Chevy Corvette Problems: 9 Common Issues (Explained)

The Chevy Corvette is an iconic American sports car that features a supercar-like design and performance along with an affordable entry-level price.

We previously looked at how long a Chevy Corvette lasts as well as some really interesting facts and statistics about the Corvettes. Now we’ll turn to some of the most-common issues people face with this wonderful car. 

However, like all vehicles, there are some common issues that you may discover along the way.

Let’s dive in.

1). Fuel Level Sensor Issue

There are many modern model years of the Chevy Corvette to have a fuel level sensor that can not read the fuel level incorrectly.

To correct the condition, the fuel sensor will need to be replaced. On higher-mileage models, it is recommended that the complete fuel pump module be replaced.

This issue can happen anywhere between 5,000 and 60,000 miles. However, the average mileage for these issues is at around the 55,000 mark.

The model years affected include 1991, 1993, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2015.

Repair Pal recommends that the entire fuel pump system be replaced on higher mileage models. The cost of this service with parts and labor will be about $1,200.

2). Check Engine Light Due To Has Cap Issue

A check engine light can be triggered due to several issues.

This includes a missing, worn or loose gas cap. According to Repair Pal, it is common for Corvette models to have a worn or loose gas cap at around the 53,000-mile mark.

However, these issues could come up between the 12,000 to 155,000-mile mark.

The model years affected include 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2013.

You need to check engine light service. This service can range anywhere between $80 and $115.

3). Service Steering Column Locked Due To Anti-Theft System Fault

On several Corvette models, drivers have reported that the service steering column lock message may be displayed. This issue is caused by a fault in the anti-theft system. To rectify this issue, the anti-lock system and the steering column may need service.

This issue can affect Corvette models between 17,000 and 155,000 miles. However, the average mileage for this issue is at about the 73,000-mile mark.

We recommend a general diagnosis service.

This service can range anywhere between $90 and $110.

4). Leaking Water Pump

Drivers have reported that a coolant leak may develop from the water pump. If this issue persists, then the vehicle is at risk of overheating.

Therefore, technicians recommend that a leaking water pump be replaced as soon as possible.

This issue may arise between the 19,000 and 122,000-mile mark. However, the average mileage for this issue is about the 66,000-mile mark.

5). Steering Wheel Position May Fail

The steering wheel position sensor may fail. While this issue will not cause any major disruptions in the performance of the vehicle, you will notice a general diagnosis light come on. When this happens, then it is recommended that you take your vehicle in for a general diagnosis service.

This issue may arise between the 24,000 and the 100,000-mile mark.

However, the issue will likely arise around the 68,000-mile mark.

It is recommended that drivers having this issue get a general diagnosis. The average cost of this service will range anywhere between $90 and $110.

6). Contamination Of Extended Life Fluid

The extended life fluid will become contaminated before the 100,000-mile mark. When this happens, your vehicle may not be able to cool the engine properly. This could lead to overheating of the engine. Therefore, you will want to get a coolant change service.

Contamination of the extended life fluid can happen at around the 28,000-mile mark.

To correct this issue, it is recommended that the vehicle receive a coolant change. The cost of this service will range from $70 to $95.

7). Check Engine Light With Code P1870

Your vehicle’s check engine light may come on with Code P1870 due to the wear of the bore for the TCC isolator and regulator valves in the valve body. When this happens, you will want to take your vehicle in for a check engine diagnosis.

At that point, the technician may recommend a replacement of the valve body.

On average, this issue will affect the vehicle at around the 51,000-mile mark.

This issue has been reported in the following model years: 1996-2000, and 2007.

It is recommended that the vale body be replaced. The average cost of this service, with parts and labor, will range between $400 and $500.

8). Extension Housing Seals May Leak

If you have a Corvette between the years 1990 and 1996, then you may notice transmission leaks under the vehicle. This could be caused by a leak in the extension housing seals. This is to be expected of vehicles that are older than 20 years.

There is no average milage when this issue can occur.

The model years affected by this issue include 1990-1995, and 1996 Corvettes.

Technicians recommend that the vehicle receive a replacement of the housing seals. Also, the vehicle may need to have its transmission fluid replaced. The average cost of this service will range between $175 to $250.

9). The Removable Roof Panel May Separate From Frame

Some owners have reported that the removable roof panel may come off while the vehicle is in motion. If this happens, then the roof panel will have to be replaced.

If this happens, then the roof panel will need to be replaced. The average cost of this service, including parts, will range anywhere from $900 to $1,100.

10). Stalling or Low Engine Idle Speed Due to Dirty Throttle Body

A dirty throttle body will cause the vehicle to have a lower than normal idle and potentially stall out. Corvettes tend to have this issue at around the 21,000-mile mark.

This issue affects Corvette models from 2005 through 2007. Technicians recommend that the vehicle receive throttle body service. The average cost of this service will range from $533 to $763.

General Pros and Con for The Chevy Corvette

Like any other vehicle, there are pros and cons to the current Chevy Corvette model.

Make sure to check our list of the best years for Chevy Corvette.

Here are some reasons to drive the Chevy Corvette as well as some reasons why it may not be the best vehicle for you:

Pros Of The Chevy Corvette

• Affordable starting price –
  While the Chevy Corvette is not affordable in a conventional manner, it is one of the best bargains in the sports car world. At its starting price, you get performance that rivals that of most supercars.
• Top transmission –
  The Chevy Corvette is designed mainly for performance. That’s why the Corvette’s M1L 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is one of the best of any vehicle under six figures.
• Excellent exterior design –
  The Corvette can be easily mistaken for a supercar such as a Ferrari or McLaren. The mid-engine design of the current model looks especially unique and aggressive.

Con Of The Chevy Corvette

• Low visibility –
  Because of the Corvette’s sleek design, you will have to contend with the fact that there is extremely low visibility. Therefore, only more experienced drivers should consider this vehicle.
• Lock of storage space –
  With its mid-engine design, the Corvette has both a rear-mounted truck and front-mounted storage space. However, the combined capacity of both storage areas is just 12.6 cubic feet.
• Odd passenger seat –
  The interior of the Corvette is designed specially around the driver. That means that the passenger will find himself in an awkward space with the high center console and limited room.

What Do the Reviews Say?

“With supercar performance, an affordable price tag, and flashy styling, the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette honors the nameplate’s decades-old status as an automotive icon—but with a mid-engine twist.”

-CarandDriver.com

“The C8 Corvette’s price-defying performance figures raised eyebrows and demanded headlines upon its release, and it remains a seriously impressive sports car. In our First Test, an example equipped with the Z51 performance package managed 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds and a quarter-mile in 11.1 seconds at 123.2 mph.”

-Motortrend.com

What’s the Resale Value On The Chevy Corvette?

Year Milage Price

2019 17,000 $58,000

2017 34,000 $50,000

2014 59,000 $43,000

Final Thought On The Chevy Corvette

The Chevy Corvette is an ideal choice for those who love performance and supercar style. However, some mechanical issues may need to be addressed. Those who love intense speed more than likely live with these common issues.

Go back to see problems for all Chevrolet models.

https://www.cars.com/articles/2020-chevrolet-corvette-7-pros-and-4-cons-419276/