2012 Chevrolet Corvette problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 68 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median Corvette year — the 2012 model ranks #22 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 43% of all reports (29 of 68), far ahead of electrical system at 11.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Corvette years?

Corvette NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Corvette years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Corvette problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Fuel System	29	43%	▼ down
Electrical System	11	16%	▲ up
Airbags	10	15%	— flat
Seat Belts	3	4%	▲ up
Brakes	3	4%	▼ down
Lighting	3	4%	▲ up
Transmission	2	3%	▼ down
Engine	1	1%	▼ down
Speed Control	1	1%	— flat
Steering	1	1%	▼ down
Other	1	1%	▼ down
Suspension	1	1%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	1	1%	▼ down
Body & Structure	1	1%	▼ down

Does the 2012 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.

“UPON BRAKING TO ENTER A TIGHT LEFT HAND TURN IN THE COUNTRY THE DIC DISPLAYED SEVERAL WARNING INDICATORS, ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL. THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LOCKED UP (CONFIRMED BY THE FLAT SPOT ON THE TIRE). I BEGAN MODULATING THE BRAKES THINKING THAT I HAD LOST ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, BUT THE RIGHT FRONT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 12, 2015 · crash

“UPON BRAKING TO ENTER A TIGHT LEFT HAND TURN IN THE COUNTRY THE DIC DISPLAYED SEVERAL WARNING INDICATORS, ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL. THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LOCKED UP (CONFIRMED BY THE FLAT SPOT ON THE TIRE). I BEGAN MODULATING THE BRAKES THINKING THAT I HAD LOST ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, BUT THE RIGHT FRONT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 12, 2015 · crash

“The air bag warning light comes on and off at various times. Sometimes it stays on and other times it goes out after a while. If i shut the car off and wait a few then when restarted it goes out Sometimes it stays off other times it comes back on. This appears to be a common problem on this…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 23, 2021

“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE RED SEAT BELT LIGHT WILL INTERMITTENTLY FLASH. JUST MOVING MY BUM FROM JUST GETTING COMFY, THE LIGHT WILL COME ON STEADY, THEN FLASH, THEN BE ACCOMPANIED BY FOUR CHIMES, THEN, GO OFF. A FEW MILES DOWN ROAD, AT LEGAL SPEEDS, (DOESN'T MATTER THE SPEED) THE LIGHT WILL…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · July 16, 2017

“UPON BRAKING TO ENTER A TIGHT LEFT HAND TURN IN THE COUNTRY THE DIC DISPLAYED SEVERAL WARNING INDICATORS, ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL. THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LOCKED UP (CONFIRMED BY THE FLAT SPOT ON THE TIRE). I BEGAN MODULATING THE BRAKES THINKING THAT I HAD LOST ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, BUT THE RIGHT FRONT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 12, 2015 · crash

2012 Chevrolet Corvette — common questions

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 68 complaints put the 2012 model at #22 of 62 Corvette years. It is one of the Corvette years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Corvette problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (29 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints), airbags (10 complaints).

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 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 2012 compare to other Corvette years?

What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Corvette problems?

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2012 Chevrolet Corvette — common questions

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?

What are the most common 2012 Corvette problems?

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette have recalls?

Which Chevrolet Corvette years should you avoid?

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