This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Chevrolet Corvette powertrain problems
severe 52 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
52
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 52 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 52 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 16 model years of Chevrolet Corvette in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2007 Corvettes describe a widespread automatic transmission shifter problem where the selector lever locks in Park at random times, with no warning lights. The vehicle may be sitting at a bank drive-through, in a parking lot, or just started—then the shifter won't budge. Chevrolet knows about this; dealers report fixing multiple units per month. Some owners have resorted to Chevrolet's workaround: kill the engine, turn the key to Accessory, shift to Neutral, restart. That sometimes works. Sometimes it doesn't. One owner was stranded in a parking lot and had to come back later. Another feared being trapped on railroad tracks. Repair costs run ~$1,068 for shifter assembly replacement. No recall has been issued.
Manual transmission Corvettes suffer clutch master cylinder failure where the pedal goes to the floor while driving, leaving the driver unable to shift. This happens on cars with under 12,000 miles. GM issued a service bulletin and extended the warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles, but coverage is inconsistent. Repair costs ~$2,900–$3,000.
Owners also report cracked driver-side fuel tanks (both tanks leak fuel smell for months, one cost $2,700 to replace), failing harmonic balancers ($1,100), rapid rear differential fluid breakdown, abnormal exhaust valve guide wear (leading to catastrophic engine failure risk), and recurring Check Engine lights that dealers cannot resolve. One owner had an engine that started unintentionally in Accessory mode, dragging him out of the garage.
Same Chevrolet Corvette powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Automatic transmission shifter stuck in Park
Selector lever or shifter becomes mechanically stuck in Park position and will not move into Drive, Reverse, or Neutral. Occurs while vehicle is stationary. Owners report the shifter locks up randomly at the moment of starting or while parked. Some cases require the owner to restart the engine, press the brake pedal repeatedly, or use the Accessory Mode workaround (turn key to Accessory, shift to Neutral, restart engine) to free it. Multiple attempts may be needed. The plastic piece within the shifter mechanism is identified as the root cause in at least one repair case. A solenoid is suspected to be hanging up in several owner reports.
When: Occurs at random intervals; can start early in vehicle life (reported at 1,621 miles) or develop over time (cases reported up to 67,000 miles). Frequency increases over time in some vehicles.
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter will not move out of Park position when starting or while parked; Brake pedal must be pressed multiple times or restarted to free shifter; Audible click or energizing sound from solenoid when shifter finally releases; No warning lights or diagnostic codes displayed; Behavior is intermittent and unpredictable
Repairs/costs cited: Plastic component in shifter assembly requires complete replacement; reported cost ~$1,068. Dealer replacement of brake switch did not resolve the issue in some cases. Chevrolet dealers acknowledge awareness of the problem and report performing multiple repairs per year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread complaints. Chevrolet Customer Service acknowledges the problem and recommends the Accessory Mode workaround (turn ignition to Accessory, shift to Neutral, restart engine). TSB referenced but specific number not provided. Some owners report Chevrolet told them no recall would be issued.
Clutch master cylinder failure (manual transmission)
Clutch pedal loses pressure and goes to the floor while driving, rendering the clutch inoperable. Internal seal ruptures, preventing clutch engagement. Loss of clutch control creates inability to shift gears and potential loss of vehicle control.
When: Occurs while driving at variable speeds and road conditions. Reported in vehicles with very low mileage (8,656 miles, 12,000 miles, less than 12,000 miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal goes to the floor and does not return; Vehicle cannot be shifted into gear; Engine revving without clutch engagement; Smoke and burning oil smell in some cases; Vehicle becomes undriveable and requires flat-bed towing
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement of master cylinder and possibly slave cylinder. Reported costs range from $2,912 to approximately $3,000 for complete repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Service Bulletins on this problem and redesigned the clutch master cylinder with an extended warranty of 10 years/100,000 miles. However, recall was not issued. GM notified some owners but not all. GM denied coverage in at least one case where customer was outside the standard warranty period despite the extended warranty for the specific part.
Harmonic balancer failure
Harmonic balancer develops internal defect causing engine noise. Owner reports this as a known issue with Corvette engines. Diagnosis requires lifting the vehicle.
When: Occurs after approximately 7 weeks of vehicle operation in reported case; timing not specified in other narratives.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine making 'chattering' sound; Loud noise from engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement of harmonic balancer using OEM Chevrolet parts. Owner reported cost approximately $1,100.
Fuel tank cracking (driver-side tank)
Driver-side fuel tank (Corvettes use dual tanks) develops cracks over time due to material shrinkage. Cracked tank traps fuel pump inside, preventing proper fuel system operation and causing strong fuel odor at fill-up. Tank and fuel pump must be replaced along with seals and related parts.
When: Develops gradually over vehicle life; reported in 2007 Corvette with approximately 8 years in service when discovered.
Symptoms owners cite: Strong smell of fuel at fill-up; Smell worsens over time; Smell persists despite fuel cap replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Requires complete fuel tank and fuel pump replacement along with all related seals and parts. Owner reported cost approximately $2,700 for fuel system repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet claims to cover the issue in some cases but applied 2-year/24-month warranty to this vehicle. Owner reports GM inconsistently covers this problem for some owners but not others.
Rear differential fluid degradation
Rear differential fluid deteriorates rapidly, requiring multiple fluid changes within short mileage intervals. Loud noise from rear differential. Potential for catastrophic gearbox failure if not addressed.
When: Occurs early in vehicle life; reported at 5,000 miles with friend's vehicle needing fluid change twice before 10,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from rear differential; Noise audible while driving; No visible source of problem initially
Repairs/costs cited: Initial repair involves fluid change. Friend's vehicle required fluid change twice in less than 10,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosed fluid as source of problem. Chevrolet has not satisfactorily addressed this across model years 2006-2007.
Exhaust valve guide wear and valve failure
Exhaust valve guides wear abnormally or are manufactured out of specification. Potential for valve heads to snap off or drop into cylinder, causing catastrophic engine failure, loss of power steering and brakes, and risk of fire or accident.
When: Detected during proactive engine inspection; case reported at early mileage. One case reported cracked piston at unspecified mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Valve guides out of GM specifications (detected via proactive inspection); Abnormal valve guide wear for vehicle age and mileage; Black smoke from exhaust (in piston failure case); Engine stops running immediately if valve snaps
Repairs/costs cited: Owner spent over $3,000 on preventive engine work. Another case involved removal and replacement of factory valve guides and exhaust valves on LS7 engine heads.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM is aware of the issue but refuses to address it or provide warranty coverage.
Vehicle rollback unintended acceleration in Park (accessory mode)
Vehicle begins rolling backward while parked in garage with engine off. Owner turned on accessory switch which caused engine to start unexpectedly. Vehicle rolled backward with driver-side door open, dragging the owner out of the garage.
When: Occurred at approximately 7,800 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine starts when accessory switch is turned on (engine should not start in Accessory mode); Vehicle rolls backward while in Park
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle sustained significant damage: driver door folded and detached, driver-side window burst, interior door panel damaged. Taken to independent body shop; repair status unclear.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer informed owner no recalls exist on the vehicle. Manufacturer could not be reached for comment (owner kept on indefinite hold).
Shift control failure at speed
Gear shift control fails to engage while vehicle is in motion at 45 mph, preventing driver from downshifting or shifting gears as intended.
When: Occurred while driving at approximately 45 mph; failure mileage approximately 44,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shift control does not engage when manipulated by driver
Repairs/costs cited: Gear shift control assembly required replacement by authorized dealer.
Shifter button failure (automatic with push-button shifter)
Push-button shifter becomes inoperable, locking transmission in a single gear. Shifter button will not depress, preventing access to Reverse or Park, with only Neutral and Drive available. Vehicle cannot be turned off normally.
When: Occurred upon arrival home after short drive.
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter button will not depress; Locked out of Reverse and Park gears; Only Neutral and Drive accessible; Engine cannot be turned off normally; battery must be disconnected; Accessories remain on and cannot be turned off except by removing battery cable; Vehicle will not start in Neutral
Transmission locked in Neutral or Drive
Transmission becomes mechanically locked and cannot be placed in any other gear (Reverse, Park, Drive, or Neutral depending on case). Engine cannot be shut off. Vehicle becomes immobile or difficult to park.
When: Timing varies by case; one vehicle inherited in 2017 with 48,000 miles developed issue by March 2018.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in Neutral or Drive; Cannot shift to other gears; Engine cannot be shut off without disconnecting battery; Vehicle cannot be restarted normally after shutdown; 50/50 chance shifter will engage after waiting and restarting
Repairs/costs cited: In one case, vehicle had to be manually pushed off the street after battery disconnection.
Brake assembly fastener missing (rear passenger side)
Nut and washer that secure rear passenger-side brake assembly and axle are missing from factory assembly. Discovered during vehicle inspection at 11,000 miles.
When: Detected at 11,000 miles; timing of loss unknown.
Symptoms owners cite: Missing hardware on brake assembly
Check Engine light recurring without resolution
Check Engine warning light illuminates repeatedly. Vehicle has been returned to dealer five times for the same warning. Various components have been repaired but failure recurs. Root cause never identified.
When: Reported at approximately 67,000 miles; problem unresolved.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine warning light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repair attempts made; parts replaced but problem persists.
Synthesized from 52 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
It was happen this year multiple times the transmission shipter problem I could not get off the park position, I have to push the shipter forwards and press down the brake paddle harder several times so it could get off the park after I start the engine , it sometime take about 5 minutes stuck on park after I did all that above
My gm service request numberb is:[xxx].the automatic gear selector lever occasionally got stuck in park (p) and took a long dangerous time to get it worked loose and functioning properly. I lived with it for several months, but it got progressively much worse and more dangerous. I spoke to other corvette owners and found out that I had a common safety problem for my model. I finally took the car…
Shifter of auto. Trans. Sticks in park. This is dangerous if your stuck in traffic, emergency vehicle is being blocked, or at railray crossing with train coming, or trying to get away from a forest fire. Over 3000 hits on you-tube for this problem with 2006 and 2007 corvettes and maybe others. Chevrolet will not fix problem. Only 14,000 miles on my car!!! Car is stationary in park, and won't…
October of this year. My transmission in my corvette would not go into park. I put it into reverse and backed it out and then could not put it up into park. I then put it into drive and moved forward some and tried to put it into park. This time it would not go even into reverse. The vehicle has 56220 miles on it. I stays in a garage climate controlled and has seen bad weather maybe 6 time (snow…
Automatic shifter sticks in park when trying to shift it
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 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 powertrain problem on the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette?
It's a meaningful issue. 52 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 43 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 13,000 and 49,000 miles, with the median around 27,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,000; a quarter make it past 49,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2007/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.