2009 Chevrolet Corvette problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 178 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.6 times the median Corvette year — the 2009 model ranks #13 of 62 Corvette years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 46% of all reports (82 of 178), far ahead of engine at 25.
178
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2009 compare to other Corvette years?
What are the most common 2009 Chevrolet Corvette problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 82 | 46% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 25 | 14% | — flat |
| Airbags | 15 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 13 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 10 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Other | 7 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 6 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THERE IS A STRONG GAS ODOR COMING FROM THE FUEL FILLER TUBE (DRIVER'S SIDE) AREA AND AN EVEN STRONGER SMELL ON THE INSIDE OF THE COCKPIT. BUT THERE ARE NO VISIBLE LEAKS ON THE DRIVER WAY (INCLINED) OR GARAGE FLOOR. AND THERE ARE NO VISIBLE WET AREAS UNDER THE TANKS OR TANK SHIELDS. GAS ODOR IS…”
“HAD TO HAVE CYLINDER HEADS REBUILT BECAUSE MANUFACTURING ISSUE WITH VALVE GUIDS WEARING QUICKLY OUT OF SPEC AND IF NOT CORRECTED DESTROYING THE ENTIRE MOTOR. I GOT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH MISFIRE WHICH WAS CAUSED BY WORN GUIDES. SENT HEADS INTO BE REBUILT AND FOUND OUT THAT THEY WERE WAY OUT OF…”
“AIR BAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT TURNS ON INTERMITTENTLY WHEN CAR GOES OVER A BUMP, OR DURING QUICK STOP, OR SHARP TURN. THIS LIGHT INDICATES THAT THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. POSSIBLY RELATED TO THE WIRING HARNESS UNDERNEATH THE SEATS. *TR SINCE THE LIGHT COMES ON DURING HARD STEERING MOTION, BUMP, OR…”
“THE SERVICE ABS SYSTEM, SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM AND SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ALERTS CAME ON AFTER SIMPLY STARTING THE CAR. CAR RAN SLUGGISH. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR EARLIER YEARS CORVETTES: TSB 06.02.35.002A AND TSB 06.02.35.002B. BUT MY CORVETTE IS A 2009…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…”
2009 Chevrolet Corvette — common questions
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 178 complaints put the 2009 model at #13 of 62 Corvette years. It is one of the Corvette years to avoid.
What are the most common 2009 Corvette problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (82 complaints), engine (25 complaints), airbags (15 complaints).
Does the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette.
Which Chevrolet Corvette years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Corvette years to avoid are 2005, 2008, 1998, 2006, 2007, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2017, 2004, 1997, 2002, 2009, 2019, 2003, 2016, 2011, 2013, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2012, 1996, 2018, 1995, 2020, 1990. The cleanest record among Corvette years belongs to 1982.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.