This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chevrolet Corvette brakes problems
moderate 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
What stands out
Among the 5 model years of Chevrolet Corvette in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have wheels that are collecting an excessive amount of brake dust. Dealer should advised the customer that This is considered a normal characteristic.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Corvette's Active Handling and ABS system can engage without warning, causing sudden braking that puts drivers in dangerous situations. Owners describe the "Service Active Handling System" warning light coming on and the brakes locking up—sometimes at one end of the car, sometimes just one caliper—pulling the vehicle left or right with enough force to nearly cause accidents. One owner at 70 mph had the car brake hard and pull left; another at 40 mph experienced a front brake seizure that sent the car into a spin. A third was turning into traffic when the front brakes grabbed with full force.
The problem shows up anywhere from 12,000 to 93,000 miles and can recur repeatedly. Owners took their cars to dealerships multiple times during warranty periods without resolution. One dealership and GM refused to fix it, claiming the defect was in the BPMV (Brake Pressure Modulation Valve) or EBCM (Electronic Brake Control Module) units. A 2010 recall exists for this generation, but at least one owner found the recall work didn't actually fix the issue. Owners have also reported brakes activating on their own while descending hills or reversing, and in one case a single brake caliper engaged while the car was at highway speed, pulling it hard to one side.
Same Chevrolet Corvette brakes reports on nearby years: 2005
Failure modes owners describe
Active Handling / ABS system unwanted activation
The Active Handling and/or ABS system engages without driver input, causing sudden, uncontrolled braking—typically at the front brakes only or on one side. This triggers the 'Service Active Handling System' warning light and can happen at highway speeds or in normal driving situations.
When: Various: 12,000–93,400 miles; onset unpredictable, from brand-new to later in vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden, full-force braking (both fronts or one caliper) while driving; Vehicle pulling left or right without driver command; Service Active Handling System warning light illumination; Service Vehicle Soon warning message; Loss of steering control or near-collision events; ABS light activation; Traction Control error messages
Codes mentioned: BPMV failure (Brake Pressure Modulation Valve), EBCM failure (Electronic Brake Control Module)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealership attempts at repair during warranty period (multiple visits, Jan–Dec 09, Jan 10) without resolution. One independent mechanic diagnosed Brake Control Module replacement; no repairs completed in narratives. One 2010 recall mentioned by owner but dealership claimed previous owner had it done—condition persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2010 recall referenced (owner stated recall #[XXX]); dealership claimed previous owner had it addressed but failed. GM has refused to correct the problem in at least one warranty case. Manufacturer contacted by NHTSA in at least one case.
Brake caliper engagement without warning
A single brake caliper (passenger or right side) engages on its own, locking that wheel and causing the vehicle to pull or spin without driver input.
When: Approximately 60,000 miles reported in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger side or right side front brake caliper engages suddenly; Vehicle loses control or pulls hard in direction of engaged caliper; Occurs at highway speed (60 mph documented); Unknown warning lights illuminate; Failure can recur multiple times
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to independent mechanic for diagnostic testing; no repair completed or documented.
Spontaneous brake engagement while descending or reversing
Brakes activate independently while the vehicle is going downhill (at various speeds) or while in reverse, without driver input or warning.
When: Approximately 78,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes activate spontaneously while descending a hill; Brakes activate independently in reverse; TPMS warning light illuminated; No warning given before engagement
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2006 Chevrolet Corvette?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 13 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 22,700 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 39,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,700; a quarter make it past 60,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chevrolet/Corvette.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.