2005 Chevrolet Corvette
This year had more than double the complaints of 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 | 84 |
| 2004 | 217 |
| 2005 | 531 |
| 2006 | 365 |
| 2007 | 340 |
| 2008 | 539 |
| 2009 | 151 |
| 2010 | 84 |
| 2011 | 84 |
| 2012 | 56 |
| 2013 | 82 |
| 2014 | 61 |
| 2015 | 64 |
| 2016 | 103 |
| 2017 | 255 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 147 |
| 2020 | 33 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 22 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
18% of complaints: electrical system — 94 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
This lead to an injury accident which totaled the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241207
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY SERVICE HANDLING TRACTION SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR WENT TO RIGHT AND L RAN IN A DITCH 11000 DOLLARS IN DAMAGE AND NOT ONE AIR OPEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140725
17% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 90 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I RECEIVED A MESSAGE ON THE INFORMATION SCREEN ON THE DASH, IT SAYS SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171217
THE CAR SUDDENLY VEARED TO THE LEFT. IT WENT INTO THE OTHER LANE BEFORE I COULD CORRECT IT. THE STABILITY INDICATOR THEN ILLUMINATED. THE SERVICE BULLETIN HAS ALREADY BEEN ACCOMPLISHED FOR THIS CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171208
15% of complaints: exterior lighting — 82 distinct reports on file.
FIRE13% of complaints: steering — 69 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY12% of complaints: power train — 66 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
CHEVROLET 2005 CORVETTE. APROX.40,000 MILES DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. DRY/SUNNY. DRIVING SLOWLY IN MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. CHANGING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR. PEDAL LOST PRESSURE, SANK TO THE FLOOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070821
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH ONE OR BOTH REAR BRAKE HYDRAULIC LINES THAT CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH OR BE AFFECTED BY HEAT FROM THE LEFT ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND THE LEFT EXHAUST PIP
Remedy: DEALERS WILL (1) INSPECT THE LEFT ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CLIP FOR PROPER ALIGNMENT AND PLACEMENT ON THE BODY-MOUNTED STUD. IF INCORRECT, THEY WILL REPOSITION THE CLIP ON THE BRAKE LINES AND REINSTAL
Campaign 04V525000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION. UNDER EXTREME STEERING MANEUVERS, SUCH AS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING HOSE(S) FOR TWO SUSPECT DATE CODES AND REPLACE THEM IF REQUIRED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GM
Campaign 05V455000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN 2005-2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTES EQUIPPED WITH PAINTED ROOFS, THE ADHESIVE BETWEEN THE ROOF PANEL AND THE FRAME MAY SEPARATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE FOR POTENTIAL ROOF PANEL-TO- FRAME SEPARATION AND ADD THE SPECIFIED ADHESIVE FOAM OR REPLACE THE ROOF WITH ONE HAVING ADHESIVE FOAM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OC
Campaign 06V181000 — check if this car was fixed
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTION
Electronic Stability Control
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2007 CORVETTE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A REMOVABLE ROOF AND MODEL YEAR 2006 AND 2007 CORVETTE Z06 VEHICLES. THE ADHESIVE BETWEEN THE ROOF PANE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN ROOF PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Campaign 09V491000 — check if this car was fixed
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005 AND 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 2004 AND JANUARY 2006 EQUIPPED WITH A TILT AND TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN (RPO N37). IN
Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT T
Campaign 10V172000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of Low Beam Headlights
Simultaneous Loss of Low-Beam Headlights
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles manufactured March 29, 2004, through June 22, 2007.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a jumper wire to correct this condition, free of charge. The recall began January 2, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 13146.
Campaign 14V251000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Chevrolet Corvette — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (94 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (90 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (82 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V525000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V455000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V181000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V491000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V172000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V251000 (electrical system, exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.