This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Chevrolet Corvette powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Corvette | 3 |
| 2014 Corvette | 8 |
| 2015 Corvette | 18 |
| 2016 Corvette (this page) | 11 |
| 2019 Corvette | 10 |
| 2020 Corvette | 5 |
When does it fail?
Of the 11 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 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
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2016 Corvettes with 8-speed automatics (8L45 and 8L90) consistently report transmission shudder and vibration between 50–80 mph, described as feeling like driving over rumble strips. The problem surfaces early—some vehicles show symptoms at 6,000 miles, others by 10,500 or 12,000 miles. Hesitation during acceleration, jerky gear shifts, and erratic cold-start shifting are common. GM issued Service Bulletin 18-NA-355 in February 2019 (updated April 2020) acknowledging wrong transmission fluid was installed during manufacture; the remedy is a three-flush procedure with correct fluid (part number 19417577).
However, owners report the flush doesn't permanently solve the issue. Some face subsequent torque converter failure with excessive slippage, diagnosed as early as 25,000 miles, requiring replacement at $3,450 or full transmission replacement at $8,100. One owner reported a fractured valve spring in the engine at 12,000 miles requiring engine replacement. Separately, driveshaft torque tube coupling failures are reported, causing damage to the differential and transmission with repair costs exceeding $6,000. GM declined warranty coverage when vehicles fell 5.5 years post-purchase or beyond, leaving owners to pay full repair costs for known manufacturing defects.
Same Chevrolet Corvette powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
8-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Vibration
Transmission shudders, vibrates, and hesitates during acceleration, deceleration, and gear shifts. Owners report the problem occurs between 50–80 mph, feels like driving over rumble strips, and persists across various driving conditions including highway cruise. The issue appears tied to incorrect transmission fluid installed at manufacture in GM 8L45 and 8L90 transmissions.
When: As early as 6,000 miles; reported across vehicles with under 25,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: shudder and vibration at 50–80 mph; hesitation during acceleration and deceleration; jerky motion during gear shifts; erratic shifting when cold; fluctuating engine RPMs; transmission hangs in gears then clunks down
Repairs/costs cited: Service Bulletin 18-NA-355 (Feb 2019, updated Apr 2020) specifies three transmission flushes and replacement with correct transmission fluid (part number 19417577). One owner paid $650 for the flush procedure. Another owner quoted $3,450 for torque converter replacement or $8,100 for full transmission replacement. Some owners report the flush fix did not resolve the problem permanently.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 18-NA-355 issued Feb 2019 and updated Apr 2020 for GM 8L45 and 8L90 transmissions. Per one complaint narrative, thirteen versions of TSBs have been issued recommending clutch drive learn procedure, valve body replacement, transmission replacement, cooler line and cooler flush, transmission pan debris removal, filter replacement, and transmission fluid replacement. GM declined to cover repairs once factory warranty expired (5.5 years post-purchase in one case). Extended warranty also denied coverage in at least one case.
Torque Converter Failure
Torque converter exhibits excessive slippage and eventual failure. Owners report shudder, jerky motion, and transmission skipping gears. Occurs early in vehicle life; one vehicle had torque converter failure diagnosed at 33,025 miles with no warning lights.
When: Under 25,000–33,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: shudder and jerky motion; transmission skipping gears; hesitation during acceleration; gear slippage
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement quoted at $3,450 (parts and labor) in one case. One owner's warranty claim was referred for protection plan approval but vehicle was not repaired. Some complaints reference possible internal damage requiring flushing of metal shavings from transmission.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Known issue per internal TSBs. At least thirteen TSB versions since 2015. No evidence of recall or systematic replacement program. Repairs not covered once factory warranty expires.
Torque Tube Coupling Failure
Coupling at the end of the driveshaft attaching to the differential fails, causing damage to the differential, driveshaft, and transmission. Reported as ongoing issue since 2014 C7 models, with attempted redesign in 2015 that failed.
When: No specific mileage reported; described as ongoing since 2014 model year
Symptoms owners cite: coupling failure at driveshaft-to-differential junction; secondary damage to differential, driveshaft, and transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost exceeds $6,000. Parts redesign described as unavailable; some vehicles fail multiple times. One owner states Chevy will not repair if out of warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No redesign implemented to address recurring failures. Warranty coverage denied for out-of-warranty vehicles.
Engine Valve Spring Fracture
Valve spring in cylinder #5 fractured in half, causing secondary engine damage requiring full engine replacement. Occurred during normal operation (driving from a stop after engaging clutch).
When: 12,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: shudder and vibration from a stop; near stall condition
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed fractured valve spring and secondary engine damage requiring engine replacement. Vehicle not repaired; repair cost not stated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified of failure.
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Known issues with a sub standard torgue coverter causing a shudder and jerky motion the car starts demonstrating accompanied by fluctuating engine rpms. This corvette is equipped with a 8i90 8 speed automatic transmission. Its especially noticeable when cruising at highway speed with the cruise control engaged, however it displays this problem whether the cruise control is engaged or not. This…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Corvette?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 18,105 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2016/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.