2016 Chevrolet Corvette problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 114 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.2 times the median Corvette year — the 2016 model ranks #16 of 62 Corvette years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: tires & wheels issues account for 52% of all reports (59 of 114), far ahead of fuel system at 14.

114

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Corvette years?

Corvette NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Corvette years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Corvette problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Tires & Wheels	59	52%	▲ up
Fuel System	14	12%	▲ up
Transmission	12	11%	▼ down
Electrical System	6	5%	— flat
Engine	6	5%	— flat
Steering	4	4%	▼ down
Other	3	3%	— flat
Body & Structure	3	3%	▲ up
Airbags	2	2%	▼ down
Visibility & Wipers	2	2%	▼ down
Speed Control	1	1%	▼ down
Brakes	1	1%	— flat
Suspension	1	1%	▼ down

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V437000Seat BeltsJuly 10, 2017 · 40,683 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Consequence

A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

16V651000Seat BeltsSeptember 8, 2016 · 3,640,162 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Consequence

A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN I-20 AND MY TIRE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. I TOOK THE CAR TO DISCOUNT TIRE AND THE TECHNICIAN PULLED THE TIRE AND SAID THAT THE RIM WAS CRACKED AND SHOWED ME THE CRACK. I BELIEVE IF I HAD DISREGARDED THE TIRE WARNING AND JUST ADDED AIR I COULD HAVE HAD AN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 27, 2020

“My vehicle is covered by GM Special Warranty 17469 which relates to cracks and fuel leaks at the primary fuel pump module flange. It caught fire while driving at a high performance driverâs education event at Barber Motorsports Park and was denied coverage due to it having modifications. GM case…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 12, 2025 · fire

“The transmission has a shudder issue at speeds between 60 and 80 mph. Gives the feeling of driving over rumble strips. Vehicle milage is 6200 miles. The dealership verified the issue associated with the transmission and indicated that a repair bulletin was issued by GM to correct the issue ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 20, 2023

“MY 2016 CORVETTE WITH 13000 + MILES HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP WITH THE ' SERVICE REAR AXLE LIGHT ' ON DESPITE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO FIX IT. AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THEY HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. THIS PAST WEEK, I WAS NOTIFIED BY (SERVICE SUPERVISOR) THAT THEY HAVE EXHAUSTED ALL EFFORTS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 22, 2019

“AT 627 MILES TOOK TO DEALER, TRANSMISSION WAS SLOW SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. DEALER REPROGRAMMED TRANSMISSION. AT 2319 MILES TOOK TO DEALER. TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS AT STEADY SPEED ON HIGHWAY OR GOING UP SLIGHT INCLINE. DEALER FLUSHED AND CHANGED TRANSMISSION FLUID TO REMEDY PROBLEM. CUSTOMER…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 19, 2020

2016 Chevrolet Corvette — common questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 114 complaints put the 2016 model at #16 of 62 Corvette years. It is one of the Corvette years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Corvette problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (59 complaints), fuel system (14 complaints), transmission (12 complaints).

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 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 2016 compare to other Corvette years?

What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Corvette problems?

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2016 Chevrolet Corvette — common questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?

What are the most common 2016 Corvette problems?

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette have recalls?

Which Chevrolet Corvette years should you avoid?

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