2006 Chevrolet Corvette Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
90/100
#3 most-complained of 21 Corvette years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2006 Chevrolet Corvette has 365 owner complaints and 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 90 out of 100 — #3 highest of 21 Corvette model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is electrical system (90 complaints, 25% of the total). Complaints report 12 crashes, 2 fires, and 5 injuries.
- Complaints
- 365
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 12 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 15 city / 25 hwy
Top 2006 Chevy Corvette problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System90 (25%)
- Brakes69 (19%)
- Structure & Body62 (17%)
- Fuel System50 (14%)
- Steering44 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain33 (9%)
- Engine28 (8%)
- Airbags14 (4%)
- Other14 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (2%)
2006 Chevrolet Corvette recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 14V251000May 14, 2014Electrical System103,158 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles manufactured March 29, 2004, through June 22, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) housing can expand and cause the headlamp low beam relay control circuit wire to bend. If the wire is repeatedly bent, it may fracture causing a loss of low beam headlamp illumination.
Risk: The loss of low beam headlamp illumination will decrease the driver's visibility, as well as the vehicle's conspicuity to other motorists, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Note: Model year 2008-2013 Chevrolet Corvettes will be covered under customer satisfaction program number 14203 for the same issue.
- NHTSA 10V172000Apr 26, 2010Steering40,028 vehicles
Steering:column
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 rare cases, repeated movement of the steering column may cause a signal interruption within the column. If this occurs, the message, "service active handling system" will appear in the driver information center, and one or more of the brakes may apply, possibly causing the vehicle to pull to the right or left.
Risk: If the driver does not respond to the change in vehicle movement, a crash could occur.
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 the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
- NHTSA 09V491000Dec 23, 2009Structure & Body22,090 vehicles
Structure:body:roof and pillars
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 panel and the frame may separate. If there is a partial separation, the driver may notice one or more symptoms, such as a snapping noise when driving over bumps, wind noise, poor roof panel fit, roof panel movement/bounce when a door or hatch is closed, or a water leak in the headliner.
Risk: If there is a complete separation, the roof panel may detach from the vehicle. If this were to occur while the vehicle was being driven, it could strike a following vehicle and cause injury and/or property damage.
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.
2006 Chevrolet Corvette fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,200
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other Corvette years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette ranks #3 of 21 among Corvette model years (Complaint Index 90/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 365 complaints and 5 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette?
- The most reported problem areas are electrical system (90 complaints), brakes (69 complaints), and structure & body (62 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 37,500 miles.
- Does the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette, most recently reported 2014, covering electrical system, steering, and structure & body.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette?
- EPA rates the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette at 19 MPG combined (15 city / 25 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.