1996 Chevrolet Corvette

Routine

Owners filed 44 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 1 time.

Not among the Chevrolet Corvette years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Corvette years to avoid →

Most common 1996 Chevrolet Corvette problems

7 of the 44 complaints (16%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Tires6
000
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System3
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission3
000
Unknown or Other2
000
Structure › Body · body and frame2
000
Steering2
000
Electrical System › Ignition › Module2
010
Electrical System2
000
Tires › Tread/Belt1
000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint1
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

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.

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.

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).

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jul 8, 2016OH

APPEARS THE ASR UNIT HARD SHORTED SENDING ELECTRICITY THROUGH ALL 3 THROTTLE CABLES AND SEBSEQUENTLY MELTING THEM. THANKFULLY THE VEHICLE DIDN'T START ON FIRE. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED ON THE FIRST DRIVE OF THE DAY AFTER ABOUT 7 MINUTES OF LOW SPEED (CITY) OPERATION SINCE ENGINE START.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 6, 2014133,725 milesMN

TRIED TO START VEHICLE, BUT 'SECURITY' LIGHT CAME ON & ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. RESEARCHED ISSUE ONLINE & FOUND THAT THIS IS DUE TO A KNOWN IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER PROBLEM. THE WIRES LEADING TO THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER BREAK, AND WILL NOT ALLOW THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM TO PROPERLY READ THE SECURITY CODE FROM THE KEY. *TR

Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars
Filed May 22, 200971,500 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD WHISTLING NOISE. SUDDENLY, THE REMOVABLE ROOF PANEL SEPARATED FROM THE MOUNTING FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACRYLIC REMOVABLE ROOF PANEL, WHICH WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,500.

Equipment
Filed Apr 29, 2009MD

THE ACRYLIC TOP ON MY 1996 CORVETTE WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ACRYLIC TOP FROM CHEVROLET. THE ACRYLIC PORTION OF THE TOP HAS SEPARATED FROM THE ALUMINUM MOUNTING FRAME. I HAVE PRESENTED GONE THROUGH 4 CONSECUTIVE TOPS. EVERY TOP SUPPLIED TO ME HAS DONE THE SAME THING. I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE MY VEHICLE DUE TO THIS FACT. IF I CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE, THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT MY ROOF IS GOING TO COME OFF OF THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY CAUSE A ACCIDENT ON INJURE SOMEONE. *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Feb 23, 2009100,000 milesSC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT HEARD A VERY LOUD EXPLOSION AND HER HOME BEGAN TO SHAKE. SHE FOUND THE VEHICLE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE SPREAD RAPIDLY AS THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED PRIOR TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S ARRIVAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REGULATOR EXPLODED DUE TO PRESSURE BUILD-UP. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000. UPDATED 03/17/09. *LJ THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. UPDATED 03/18/09. *JB

Tires
Filed Oct 11, 2008TX

SNAP IN VALVE STEM HTTP://BLOGS.CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG/SAFETY/2008/06/TIRE-VALVE-STEM.HTML. *TR

Electrical System › Starter AssemblyFire
Filed Feb 12, 2008160,000 milesVA

UPON NORMAL AUTO START SEQUENCE, STARTER WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. REMOVED KEY FROM VEHICLE CYLINDER LOCK AND STARTER CONTINUED TO CRANK ENGINE. STARTER MOTOR BEGAN TO SMOKE AND CAUGHT FIRE BEFORE BATTERY COULD BE DISCONNECTED TO REMOVE POWER FROM VEHICLE. BURNED UP STARTER MOTOR AND O2 WIRING HARNESS AROUND LOCATION OF STARTER MOTOR. SAME FAILURE OCCURRED IN 1999. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Nov 30, 200690,000 milesGA

PASSIVE KEYLESS ENTRY LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN WHILE VEHICLE WAS MOVING HATCH RELEASED. ALTMOST LOSING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed Nov 8, 2001FL

WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE AT 10 MPH BRAKE PEDAL FELL TO FLOOR AFTER CONSUMER TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE. HE WAS ABLE TO STOP VEHICLE WITHOUT AN INCIDENT. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT BRAKE LINES HAD CORRODED, ALLOWING FAILURE OF BRAKE SYSTEM. *AK *JB

Steering
Filed Oct 5, 2001IN

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON / DISTRIBUTOR FAILED WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE STALLED, LOST POWER STEERING. ENGINE REFIRED. ON WAY TO DEALER ENGINE STALLED IN TRAFFIC.*AK

Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Sep 24, 2001IL

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN GARAGE DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAULT IN FACTORY WIRING. FIRE ORIGINATED ON DRIVER'S SIDE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *AK

Tires
Filed Jun 15, 2001NJ

THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR (THE LEFT FRONT SENSOR, ALSO KNOWN AS GREEN #44 OR PART NUMBER 1016 1856) IS NOT AVAILABLE NEW OR USED ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY. REFERRING TO PAGE 6-47 OF THE MANUAL, THE FOLLOWING WARNING APPEARS: WHEN THE LOW/FLAT TIRE WARNING LIGHT IS ON YOUR VEHICLE'S HANDLING CAPABILITIES WILL BE REDUCED DURING SEVERE MANEUVERS. IF YOU DRIVE TOO FAST, YOU COULD LOSE CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE. YOU OR OTHERS COULD BE INJURED. DON'T DRIVE OVER 55 MPH (90 KM/H) WHEN THE LOW/FLAT TIRE WARNING LIGHT IS ON. DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY AND CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE AS SOON AS YOU CAN." NOW, NOTING THE RECENT HEADLINES ABOUT FIRESTONE TIRE FAILURES AND THE RESULTING TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES, IT WOULD SEEM HIGHLY APPROPRIATE FOR CHEVROLET TO IMMEDIATELY ADDRESS THE FACT THAT THIS PART IS DISCONTINUED AND NO LONGER AVAILABLE. BASICALLY, ALL WE (MY WIFE JOY RENDE, WHO ACTUALLY OWNS THE CAR, AND I) ARE LOOKING FOR IS FOR CHEVY TO START MANURAFTURING THE PART AGAIN.*AK

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed Jan 29, 2001FL

STEERING GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER REPLACED POWER STEERING RACK AND PUMP, PROBLEM STILL THERE. *AK

Tires
Filed Nov 21, 2000NY

CAR WAS VEERING OUT OF CONTROL-AT 45MPH, IN A ONE LANE WORK ZONE. TIRE RIPPED RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE-NEARLY SPLIITING IN HALF. YOU COULD SEE RIGHT TROUGH TO THE BRAKES. INSIDE OF TIRE UNRAVELLED-RUBBER HANGING. *AK (DOT NUMBER: M6Y2 6BDR TIRESIZE: P25545ZR17)

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Aug 28, 2000AL

LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT ,BELT TREADPACKAGE SEPERATED TOTALLY,LEAVING BEAD/SIDEWALL ONLY ON RIM( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P28540ZR17 )

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Jul 30, 2000WI

HAD TO FORCE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT INTO GEAR, TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 30, 2000WI

TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP AND WENT INTO SKID,SENT CAR INTO ONCOMMING TRAFFIC,SECOND REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION. *AK

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 27, 2000FL

WHERE CAN I FIND THE REPAIR HISTORY OF MY CAR. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY.*AK

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed May 10, 2000MD

INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE LOOSES POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING LEFT AND RIGHT AT VERY LOW SPEEDS. NLM

Power Train › Axle Assembly
Filed Jan 12, 2000NC

FIRST WHEEL BEARING HUB FAILED ON MARCH 26, 1999. SERVICE TECHNICIAN REPORTED THAT WHEEL COULD HAVE COME OFF OF VEHICLE DURING TRANSPORTATION. REPLACED BY DEALER AT CONSUMER'S COST. LETTER SENT TO VEHICLE MANUFACTURER WITH FAILED PART. NO RESPONSE RECEIVED BY CONSUMER. REPLACEMENT DIAGNOSED AS FAILED ON JANUARY 12, 2000. DURING DIAGNOSIS, DEALER REPORTS THAT ALL UNIVERSAL JOINTS (ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT) ARE FAILING. ALL ASSEMBLIES SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER THAN 3 YEARS/55,000 MILES. *AK

Tires
Filed Dec 13, 1999TX

TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERIVCE. WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR PART IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE PART IS #10161856. COMPANY WENT OUT OF BUSINESS. RECEIVED WARNING WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. *AK

Tires
Filed Nov 15, 1999TX

CAR CAME FACTORY EQUIPPED WITH EMT (RUN-FLAT) TIRES. MANUFACTURER HAS DISCONTINUED PART NUMBER 10161856 "TIRE SENSOR" NEEDED TO INDICATE IF A TIRE LOSES PRESSURE. AS THERE IS NO OUTWARD INDICATION OF A LOSS OF PRESSURE IN A TIRE, LOSS OF PRESSURE WILL EVENTUALLY RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC TIRE FAILURE WHICH MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. CHEVROLET CUSTOMER CARE HAS CONFIRMED THE PART HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED AND THAT THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO PLANS FOR A REPLACEMENT PART. *AK

Tires
Filed Nov 12, 1999NY

THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR HAS BROKEN, AND THE PART HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *AK

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed Apr 16, 1998NH

WHEN MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN VEHICLE WILL UNEXPECETEDLY LOSE POWER STEERING CONTROL, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY ANY PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAIL. *AK

Electrical System › Ignition › ModuleFire
Filed Nov 10, 1997FL

WHILE PARKED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE WAS ALSO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO FURNITURE AND PROPERTY. *SLC

Fuel System, Gasoline › Carburetor System
Filed Nov 4, 1997CA

INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Oct 27, 1997CA

UPPER LEFT BALL JOINT FAILED.

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Oct 27, 1997CA

MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH FAILED.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 27, 1997CA

DASH ALERT (GAUGE) FOR OIL EXCHANGE.

Seats
Filed Oct 8, 1997FL

WAS MOVING OUT OF PARKING AREA AT 10MPH. DRIVER STARTED STRETCHING WHEN SEAT CRACKED IN HALF. TOOK TO DEALER 7 INFORMED IT WAS ALREADY CRACKED BEFORE DRIVER BROKE IT. SEAT SWINGS LOOSELY ON ANCHORS. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PORTION OF THE SEAT THAT CRACKED IN HALF WAS A PLASTIC OR FIBERGLASS PART THAT CONNECTED TO THE SEAT TO THE BOLTS ON THE FLOOR, THE SEATBACK CONSEQUENTLY ROCKED BACK AND FORTH FREELY, AND THE DRIVER IN A RELAXED POSITION, WOULD BE ALMOST RECLINED, THEREFORE HAVING TO PULL ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAINTAIN A NORMAL, UPRIGHT DRIVING POSTURE. *SLC

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 19, 1997CA

TRANSMISSION FAILED IN 2ND GEAR.

Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
Filed Sep 10, 1997CA

RADIO FAILED.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation ComponentsCrash
Filed Jun 26, 1997FL

WHEN DRIVING ON A STRIGHT AWAY AND UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY PULLED TO THE LEFT, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. DP 96-006. *AK

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › PumpCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 22, 1997WA

CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, HIT 2 TREES AND CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *AK

Interior Lighting
Filed Apr 10, 1997CA

INTERIOR LIGHT SENSOR FAILED.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 10, 1997CA

FRONT ROOF LINE OBSTRUCTS TRAFFIC LIGHT VIEWS FOR TALL DRIVER'S.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 9, 1997AL

TRANSMISSION SKIPS GEARS INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 20, 1997MD

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY THERE WAS A BANGING NOISE IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE OIL FILTER POPPING OUT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, ALMOST CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH FUEL LEAKAGE OR FUEL PRESSURE. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Feb 12, 1997CA

FUEL PUMP FAILED.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 22, 1996OH

WHEN ROOF PANEL IS REMOVED, VEHICLE EXHIBITS EXTREME VIBRATION WHENEVER ANY ROAD BUMPS ARE ENCOUNTED, ANY SPEED UP TO 35MPH THE ENTIRE VEHICLE VIBRATES, DUE TO EXCESSIVE BODY FLEXING (FIBERGLASS BODY).

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 17, 1996GA

LEAKED, VIBRATED, ROARED, WOBBLED, DOORS HIT BODY, ELECTRICAL GAUGES MALFUNCTIONED, BAD TIRES, LOOSED SUSPENSION PARTS, MALFUNCTIONING ELECTRIC STABLIZERS. VEHICLE TURN-IN NOTICE.

Steering
Filed Sep 30, 1996NJ

THERE'S A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHCIH CAUSES THE CAR TO HOP AT ANY SPEED. PLEAE GIVE MORE INFORMATION. *AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Aug 5, 1996NJ

THE CAR IS A CONVETRIBLE HARD TOP. WHEN TOP IS NOT ONN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE SHAKES OUT OF CONTROL. WHEN THE TOP IS ON , THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN.*AK DRIVER'S SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, PLASTIC TACK TO HOLD DOWN RUBBER PIECE BROKE. LEFT REAR BOLT AT CATCH IS LOOSE FOR HATCHBACK. VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT WITH AND WITHOUT THE TOP ON. INTERIOR LIGHTS SOMETIMES DO NOT GO OUT WHEN DRIVER'S DOOR IS CLOSED. *SLC

Electrical System › Ignition › Module
Filed May 8, 1996AL

TRANSMISSION CONTROLLED BY COMPUTERIZED EPA SHIFTING WHICH FORCED TRANSMISSION INTO TWO GEARS AT ONCE, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. *SD

All 44 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202511310Routine
202421210Routine
202327131Fatalities reported
202221100Routine
202113200Routine
202034400Routine
2019148100Routine
201851100Routine
2017257400Above average
2016105210Routine
201565500Routine
201463511Fatalities reported
201382000Routine
201256100Routine
201185110Routine
201084000Routine
2009151010Routine
2008541020Above average
2007341240Above average
2006365520Above average
2005533660Above average
2004217410Above average
200385311Fatalities reported
2002157300Routine
2001205330Above average
2000278400Above average
1999308431Fatalities reported
1998399410Above average
1997153700Routine
1996 — this page44140Routine
199532120Routine
199429110Routine
199322200Routine
19927210Routine
199124310Routine
199034400Routine

Compare every Corvette year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 19, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.