1996 Chevrolet Corvette
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 44
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1996
Opened by NHTSA
20% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 44 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1981 | 6 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1984 | 14 |
| 1985 | 16 |
| 1986 | 15 |
| 1987 | 21 |
| 1988 | 16 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 34 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 7 |
| 1993 | 22 |
| 1994 | 29 |
| 1995 | 32 |
| 1996 | 44 |
| 1997 | 153 |
| 1998 | 399 |
| 1999 | 308 |
| 2000 | 278 |
| 2001 | 205 |
| 2002 | 157 |
| 2003 | 85 |
| 2004 | 217 |
| 2005 | 533 |
| 2006 | 365 |
| 2007 | 341 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 151 |
| 2010 | 84 |
| 2011 | 85 |
| 2012 | 56 |
| 2013 | 82 |
| 2014 | 63 |
| 2015 | 64 |
| 2016 | 105 |
| 2017 | 257 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 148 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
20% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing module and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Upon normal auto start sequence, starter would not disengage. Removed key from vehicle cylinder lock and starter continued to crank engine.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-02-12
Appears the asr unit hard shorted sending electricity through all 3 throttle cables and sebsequently melting them. Thankfully the vehicle didn't start on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-07-08
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Tried to start vehicle, but 'security' light came on & engine would not turn over. Researched issue online & found that this is due to a known ignition lock cylinder problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-06
Tires
18% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt.
Structure
18% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing roof and pillars and body.
Power train
18% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Steering
14% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and pump.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer lost control of vehicle and air bags did not deploy, hit 2 trees and consumer was injured.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-04-22
Also filed under Air bags
Safety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1996-05-14Defect petitionClosed 1996-10-18 Brake pull
-
I
2003-01-02Recall queryClosed 2003-09-15 Power rack and pinion steering failure
-
R
2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…
Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Chevrolet Corvette — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.