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 ↗2019 Chevrolet Corvette powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette have filed 10 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
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Corvette | 18 |
| 2016 Corvette | 11 |
| 2019 Corvette (this page) | 10 |
| 2020 Corvette | 5 |
| 2021 Corvette | 7 |
| 2022 Corvette | 5 |
| 2023 Corvette | 6 |
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
The dominant complaint in this cluster is transmission shudder and vibration, reported by eight of ten owners. The shuddering occurs between 25 and 80 mph during acceleration and can start at mileage as low as 3,400 miles. No warning lights precede the problem.
Owners consistently identify the root cause as defective Dexron transmission fluid used during assembly. General Motors issued service bulletin 18-NA-355 that acknowledges this defect and specifies the exact symptom pattern—shake or shudder between 25 and 80 mph during acceleration is grounds for immediate fluid replacement without further diagnosis. The fix involves a complete triple flush using replacement fluid (reported as Mobil), not a routine top-up. This is an expensive repair; one owner documented a cost of $853.52. Multiple owners state the repair should be covered under warranty given GM's documented knowledge of the defect, yet dealerships typically classify it as customer responsibility.
Two other separate powertrain issues appear: one owner experienced brake failure combined with shifter cable fracture at 100 miles, and another reported irregular shifting with grinding noise at 6,000 miles traced to torque converter failure. One owner also reported that after fluid flush resolved shuddering, a new problem emerged—aggressive transmission lunge on first gear engagement that dealers acknowledge but have no fix for.
Same Chevrolet Corvette powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission fluid defect causing torque converter shudder
Assembly line Dexron transmission fluid fails and causes the torque converter to shudder and shake during acceleration. GM issued service bulletin 18-NA-355 acknowledging the defective fluid and the specific symptom pattern. The fix requires a complete fluid replacement—often a triple flush—with replacement fluid (reported as Mobil fluid), not a standard fluid top-up. Owners report the shuddering occurs between 25–80 mph and can start at very low mileage.
When: Reported from 3,400 to 30,000 miles; owner #1 experienced it at 17k miles; owner #2 at 4,399 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shudder/shake during acceleration; Noticeable vibration while cruising or accelerating; Vehicle shakes when accelerator pedal is depressed; Shuddering between 25–80 mph (varies 25–75 mph in some reports); No warning lights or messages
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission fluid flush (triple flush cited in multiple reports) required; owner #3 paid $853.52 for the service performed under protest; owners report this is an expensive repair not covered under standard warranty despite GM's knowledge of the defect documented in the service bulletin
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin 18-NA-355 (also referenced as 19-NA-018 and 18-NA-335 in narratives) issued by GM explicitly states that if a customer reports shake/shudder during acceleration in the 25–80 mph range, no further diagnosis is needed—just perform the fluid replacement procedure. Bulletin indicates GM acknowledges the defective assembly line fluid as the root cause. Owners report dealerships are familiar with the problem.
Transmission shifts irregularly and grinds after torque converter failure
At low mileage, the A8 transmission begins shifting irregularly with a grinding noise described as 'grinding rocks with quarters.' Dealership diagnosed torque converter failure and noted 'collateral damage' from the converter failure. This appears to be a progression from the fluid defect leading to converter wear.
When: Reported at 6,000 miles, 10 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Irregular shifting at low mileage; Grinding/knocking noise during shifts (described as 'grinding rocks with quarters'); Torque converter failure confirmed by dealership
Repairs/costs cited: Owner indicates torque converter has caused 'collateral damage'; no repair outcome stated in narrative
Transmission fluid flush does not resolve all symptoms; aggressive lunge on first gear engagement
After a transmission fluid flush resolves the shuddering symptom, the vehicle exhibits a new problem: upon first and second gear engagement on the first drive of the day, the transmission hesitates then aggressively lunges forward at an unintended higher speed. Owner states this is a known issue the dealer is aware of but has no documented resolution.
When: After fluid flush repair
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission hesitates on initial 1st and 2nd gear engagement; Aggressive, unexpected lunge forward at higher speed than anticipated; Occurs on first drive of the day; Not safe, normal, or desirable per owner
Repairs/costs cited: Fluid flush completed; aggressive lunge symptom persists—no resolution provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes dealer is aware of the issue but no fix has been documented
Brake failure and shifter cable fracture at low mileage
Brakes failed to release after vehicle was parked and exposed to rain. Simultaneously, the shifter cable fractured, preventing the transmission from being shifted into gear. Both failures occurred at extremely low mileage (100 miles). The vehicle was taken to a dealership but was not diagnosed or repaired.
When: 100 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Front brakes failed to release after rain exposure; Shifter cable fractured; Unable to shift transmission into gear
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired at dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Corvette?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 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 10 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 13,466 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/2019/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.