2006 Chevrolet Corvette Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Exterior lighting6214.6%
- Body & structure5913.8%
- Fuel system5011.7%
- Electrical4610.8%
- Steering4410.3%
- Driver assistance388.9%
- Powertrain (other)317.3%
- Engine286.6%
- Brakes286.6%
- Airbags143.3%
- Other / unspecified133.1%
- Interior & seats30.7%
- Suspension30.7%
- Tires & wheels20.5%
- Transmission20.5%
- Visibility20.5%
- Seat belts10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving at speeds above 25 MPH, the ABS system failed, causing the front brakes to activate without the driver depressing the brake pedal. During the failure the active handling warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the active handling control module wiring harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the low beam headlights inadvertently turned off. The mechanic diagnosed that the wiring harness for the exterior lighting needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V251000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 50,000. The contact stated that he pulled the fuse box and wiring from the car. In the photos, we can see a damaged wire around a tight bend that has created tension and caused a faulty connection.
MY HEADLIGHTS I THOUGHT WAS DONE UNDER DEALERSHIP THEN THEY STOP WORKING 2 MTHS LATER .
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V491000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall part was no longer available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part had been discontinued. The contact was advised to purchase the part from a junkyard or to order an entire roof from the dealer at his expense. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact received recall notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V491000 (Structure) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because the vehicle was no longer equipped with the recalled part. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
2006 Corvette convertible. Has a strong gas smell after filling up. I understand this is a common problem, but Chevrolet will not acknowledge it. The gas can drip down on the hot exhaust system, and start a fire, burning down our house, or out on the road with us in it! Please help us get this deadly problem resolved, with little expense heaped upon us. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Strong fuel smell coming from the vehicle after fueling filling.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving at speeds above 25 MPH, the ABS system failed, causing the front brakes to activate without the driver depressing the brake pedal. During the failure the active handling warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the active handling control module wiring harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the low beam headlights inadvertently turned off. The mechanic diagnosed that the wiring harness for the exterior lighting needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V251000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 50,000. The contact stated that he pulled the fuse box and wiring from the car. In the photos, we can see a damaged wire around a tight bend that has created tension and caused a faulty connection.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased this car from a dealer in Sarasota Florida. Driving it home from the dealer, I was driving approximately 70 mph on [XXX] near Sarasota. The vehicle suddenly braked and pulled to the left simultaneously. I have taken it to a repair shop that specializes in Corvettes, and trying to ID the problem. In doing research, evidently it is related to the active handling system. There is a recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V172000 Manufacturer GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Components STEERING Potential Number of Units Affected 40,028 and a service bulletin 10118. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
my service active handling and traction control light will come on randomly and disappear, when it does come on usually my car will brake on one side of the car and skip and skid over to one side. when it happens I have zero control of the braking and steering and it has taken my car into another lane completely. it is terrifying and I've had the whole brake system replaced, along with ecm, ebcm, rack and pinion all suspension and steering components, wiring harness and just about everything I could think of that may cause it. I have a tilting telescope steering wheel and I've heard that they can cause this
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING LIGHT APPEARED AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR BECAUSE OF A RF BRAKE LOCKING UP. THE CAR WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MPH IN A CITY STREET. *TR
WHEN I MOVE THE STERRING WHEEL COMPLETELY TO THE LEFT THE CAR HAVE AND INTERRUPTION AND PULL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AND THE SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM MESSAGE APPEARS
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
WHEN I START MY CORVETTE AND ATTEMPT TO SHIFT MY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE SHIFTER WILL NOT MOVE OUT OF THE PARK POSITION.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased this car from a dealer in Sarasota Florida. Driving it home from the dealer, I was driving approximately 70 mph on [XXX] near Sarasota. The vehicle suddenly braked and pulled to the left simultaneously. I have taken it to a repair shop that specializes in Corvettes, and trying to ID the problem. In doing research, evidently it is related to the active handling system. There is a recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V172000 Manufacturer GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Components STEERING Potential Number of Units Affected 40,028 and a service bulletin 10118. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving at speeds above 25 MPH, the ABS system failed, causing the front brakes to activate without the driver depressing the brake pedal. During the failure the active handling warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the active handling control module wiring harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the low beam headlights inadvertently turned off. The mechanic diagnosed that the wiring harness for the exterior lighting needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V251000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 50,000. The contact stated that he pulled the fuse box and wiring from the car. In the photos, we can see a damaged wire around a tight bend that has created tension and caused a faulty connection.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Air bag light goes on and mostly when driver seat is adjusted
Air bag warning light comes on intermittently...goes away when I move the seat back and forth indicating there is faulty wiring with this vehicle. Apparently according to a corvette forum, this is a common problem, which tells me there is a chance that the problem possibly came from the factory.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN THE VEHICLE BE IN 1ST GEAR , IT MAKES A WEIRD NOISE, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP,THEY REPLACED A SCREW ON THE REAR END BUT IT DID NO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR ONLY HAS 16000 MILES ON IT NOW. I CALLED THE CAR MANUFACTURE SHE SAID IT WASNT NOTHING THEY CAN DO. IM AFRAID THE REAR END MIGHT FALL OFF.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET CORVETTE EQUIPPED WITH FOUR AFTERMARKET MHT F350 NITROUS SEC WHEELS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INNER WHEEL FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES TO PUNCTURE AND BENT THE RIMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE AND WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FOUR TIRES FLATTENED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. THE VIN, SERIAL NUMBER, AND PART NUMBER WERE NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 5/28/15 *TA UPDATED 11/23/2015*JS
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
This is a 2006 Corvette with roughly 82,000 miles. The driver's seat will intermittently collapse on the recline function, resulting in a seat that is reclined all the way back. When this occurs, I need to pull myself up by the steering wheel while the vehicle is going down the road.
RECENTLY WHEN I MADE A TURN IN FRONT OF ON COMING TRAFFIC THE CORVETTE STEERING DID NOT RETURN TO CENTER I ALMOST HIT HE VEHICLE AT THE STOP SIGN !!!!!! I ALSO NOTICE THE ABS LIGHT ON
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
2006 CORVETTE, VIN IS [XXX] APPROXIMATELY 10 TIMES WHILE DRIVING ANYWHERE FROM 5 MPH TO 75 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL JERKS THE VEHICLE THE LEFT.......ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT MANY TIMES BY PULLING ME INTO THE MEDIAN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
CHANGING LANES ON A BUSY AVENUE AT LUNCH TIME GOING ABOUT 30MPG CAR LOST CONTROL FROM THE BACK AND ENDED HITTING A ELECTRICAL POST. AFTER TAKING TO SHOP AND BEING REPAIRED WHICH TOOK OVER 6 MONTHS I RETURNED TO THE SHOP DUE TO A NOISE IN THE RIGHT REAR WHERE THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED AND FOUND THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN. IT WAS DECIDED THAT THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET CORVETTE EQUIPPED WITH FOUR AFTERMARKET MHT F350 NITROUS SEC WHEELS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INNER WHEEL FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES TO PUNCTURE AND BENT THE RIMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE TIRE AND WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FOUR TIRES FLATTENED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. THE VIN, SERIAL NUMBER, AND PART NUMBER WERE NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 5/28/15 *TA UPDATED 11/23/2015*JS
ON WEDNESDAY 7 NOV 2012, I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT APPROX 4:30PM AND WHILE CHANGING LANES (FROM THE RH LANE TO THE LH LANE, TO MAKE A LEFT TURN IN APPROX HALF A MILE) WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRES POPPED AND I SPUN, CROSSED THE MEDIAN, CROSS TWO SOUTHBOUND LANES, STRUCK AN ELECTRICITY POLE, SPUN AGAIN AND FINALLY CAME TO REST ON THE SIDEWALK & GRASS. NEITHER STABILITY CONTROL NOR TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVATED ONCE THE CAR BEGAN TO SPIN (COUNTER CLOCKWISE) WHICH CREATED AN UNCONTROLLABLE AND UNRECOVERABLE SPIN. THE FAILURE OF THESE SYSTEMS ACTIVATE AND OPERATE PROPERLY COULD HAVE KILLED ME AND DESTROYED THE CAR. BOTH SYSTEMS WERE FULLY OPERATIONAL AND ON. ALSO, THE SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE IMPACTED THE POLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE DRIVING 15-20 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR. THE FAILURE FORCED HIM TO SHIFT INTO FOURTH GEAR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED IN THAT MANNER FOR CAF REASONS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS. THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE COULD INSTALL AN AFTERMARKET PART TO REMEDY THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONTACT REFUSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,300. UPDATED 09/05/07 *TR
TOOK THE CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WHEN I PICKED IT UP, THEY ADDED 2 QUARTS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID TO THE CAR. DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT AND LEFT. 5000 MILES LATER, WHILE ENTERING THE FREEWAY, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STALLED. WENT FROM 45 MPH DOWN TO 5-10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I WAS ABOUT 3 SECONDS AWAY FROM BEING REAR ENDED BY AN 18 WHEELER. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND I ADVISED THEM TO CALL ME WITH THE DIAGNOSIS. THEY CALLED AND SAID MY TRANSMISSION SOLENOID WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE CHANGE. I THOUGHT ABOUT THE 2 QUARTS OF FLUID AND THOUGHT TO MYSELF, WHY WAS IT LOW AND DID THIS CAUSE THE BREAKDOWN? I CALLED AND TOLD THEM NOT TO TOUCH THE CAR UNTIL I WAS PRESENT. WENT TO DEALER, THE 32 YEAR EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST CHECKED THE LEVEL OF FLUID AND "OH MY GOD, IT IS VERY LOW AGAIN". I HAD THEIR SERVICE MANAGER COME AND TOLD HIM I WANTED A GM REP TO INSPECT MY CAR BEFORE ANY REPAIRS WHERE DONE TO IT AND THAT HE DID NOT HAVE MY CONSENT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. 8 DAYS LATER THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLS AND SAYS "I FIXED YOUR CAR, THE FLUID WAS NEVER LOW AND COME PICK UP YOUR CAR OR I WILL CHARGE YOU STORAGE AND RENTAL IF YOU DON'T". I CALLED GM AND THEM TALK TO THIS GUY AND BEG HIM TO LEAVE THE CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP UNTIL A REP WAS AVAILABLE, AND HE SAID " NO WAY, I WANT THIS CAR OUT OF HERE. SO I GO TO PICK UP THE CAR AND NOTICED THE REPAIR INVOICE DID NOT INDICATE THE FLUID WAS LOW AND I ASKED HIM TO FIX IT AND HE REFUSED AND SAID THE 32 YEAR GM TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST MADE A MISTAKE AND NEEDED TO CHECK THE MANUAL ON HOW TO CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL. HE THEN OFFERED ME AND EXTENDED WARRANTY AND AGREED TO SAY ON THE INVOICE THAT THE FLUID LEVEL WAS LOW. TO DATE NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHY THE FLUID WAS LOW THE FIRST TIME OR THE SECOND TIME. THE DEALERS ONLY EXPLANATION IS THAT THE CAR CAME FROM THE MANUFACTURER MISSING 2 QUARTS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID. CONTACTED GM AND BBB AND JUST WENT TO ARBITRATION AND WAITING FOR VERDICT. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOUGHT USED 06 CORVETTE. BROUGHT CAR IN TO GM DEALER FOR REPAIR OF REAR WINDOW SINCE MY TINT INSTALLER SAID WINDOW WAS DEFECTIVE. I ALSO NOTICED THE IMAGES THROUGH THE WINDOW ARE BLURRED BADLY. THE TINT APPEARS TO CLARIFY THE IMAGES. DEALER SAID MUST SEE GM REP FOR REPLACEMENT. NOTICED ANOTHER 06 CORVETTE HAD SAME BLURRED REAR WINDOW, HOWEVER THE 09 CORVETTE REAR WINDOW IS IMPROVED BUT STILL CREATES BLURRED VISION. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE VISIBILITY IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR WAS DISTORTED AND BLURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT EVERY OTHER CORVETTE WAS AFFECTED AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. THEY DID NOT SPECIFY THAT THIS WAS RELATED TO ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 2,085. *AK UPDATED 05/23/07. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE, AND STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE RETRACTING WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKES. ON ONE OCCASION, THE SEAT BELTS RETRACTED UNTIL THE SHOULDER PART OF THE BELT WAS ON THE CONTACT'S NECK AND HE FELT AS IF HE WAS BEING CHOKED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT BELTS, AND ADDED A SEAT BELT EXTENDER, BUT THE DRIVER CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. *AK UPDATED 05/21/07. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .