Should I buy a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette with documented brakes problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented brakes issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2005 Chevrolet Corvette brakes problems

severe 26 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$450

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 04V525000 03/11/2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH ONE OR BOTH REAR BRAKE HYDRAULIC LINES THAT CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH OR BE AFFECTED BY HEAT FROM THE LEFT ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE LEFT EXHAUST PIPE

IF THE BRAKE FLUID BOILS IN A REAR BRAKE LINE, THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM WOULD BE REDUCED WHICH COULD RESULT IN A BRAKE LINE LEAK AND LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. IF ENOUGH FLUID LEAKS FROM THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM SO THAT BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATION CAN NO LONGER BUILD PRESSURE TO THE REAR BRAKES. THE OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE WILL EXPERIENCE LIMITED BRAKING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL (1) INSPECT THE LEFT ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CLIP FOR PROPER ALIGNMENT AND PLACEMENT ON THE BODY-MOUNTED STUD. IF INCORRECT, THEY WILL REPOSITION THE CLIP ON THE BRAKE LINES AND REINSTALL THE CLIP ON THE STUD; (2) THE DEALER WILL VERIFY THAT BOTH REAR BRAKE LINES HAVE THE PROPER CLEARANCE TO THE LEFT EXHAUST PIPE. THEY WILL REPOSITION THE LINES BY BENDING AS NECESSARY; (3) DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE MACHINING TAB FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING. ALSO, DEALERS ARE TO INSPECT THE BRAKE LINES FOR WEAR IN THESE RELATED AREAS AND REPAIR OR REPLACE IF THERE IS ANY SIGN OF WEAR-THROUGH ON THE NYLON OVERCOATING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 18, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2239 OR CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

What owners are reporting 2 most recent

brakes · filed 12/23/2009

SEVERE SWERVE TO THE LEFT FOLLOWED BY SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. BRAKES LOCK UP DURING SWERVE. SHUTTING DOWN ACTIVE HANDLING DOES NOT HELP AS THE SAME ERROR CAN OCCUR VERY QUICKLY AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS REPEATEDLY, AND MORE SO AT COLDER TEMPERATURES. *TR

brakes · filed 12/19/2011

THIS VEHICLE (CORVETTE) WAS PARKED , GEAR IN REVERSE, WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FULLY ENGAGED , VEHICLE NOT RUNNING .WHILE REACHING IN TO PRESS ACESS. BUTTON INADVERTENTLY PRESSED THE START BUTTON WHICH PUT THE CAR INTO A STRONG VIOLENT MOVING REVERSE ACTION, THE CORVETTE HIT MY TRUCK WHICH WAS PARKED TWO-THREE FEET BEHIND CORVETTE AND DROVE MY VEHICLE A GOOD TEN FEET BEFORE THE CORVETTE STALL…

Common questions

How serious is the brakes problem on the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette?

It's a meaningful issue. 26 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.

At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to brakes?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.