMT) AND UNIQUE SERVICING TECHNIQUES. *TT

020730024A

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

DIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Corvette by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025103062.5
2024202056.4
2023241052.5
2022201042.0
2021122054.1
2020344053.1
20191471042.7
2018511040.6
20172554051.5
20161032046.4
2015645047.6
2014615159.6
2013820035.8
2012561043.7
2011851041.3
2010840035.0
20091510034.6
20085400037.8
20073402249.4
20063655456.6
20055326456.2
20042174253.7
2003853157.2
20021573148.8
20012033252.6
20002774358.2
19993084558.8
19983994557.3
19971537456.1
1996441251.1
1995321151.1
1994Viewing291245.5
1993222155.4
1992722—
1991243157.6
1990344560.3
1989154259.2
1988165351.3
1987213557.7
1986155559.6
1985163453.5
1984146258.6
1982020—
1981620—
1980320—
1979320—
1978120—
1977130—
1976120—
1975420—
1974030—
1973010—
1972010—
1971010—
1970010—
1969020—
1968020—
1967010—
1966110—
1965010—
1964100—
1960100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.