The 2006 Chevrolet Corvette has 5 safety recalls and 365 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (63 complaints).
Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints365filed by owners
Crashes · fires12 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths5 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Exterior lighting › Headlights
NHTSA recall 14V251000 · May 14, 2014 · 103,158 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles manufactured March 29, 2004, through June 22, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) housing can expand and cause the headlamp low beam relay control circuit wire to bend. If the wire is repeatedly bent, it may fracture causing a loss of low beam headlamp illumination.
Risk: The loss of low beam headlamp illumination will decrease the driver's visibility, as well as the vehicle's conspicuity to other motorists, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a jumper wire to correct this condition, free of charge. The recall began January 2, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 13146. Note: Model year 2008-2013 Chevrolet Corvettes will be covered under customer satisfaction program number 14203 for the same issue.
Components: Exterior lighting › Headlights; Electrical system › Wiring
Steering › Column
NHTSA recall 10V172000 · Apr 26, 2010 · 40,028 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 AND 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 2004 AND JANUARY 2006 EQUIPPED WITH A TILT AND TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN (RPO N37). IN RARE CASES, REPEATED MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING COLUMN MAY CAUSE A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION WITHIN THE COLUMN. IF THIS OCCURS, THE MESSAGE, "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM" WILL APPEAR IN THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER, AND ONE OR MORE OF THE BRAKES MAY APPLY, POSSIBLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT.
Risk: IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE CHANGE IN VEHICLE MOVEMENT, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Fix: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
NHTSA recall 09V491000 · Dec 23, 2009 · 22,090 vehicles
Problem: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2007 CORVETTE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A REMOVABLE ROOF AND MODEL YEAR 2006 AND 2007 CORVETTE Z06 VEHICLES. THE ADHESIVE BETWEEN THE ROOF PANEL AND THE FRAME MAY SEPARATE. IF THERE IS A PARTIAL SEPARATION, THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE ONE OR MORE SYMPTOMS, SUCH AS A SNAPPING NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS, WIND NOISE, POOR ROOF PANEL FIT, ROOF PANEL MOVEMENT/BOUNCE WHEN A DOOR OR HATCH IS CLOSED, OR A WATER LEAK IN THE HEADLINER.
Risk: IF THERE IS A COMPLETE SEPARATION, THE ROOF PANEL MAY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, IT COULD STRIKE A FOLLOWING VEHICLE AND CAUSE INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN ROOF PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
NHTSA recall 06V181000 · May 24, 2006 · 30,793 vehicles
Problem: ON CERTAIN 2005-2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTES EQUIPPED WITH PAINTED ROOFS, THE ADHESIVE BETWEEN THE ROOF PANEL AND THE FRAME MAY SEPARATE.
Risk: IF THERE IS A COMPLETE SEPARATION, THE ROOF PANEL MAY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE AND IT COULD STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE AND CAUSE INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE FOR POTENTIAL ROOF PANEL-TO- FRAME SEPARATION AND ADD THE SPECIFIED ADHESIVE FOAM OR REPLACE THE ROOF WITH ONE HAVING ADHESIVE FOAM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 19, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
NHTSA recall 05V455000 · Oct 5, 2005 · 123,592 vehicles
Problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION. UNDER EXTREME STEERING MANEUVERS, SUCH AS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE BRAKING, THE HOSE MAY FRACTURE AND LEAK FLUID.
Risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD BE LOST AND INCREASED STEERING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRO-BOOST POWER BRAKES, IT COULD ALSO RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. IF THE POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAY WERE TO SPRAY ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING HOSE(S) FOR TWO SUSPECT DATE CODES AND REPLACE THEM IF REQUIRED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2006 Chevrolet Corvette 2-DR
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Corvette
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
6 L · 8 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
Corvette
19mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
Corvette
18mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
7 L · 8 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Structure Body › Roof and pillars; Body
63
2
0
2
10,810 mi
Exterior lighting Headlights
63
2
0
1
85,500 mi
Fuel/propulsion system
49
0
0
0
51,000 mi
Electrical system 12v/24v/48v battery; Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
44
1
0
1
59,950 mi
Steering Column; Hydraulic power assist system
44
2
0
1
33,321 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)
37
4
0
2
24,000 mi
Power train Axle assembly; Automatic transmission
33
1
0
0
31,000 mi
Engine
24
1
0
0
29,000 mi
Service brakes
21
0
0
0
55,000 mi
Air bags
14
1
0
0
34,830 mi
Unknown or other
10
0
0
0
31,660 mi
Traction control system
7
0
0
0
35,500 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Dec 2, 2025Structure The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V491000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall part was no longer available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part had been discontinued. The contact was advised to purchase the part from a junkyard or to order an entire roof from the dealer at his expense. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Aug 30, 2016Fuel/propulsion system 2006 Corvette convertible. Has a strong gas smell after filling up. I understand this is a common problem, but Chevrolet will not acknowledge it. The gas can drip down on the hot exhaust system, and start a fire, burning down our house, or out on the road with us in it! Please help us get this deadly problem resolved, with little expense heaped upon us. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Aug 10, 2025Fuel/propulsion system Strong fuel smell coming from the vehicle after fueling filling.
May 11, 2025Engine We were driving 55 and the car stalled. This has happened several times. Been at dealer and the codes show fine they replaced what they thought was issue and it still does this. Very scary
Jan 8, 2025Steering I purchased this car from a dealer in Sarasota Florida. Driving it home from the dealer, I was driving approximately 70 mph on [XXX] near Sarasota. The vehicle suddenly braked and pulled to the left simultaneously. I have taken it to a repair shop that specializes in Corvettes, and trying to ID the problem. In doing research, evidently it is related to the active handling system. There is a recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V172000 Manufacturer GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Components STEERING Potential Number of Units Affected 40,028 and a service bulletin 10118. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jan 26, 2025Fuel/propulsion system Vehicle is leaving a strong gas order inside and around the vehicle. This issue is currently awaiting to be inspected but for the meantime, itâs parked inside a garage where it completely fills the area with said odor. This is particularly unsafe due to our water heater also being located in this section of the house. Gas smell first appeared about a month ago and had consistently releasing these vapors. Iâve seen that GM has released a service bulletin for a short period of time but hasnât officially recalled the fuel issue (faulty fuel system).
Jan 6, 2025Structure The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact received recall notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V491000 (Structure) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because the vehicle was no longer equipped with the recalled part. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted.
Nov 18, 2024Structure The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V491000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA13007 · opened Aug 23, 2013 · closed Jun 24, 2014 · led to recall 14V251000Simultaneous Loss of Low-Beam Headlights On May 14, 2014, General Motors (GM) submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating NHTSA Safety Recall 14V-251 to remedy the subject vehicles.GM will remedy a defect condition in the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) by modifying the vehicle's electrical harnessing.GM also announced a customer satisfaction bulletin to address this issue on model year (MY) 2008-2013 Chevrolet Corvettes.Both programs will be conducted free of charge.According to GM, when the engine heats up and cools down (from normal use), the plastic material in the UBEC housing expands at a different rate than an electrical conductor routed within it.The difference in expansion rates results in bending of the conductor, a control circuit for the low beam headlights.After multiple thermal cycles, often taking several years of use, the conductor fractures resulting in an open circuit.When this occurs…
PE13013 · opened May 6, 2013 · closed Aug 26, 2013Loss of Low Beam Headlights The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 30 reports from consumers alleging that, after driving for a short time (5 to 30 minutes), both low beam headlights stopped working simultaneously and without warning. The low beam headlights remained inoperative for the remainder of the drive cycle, however no other lighting is affected.General Motors (GM) provided information in response to ODI's information request letter explaining that the loss of headlights is caused by a fractured low beam circuit wire in the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC), a device that is similar to a fuse box. The UBEC is located in a high heat area near the engine, and the low beam circuit wire routing within the UBEC makes it susceptible to cyclical stress caused by thermal expansion.The investigation covers model years 2005-2007 Corvettes however ODI also has received…
EA09002 · opened Jan 14, 2009 · closed May 11, 2010 · led to recall 10V172000Electronic Stability Control On April 26, 2010, at NHTSA's request following this investigation, General Motors submitted a Defect Information Report to NHTSA to correct a defect associated with the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system in approximately 40,000 Model Year (MY) 2005 and 2006 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles (NHTSA Recall No. 10V-172).According to the report, these vehicles may have a problem with the Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS) connector created by a fretting condition in the connector (small movement of the pins back and forth creating a residue build up) which could change the electrical resistance and corrupt the information signal to the VSC computer.The VSC system uses the information from the SWPS to calculate the driver's intended vehicle direction; this information is cross referenced to sensors that tell the system which direction the vehicle is actually going and the system will, if…
PE08056 · opened Sep 17, 2008 · closed Jan 14, 2009ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTION ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2008, ODI OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE08-056 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF INAPPROPRIATE ACTIVATION OF THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2005 AND 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE VEHICLES.SOME REPORTS RECEIVED BY ODI AND SOME REPORTS TO GENERAL MOTORS (GM) CONTAINED IN GM'S RESPONSE TO PE08-056 ALLEGE THAT THE ESC SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING A SUDDEN AND INAPPROPRIATE BRAKING ACTION WITHOUT ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE LEFT OR RIGHT UNEXPECTEDLY. GM ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN IN JANUARY 2006, LATER REVISED IN OCTOBER 2007 (BULLETIN NO. 06-02-35-002B) CONCERNING ESC PROBLEMS IN MY 2005 AND 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE VEHICLES WITH THE TELESCOPING STEERING WHEEL OPTION.THE BULLETIN WAS INTENDED TO CORRECT A FRETTING CORROSION PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR CONNECTOR C202. AN ENGINEERING…