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ProblemsByVin File / 2006-CHEVROLET-CORVETTE NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2006 · Chevrolet

Chevrolet Corvette problems

413 owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2006 Corvette?
High-risk ownership

Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

body
62 reports · fails ~17,383 mi · avg $1,500
moderate
steering
48 reports · fails ~47,680 mi · avg $700
severe
lighting
46 reports · fails ~83,674 mi · avg $250
severe
electrical
42 reports · fails ~71,257 mi · avg $850
moderate
engine
37 reports · fails ~35,771 mi · avg $3,100
severe
powertrain
37 reports · fails ~38,626 mi · avg $2,500
severe
airbags
16 reports · fails ~37,934 mi · avg $1,100
severe
brakes
13 reports · fails ~43,627 mi · avg $450
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2006 Corvette's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2006 Corvette?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2006 Corvette · airbags
Airbag disabled light comes on under normal driving conditions. Sometimes goes out after restart.
12/29/2015 · at 14,500 mi · NHTSA ODI #10816875.0 · see airbags pattern →
2006 Corvette · steering
In 2010, there was a recall on my vehicle for "steering wheel position sensor." the issue was the "service active handling" warning notice was intermittently appearing in the driver information center. The remedy was to install a plastic clip. This remedy did not fix the issue…
12/27/2016 · at 8,700 mi · NHTSA ODI #10937597.0 · see steering pattern →
2006 Corvette · steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet corvette. While driving approximately 80 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle suddenly began swaying from left to right abnormally. The contact was able to control the vehicle and continued driving however, the failure recurred. The contact…
12/26/2012 · at 20,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10490124.0 · see steering pattern →
2006 Corvette · steering
Driving on the freeway at approx. 65 MPH. , the steering wheel on my car " took control of itself and jerked to the left: on the dash pod it stated " service active handling system" . I pulled the car over as soon as I could do so safely and shut the car off. After restarting it…
12/23/2015 · at 47,075 mi · NHTSA ODI #10811989.0 · see steering pattern →
View all 413 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2006 Chevrolet Corvette? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 3

severe NHTSA 10V172000 April 26, 2010

Gm is recalling certain model year 2005 and 2006 Chevrolet corvette passenger cars manufactured between march 2004 and january 2006 equipped with a tilt and telescoping steering column (rpo n37)

If the driver does not respond to the change in vehicle movement, a crash could occur.

Fix: Gm will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on april 30, 2010. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
severe NHTSA 06V181000 May 24, 2006

On certain 2005-2006 Chevrolet corvettes equipped with painted roofs, the adhesive between the roof panel and the frame may separate

If there is a complete separation, the roof panel may detach from the vehicle and it could strike another vehicle and cause injury and property damage.

Fix: Dealers will inspect vehicles free of charge for potential roof panel-to- frame separation and add the specified adhesive foam or replace the roof with one having adhesive foam. The recall began on october 19, 2006. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
severe NHTSA 05V455000 October 5, 2005

Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification

If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power brake assist and increased braking effort would be required. If the power steering fluid spray were to spray onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on october 14, 2005. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727, or Hummer at 1-800-732-5493.

Common questions

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 413 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette?

The 2006 Chevrolet Corvette is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Steering: 48 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 19,680–65,000 mi; Lighting: 46 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 66,000–103,000 mi; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is body, with 62 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 17,383 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The body is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 17,383 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Corvette has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 413 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chevrolet/Corvette. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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