According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette has 8 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Z06 LT4 Overheats and Drops Into Reduced Power Mode During Sustained Track Driving ($0-$4,500 repair), Active Fuel Management Lifter Collapse Causes Engine Tick and P0300 Misfire ($2,500-$7,500 repair), Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Wear Causes Stalling, Clutch Chatter and Launch Vibration ($3,500-$9,000 repair), Left Fuel Tank Pump Module Flange Cracks and Leaks Fuel ($0-$5,300 repair), Coolant Entering Cylinders From Cylinder Head Casting Causes White Smoke and P050D ($3,000-$7,500 repair) and Cast Aluminum Wheels Crack and Bend at the Inner Bead Without Impact Damage ($700-$4,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $9,000. DIY maintenance guides at .
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 vehicles. Hard braking or acceleration may cause the sensing diagnostic module (SDM) to enter a fault state. As a result, the SDM will not provide crash sensing or deploy the necessary air bags in the event of a crash.
Campaign #18V36000031/05/2018
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.
Campaign #25V17500020/03/2025
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist system may fail.
Campaign #19V08600007/02/2019
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What are the most common Chevrolet Corvette problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Z06 LT4 Overheats and Drops Into Reduced Power Mode During Sustained Track Driving, Active Fuel Management Lifter Collapse Causes Engine Tick and P0300 Misfire, Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Wear Causes Stalling, Clutch Chatter and Launch Vibration. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Corvette reliable?
The 2016 Chevrolet Corvette has 8 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Z06 LT4 Overheats and Drops Into Reduced Power Mode During Sustained Track Driving and Active Fuel Management Lifter Collapse Causes Engine Tick and P0300 Misfire and Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Wear Causes Stalling, Clutch Chatter and Launch Vibration and Left Fuel Tank Pump Module Flange Cracks and Leaks Fuel and Coolant Entering Cylinders From Cylinder Head Casting Causes White Smoke and P050D and Cast Aluminum Wheels Crack and Bend at the Inner Bead Without Impact Damage. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Corvette problems?
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Corvette issues range from $0 to $9,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Z06 LT4 Overheats and Drops Into Reduced Power Mode During Sustained Track Driving, typically costs $0-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2015-2018 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 LT4 Overheats and Drops Into Reduced Power Mode During Sustained Track Driving?
C7 Z06 models with the supercharged 6.2L LT4 overheat and enter a reduced-engine-power mode when driven at sustained high speed on a road course in warm ambient temperatures. The factory cooling package is undersized for the LT4's heat rejection: the supercharger uses only two in… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
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On the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Corvette, the Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) lifters in the 6.2L LT1 and LT4 mechanically collapse or stick in their bores, producing a persistent top-end tick and a misfire that sets P0300. GM's own bulletin identifies four failure paths: a mechanically collapsed or stuck AFM lifter, internal locking-pin damage caused by oil aeration, a collapsed lifter seized in the bore, and a bent pushrod. Once a lifter seizes it can spin in its bore and destroy the lifter guide, and a failed lifter frequently wipes the corresponding camshaft lobe - which turns a top-end repair into a cam-and-lifter job or, in the worst case, engine replacement. GM revised this bulletin repeatedly through 2020 (15-06-01-002 through 15-06-01-002K), which is a fair indicator of how persistent the problem is across the LT-series V8 family.
Ticking or tapping noise from the top of the engine
Check engine light with random or multiple cylinder misfire
Rough idle
Loss of power
Misfire counts concentrated on one cylinder
How to Fix
Diagnose the misfiring cylinder and pull the valve covers to check whether the valves on the suspect cylinder are moving. Per GM bulletin 15-06-01-002K, inspect the camshaft for lobe damage while the lifters are out. If the valves are not actuating, replace the valve lifter oil manifold and the entire affected bank of AFM lifters - not just the failed one. If the lifter has spun in its bore, replace the lifter guides as well; GM lists lifter assembly 12645725, with valve lifter oil manifold kit 12660737 for the LT1 and 12660736 for the LT4. A wiped camshaft lobe requires camshaft replacement. If a lifter cannot be extracted, GM's bulletin acknowledges engine replacement as the endpoint. Because oil aeration damages the lifter locking pins, keep the oil at the correct level (dry-sump cars in particular must be checked at operating temperature) and stay on a conservative oil change interval with the specified Mobil 1 grade. Many owners performing the repair delete AFM with a non-AFM cam, standard lifters and a tune to prevent recurrence.
On the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Corvette, a damaged crankshaft thrust bearing allows excessive crankshaft endplay on both the LT1 and LT4. The symptom set differs by transmission, which is why it is often misdiagnosed. On manual cars owners report engine stalling, clutch chatter, and hard shifting into first gear or reverse - all of which get blamed on the clutch or the TR6070 gearbox. On automatic cars it shows up as a vibration on launch and a clunk or noise from the engine. GM bulletin 19-NA-217 identifies the root cause as excessive crankshaft endplay from a damaged thrust bearing, and specifies the endplay window as 0.0015-0.0086 inch. Because the failure is at the crankshaft, replacing clutches, flywheels or torque converters does not fix it and owners can spend thousands chasing the wrong part.
Common Symptoms
Engine stalls when coming to a stop (manual transmission)
Clutch chatter or shudder on engagement
Hard or notchy shift into 1st gear or reverse
Vibration on launch (automatic transmission)
Clunk or knocking noise from the engine
Crankshaft endplay outside 0.0015-0.0086 inch
How to Fix
Before condemning the clutch or transmission, measure crankshaft endplay with a dial indicator against the specification of 0.0015-0.0086 inch. If it is out of range, remove the oil pan and inspect the thrust bearing. GM explicitly states in 19-NA-217 that it is not necessary to replace the engine assembly - the repair is targeted inspection and replacement of the damaged internals, typically the crankshaft, connecting rods and main bearings. On dry-sump cars (Z51, Grand Sport, Z06) the oil tank and oil cooler should also be replaced because bearing debris circulates into them and will destroy the new bearings if left in place. Verify endplay again after reassembly.
On the 2016-2019 Chevrolet Corvette, on 2016-2019 LT1 and LT4 engines, coolant migrates into the combustion chambers from two casting defects: pinhole porosity at the cylinder liner-to-deck-face casting, and a compromised casting line inside the intake port of the cylinder head. Symptoms are white smoke and a sweet coolant smell from the exhaust for an extended period after a cold start, a rough-running condition once warm, and gradual unexplained coolant loss with no external leak. Diagnostic trouble codes P050D (cold start rough idle) and P0300 may set, with misfire counts concentrated on one cylinder and occurring only on startup. Because there is no puddle under the car and no obvious head gasket failure, owners typically chase spark plugs, coils and injectors first. A companion bulletin (PIP5330B) covers the related case where coolant weeps at the outer head bolts.
Unexplained coolant loss with no visible external leak
Startup-only misfire concentrated on one cylinder
How to Fix
Follow the standard diagnostics for P0300 and P050D first - do not disassemble on symptom alone. Then add fluorescent coolant dye to the cooling system, run the engine to full operating temperature, pressurize the cooling system, let the car sit overnight, and borescope the suspect cylinder using a black light to distinguish coolant dye from fuel wash. If the head casting line is compromised, the cylinder head must be replaced; per GM, do not replace a head for normal surface pock marks on the deck. Replace a fuel injector only if there is a separate injector concern. If the leak is instead traced to the outer head bolts during a cooling system pressure test (PIP5330B), that head also requires replacement. Left alone, coolant intrusion will wash the cylinder walls, dilute the oil and eventually damage bearings.
On the 2015-2018 Chevrolet Corvette 6.2L supercharged LT4, c7 Z06 models with the supercharged 6.2L LT4 overheat and enter a reduced-engine-power mode when driven at sustained high speed on a road course in warm ambient temperatures. The factory cooling package is undersized for the LT4's heat rejection: the supercharger uses only two intercooler bricks, and the engine radiator, charge-air cooler circuit and oil cooler all saturate within a few minutes of hard lapping. Owners report having to pit and cool down mid-session, with the car noticeably slowing as the ECU pulls timing and then derates. GM formally acknowledged the condition with Special Coverage Adjustment N202302720, covering 2015-2016 Z06 with the MEK manual and 2015-2018 Z06 with the M5U 8-speed automatic. This is specific to the supercharged LT4 Z06 - the naturally aspirated LT1 Stingray and Grand Sport do not share this cooling deficit.
Reduced engine power warning after several hard laps
Coolant and intake air temperatures climbing without stabilizing on track
Noticeable power loss after consecutive wide-open-throttle pulls
Having to pit and idle to cool the car before continuing a session
Elevated engine oil temperature
How to Fix
Have the dealer perform Special Coverage Adjustment N202302720 (7 years / 72,000 miles from in-service date, regardless of ownership). The remedy is an upgraded radiator package plus, on automatic cars, updated shift-point calibration software. GM requires customer evidence of the overheat - a stored diagnostic trouble code, photos, or video of the gauge cluster and reduced-power message. Only about 5% of covered cars were expected to need parts, so document the condition before the visit. For owners who track the car regularly and are outside coverage, the durable fix is an upgraded heat-exchanger/intercooler package - a triple-brick supercharger intercooler, relocated outboard coolers to free up radiator airflow, and a front-mounted air-to-oil cooler. Note that a conservative factory ECU calibration also pulls significant timing as intake air temperature climbs, so cooling hardware, not tuning alone, is the correct fix.
On the 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, the C7 uses a saddle-style twin fuel tank. On 2014-2017 cars, cracks develop on the top surface of the left-hand fuel tank's primary fuel pump module flange, allowing liquid fuel and vapor to escape. Owners report a strong fuel smell - most obvious after parking a full car in a closed garage - and in worse cases fuel dripping onto the ground beneath the left rear of the car. The flange sits on top of the tank, so the leak is invisible without lifting the car, and the smell is often blamed on the evaporative system or the filler neck. Because the leak point is above the fuel level, the odor and drip typically appear when the tank is more than half full, and a check engine light may set when the level drops below half. This is a fire risk and GM established Special Coverage 17469 with unusually long terms - 10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, regardless of ownership.
Strong fuel odor, especially with a full tank or after parking in a garage
Fuel droplets or wet spot under the left rear of the car
Check engine light when the tank drops below half
Fuel level or gauge irregularities
How to Fix
Verify the source before spending money: lift the car and inspect the top of the left-hand fuel tank at the primary fuel pump module flange for wet fuel or staining. Under GM Special Coverage 17469 (reference N172131680) the dealer replaces the complete primary fuel pump module at no charge for 10 years / 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, regardless of ownership, on repair orders dated April 18, 2018 or later. Owners who already paid out of pocket can request reimbursement. Check coverage by VIN through Chevrolet customer assistance or my.chevrolet.com. Outside coverage this is an expensive job because the fuel tank must be dropped, which on the C7 usually means dropping or displacing the rear transaxle assembly - budget accordingly, and do not defer it, as a fuel leak near a hot exhaust is a fire hazard.
On the 2015-2019 Chevrolet Corvette, the cast aluminum wheels fitted to the C7 Z06 (2015-2019) and Grand Sport (2017-2019) crack and deform under ordinary driving. Cracks initiate on the inner rim near the bead seat and propagate outward, producing a slow air leak that owners often first notice as a recurring low-tire warning. The wide rear wheels are the most frequently reported, and failures have been documented from as little as 3,000 miles, clustering around 15,000-25,000 miles. This is the single most-reported defect on the C7 in NHTSA data: 207 wheel complaints for the 2017 model year and 44 of 51 total complaints for 2018. Base Stingray cars on narrower wheels are far less affected, which is why the coverage program is written specifically around the Z06 and Grand Sport. GM never issued a safety recall, but after class-action litigation it established the Corvette Wheels Limited Special Reimbursement Program with an extended warranty of 4 years / 48,000 miles from the original warranty start date.
Common Symptoms
Recurring low tire pressure warning on one corner
Slow air leak that reappears after the tire is reseated
Hairline cracks on the inner rim near the bead seat
Multiple cracks on the same wheel
Vibration or wheel that will not balance
How to Fix
Inspect the inner barrel and bead area of all four wheels - the crack is almost never visible from the outside, so the tire has to come off or the wheel has to be inspected from behind. A soapy-water leak test at the inner bead will find a live crack. Cracked wheels should be replaced, not welded: a welded cast wheel carrying this loading pattern commonly re-cracks. If the car is still inside 4 years / 48,000 miles, present it to a GM dealer under the Corvette Wheels Limited Special Reimbursement Program - the claim requires documentation that the damage was not from impact or a road hazard, so have the dealer write the diagnosis that way. Owners who repeatedly lose wheels typically move to aftermarket forged wheels in the OEM sizes, which is the permanent fix; GM itself moved to forged wheels on later cars. Keep to placard tire pressures, as running low pressure accelerates the bead-area cracking.
On the 2015-2019 Chevrolet Corvette, c7 models with the 8L90 eight-speed automatic (RPO M5U) develop a torque converter clutch shudder that owners consistently describe as driving over rumble strips or rough pavement. It occurs under light throttle at a steady state between 25 and 80 mph while the transmission is not actively shifting, and it is present in both D and M7. GM's bulletin 16-NA-175 confirms the cause as TCC shudder, and the follow-on bulletin 18-NA-355 attributes it to the original factory-fill fluid degrading and picking up moisture in service. This affects both the naturally aspirated LT1 cars and the supercharged LT4 Z06 - anything with the 8L90. Owners routinely misdiagnose it as a wheel balance or tire problem because the frequency and speed range mimic a driveline imbalance. NHTSA logged 15 transmission shudder and hard shift complaints for 2015 alone.
Rumble-strip vibration at steady light throttle between 25 and 80 mph
Shudder that disappears when the throttle is lifted or the transmission downshifts
Vibration present in both Drive and manual mode
Sensation mistaken for tire imbalance or rough road
How to Fix
Confirm it is TCC shudder rather than a tire or driveline issue by driving a smooth road with the transmission sump between 122F and 158F (50-70C) - true TCC shudder appears in that window under light steady throttle with no active shift. The fix per GM 16-NA-175 / 18-NA-355 is a complete fluid exchange, not a converter replacement: flush the cooler lines and transmission cooler, drain and replace the fluid, clean the pan and magnet (replace the filter if warranted), refill and circulate. The only approved fluid is Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF Dexron HP, GM part 19355656 - critically, a different product with the identical name, GM part 19343529, is for EV applications only and must not be used in the 8L90. Improvement is immediate and the condition should fully resolve within about 200 miles and at least two cold-to-hot drive cycles. If the shudder survives a correct flush, the torque converter clutch lining is already damaged and the converter must be replaced. Catching it early is what determines whether this is a fluid service or a converter job.
On the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Corvette, the C7 Corvette with the 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic can develop an annoying driveline vibration/shudder at low speeds, particularly during gentle acceleration from a stop. The 7-speed manual uses a dual-mass flywheel that can develop chatter. The 8-speed automatic (8L90) shares the torque converter shudder issue with GM trucks. The transaxle-mounted differential and half-shafts can also contribute to vibrations.
Vibration at 20-40 mph under light throttle (8-speed)
Clutch chatter in 1st gear (7-speed manual)
Vibration through floor at highway cruise
Clunk on tip-in/tip-out throttle
How to Fix
For 8-speed: same transmission fluid exchange with Mobil 1 LV ATF HP as other 8L90 vehicles. For 7-speed manual: dual-mass flywheel inspection/replacement, or conversion to single-mass flywheel with aftermarket clutch. Half-shaft inspection for worn CV joints. Some vibration at low speed is inherent to the C7 design.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Campaign #17V43700010/07/2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
What is the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Corvette Active Fuel Management Lifter Collapse Causes Engine Tick and P0300 Misfire?
The Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) lifters in the 6.2L LT1 and LT4 mechanically collapse or stick in their bores, producing a persistent top-end tick and a misfire that sets P0300. GM's own bulletin identifies four failure paths: a mechanically collapsed or stuck… Repairs typically run $2,500-$7,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Corvette Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Wear Causes Stalling, Clutch Chatter and Launch Vibration?
A damaged crankshaft thrust bearing allows excessive crankshaft endplay on both the LT1 and LT4. The symptom set differs by transmission, which is why it is often misdiagnosed. On manual cars owners report engine stalling, clutch chatter, and hard shifting into first gear or reve… Repairs typically run $3,500-$9,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette Left Fuel Tank Pump Module Flange Cracks and Leaks Fuel?
The C7 uses a saddle-style twin fuel tank. On 2014-2017 cars, cracks develop on the top surface of the left-hand fuel tank's primary fuel pump module flange, allowing liquid fuel and vapor to escape. Owners report a strong fuel smell - most obvious after parking a full car in a c… Repairs typically run $0-$5,300. Severity: high.
What is the 2016-2019 Chevrolet Corvette Coolant Entering Cylinders From Cylinder Head Casting Causes White Smoke and P050D?
On 2016-2019 LT1 and LT4 engines, coolant migrates into the combustion chambers from two casting defects: pinhole porosity at the cylinder liner-to-deck-face casting, and a compromised casting line inside the intake port of the cylinder head. Symptoms are white smoke and a sweet… Repairs typically run $3,000-$7,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2019 Chevrolet Corvette Cast Aluminum Wheels Crack and Bend at the Inner Bead Without Impact Damage?
The cast aluminum wheels fitted to the C7 Z06 (2015-2019) and Grand Sport (2017-2019) crack and deform under ordinary driving. Cracks initiate on the inner rim near the bead seat and propagate outward, producing a slow air leak that owners often first notice as a recurring low-ti… Repairs typically run $700-$4,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2019 Chevrolet Corvette 8L90 Torque Converter Clutch Shudder Between 25 and 80 MPH on Light Throttle?
C7 models with the 8L90 eight-speed automatic (RPO M5U) develop a torque converter clutch shudder that owners consistently describe as driving over rumble strips or rough pavement. It occurs under light throttle at a steady state between 25 and 80 mph while the transmission is no… Repairs typically run $300-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2019 Chevrolet Corvette Driveline Vibration at Low Speed - C7?
The C7 Corvette with the 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic can develop an annoying driveline vibration/shudder at low speeds, particularly during gentle acceleration from a stop. The 7-speed manual uses a dual-mass flywheel that can develop chatter. The 8-speed automatic (8L90)… Repairs typically run $200-$2,500. Severity: low.
