2011 Chevrolet Corvette problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 98 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.6 times the median Corvette year — the 2011 model ranks #17 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 49% of all reports (48 of 98), far ahead of transmission at 11.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Corvette years?

Corvette NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Corvette years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Chevrolet Corvette problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Fuel System	48	49%	— flat
Transmission	11	11%	▲ up
Airbags	10	10%	▼ down
Electrical System	8	8%	— flat
Engine	6	6%	▲ up
Brakes	5	5%	— flat
Other	4	4%	▲ up
Steering	2	2%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	2	2%	▲ up
Speed Control	1	1%	— flat
Lighting	1	1%	▼ down

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V491000Body & StructureOctober 3, 2011 · 5,755 units

Defect

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET CORVETTE COUPE VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 24, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS". THE REAR HATCH HINGES MAY NOT MEET THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN THE SAFETY STANDARD.

Consequence

THE REAR HATCH COULD SEPARATE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR HATCH HINGES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 14, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND HAS A P0442. I CAN SMELL FUEL AFTER LIGHT COMES ON MOSTLY AND LOWER SPEEDS (UNDER 10 MPH) AND ALWAYS AT A STOP. WHEN I FILL UP IT IS A DEFINITE UNDER BOTH CIRCUMSTANCES. I WAS POINTED TO A NEW GAS CAP. I'VE REPLACED 2 AND THE CODE CONTINUES TO RETURN AND THE SMELL OF…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 1, 2020

“VEHICLE PARKED ON LEVEL GROUND IN STORE PARKING LOT. PERSON PARKED NEXT TO MY CAR STATED, HEARD "WEIRD NOISES', COMING FROM VEHICLE THEN IT STARTED TO ROLL INTO DYED SWAMP. CAR EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.VEHICLE WILL NOT START WITH TRANSMISSION IN PARKED POSITION BUT WILL CONTINUE TO ROLL…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 30, 2014 · crash

“VEHICLE PARKED ON LEVEL GROUND IN STORE PARKING LOT. PERSON PARKED NEXT TO MY CAR STATED, HEARD "WEIRD NOISES', COMING FROM VEHICLE THEN IT STARTED TO ROLL INTO DYED SWAMP. CAR EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.VEHICLE WILL NOT START WITH TRANSMISSION IN PARKED POSITION BUT WILL CONTINUE TO ROLL…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 30, 2014 · crash

“CAR APPLIED RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ON THE STREET IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE, CAUSING A SEVERE SWERVE INTO SHOULDER OF ROAD. THERE IS A KNOWN ACTIVE HANDLING FAULT ON THESE CARS. IT HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIR TWICE. THE CAR ONLY HAS 3200 MILES ON IT. THERE IS A SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING LIGHT ON THE DASH NOW. DEALER…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 2, 2020

“MY HUSBAND WAS PUMPING GAS AT A GAS STATION ON AN INTERSTATE ACCESS ROAD. CAR WAS NOT RUNNING AND WAS LOCKED. HE HAD BEEN AT THE PUMP FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES AND THEN WALKED INTO THE STORE FOR SOMETHING TO DRINK. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD PEOPLE YELLING AND TURNED TO LOOK AND THEN SAW MY HUSBAND'S…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 20, 2011 · crash

2011 Chevrolet Corvette — common questions

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 98 complaints put the 2011 model at #17 of 62 Corvette years. It is one of the Corvette years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 Corvette problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (48 complaints), transmission (11 complaints), airbags (10 complaints).

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2011 compare to other Corvette years?

What are the most common 2011 Chevrolet Corvette problems?

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2011 Chevrolet Corvette — common questions

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?

What are the most common 2011 Corvette problems?

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette have recalls?

Which Chevrolet Corvette years should you avoid?

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