This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Chevrolet Corvette engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette have filed 5 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Corvette | 5 |
| 2019 Corvette | 4 |
| 2020 Corvette (this page) | 5 |
When does it fail?
Of the 5 engine complaints filed for the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
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.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 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 engine 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 service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be to main cause of an engine failure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
There is a strong smell of gasoline in the trunk. The smell is stronger when the gas tank is recently filled or full.
Received 2020 corvette on 9/15/20, on 9/24/20 went to use the car to do to doctor. The car started and then would not run. Had all kind of message; service engine, no oil pressure; traction control, had bad smell. Had to have flatbed tow truck get the car and take it to a Chevrolet dealer. Car has broken valve springs. Car has been gone 10 days so far and do not have all of the valve springs…
I tried to register the vehicle and cannot register the car. It fails smog. 02 sensor not ready. The battery has not been disconnected since it's first mile driven.
See attached document for complaint.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 5 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 1,385 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.