2001 Chevrolet Corvette
This year had 30% to 100% more 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 PER YEAR
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 | 277 |
| 2001 | 203 |
| 2002 | 157 |
| 2003 | 85 |
| 2004 | 217 |
| 2005 | 532 |
| 2006 | 365 |
| 2007 | 341 |
| 2008 | 540 |
| 2009 | 151 |
| 2010 | 84 |
| 2011 | 85 |
| 2012 | 56 |
| 2013 | 82 |
| 2014 | 61 |
| 2015 | 64 |
| 2016 | 103 |
| 2017 | 255 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 147 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
43% of complaints: steering — 88 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing anti-theft device and column.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT IN MY 2001 CORVETTE. I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. THE INJURIES I SUFFERED WERE NEARLY FATAL. I WAS AIR LIFTED TO A SHOCK TRAUMA UNIT, IN A COMA AND ON A RESPIRATOR FOR 21 DAYS AND REHABILITATION FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030826
ALL 1997-2001 CORVETTES ARE BEING SHIPPED WITH A DEFECTIVE COLUMN LOCK, CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK AND LEAVE OWNERS OF $50,000 SPORTS CARS STRANDED! GM WILL NOT ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000919
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and catalytic convertor.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. FIRE STARTED IN CATALYTIC CONVERTER. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010716
12% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and switch.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR I NOTICED THE ANTENNA STOPPED WORKING BUT I HEAR THE MOTOR RUNNING AFTER I TURN THE CAR ON AND OFF .
NHTSA ODI report, 20180218
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES and EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING AT LOW SPEEDS MOVING, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE ENGINE STALLED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A TRAILER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140801
Also filed under SEATS
2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE, PARKED AT GOLF COURSE, STARTED CAR TO LEAVE AND REALIZED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031016
11% of complaints: service brakes — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and delivery.
SAFETY TIMELINE
STEERING COLUMN LOCKUP
STEERING COLUMN LOCKUP
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC COLUMN LOCK SYSTEMS (ECL), WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH IS TURNED TO "LOCK," THE ECL SYSTEM PREVENTS TURNING OF THE STEERING SYSTEM. WHEN THE VEH
Remedy: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, THE DEALER WILL DISABLE THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK BY REMOVING THE COLUMN LOCK PLATE. WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS REMOVED, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WIL
Campaign 04V060000 — check if this car was fixed
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Chevrolet Corvette — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (88 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V060000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.