CHEVROLET CORVETTE · model year

2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

257 NHTSA complaints, 7 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2004CHEVROLETCORVETTE carries 257 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 7 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 CORVETTE is fuel system, gasoline with 78 filings, followed by fuel/propulsion system (52) and steering (26). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2004 CORVETTE, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

257
Complaints
7
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

257 filings

Crashes Reported

7 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE78
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM52
STEERING26
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY12
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE7
SERVICE BRAKES7
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM5
STEERING:COLUMN3
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
AIR BAGS3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE2

Recalls (4)

09E02500011/05/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES

04V27300009/06/2004

STEERING:LINKAGES

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL STUD NUT/WASHER ASSEMBLIES WITH WASHERS WERE MADE OF THE WRONG MATERIAL. THE WASHERS MAY FRACTURE AND BECOME LOOSE OR FALL AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE, REDUCING CLAMP LOAD. SEPARATION OF THE CONTROL ARM BALL STUD AND STE

04V06000009/02/2004

STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

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 VEHICLE IS STARTED, THE ECL UNLOCKS THE STEERING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED SO THAT IF THE COLUMN

09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES

Recent Complaints

20240801FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

- Fuel tank leaks - gasoline puddles under car, heavy fumes - Fire / explosion hazard - Confirmed by local mechanic as existing problem in that year - Inspected and confirmed by selling dealer - trying to repair - No auto warning, smell of fumes and gas on garage floor day after delivery of car

20240417ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When I start my vehicle, the steering wheel locking system does not disengage and the steering wheel stays locked.

20240417STEERING

When I start my vehicle, the steering wheel locking system does not disengage and the steering wheel stays locked.

20231215ENGINE

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle failed to move farther than five feet before the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The pull-out key and wait-ten-seconds message were displayed. The contact had to release the key from the ignition and restart the vehicle. The contact called an independent mechanic and was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Mileage: 30,000

20231215ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle failed to move farther than five feet before the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The pull-out key and wait-ten-seconds message were displayed. The contact had to release the key from the ignition and restart the vehicle. The contact called an independent mechanic and was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Mileage: 30,000

20231124FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

A month after I purchased the car with approximately 40k miles, I took the car in for an oil change at the dealership and was told there was a major leak in the left fuel tank and at the crossover tube. This leaking fuel is leaking onto the exhaust. It would cost at least $4,000 to repair. I can not afford this. It is too dangerous to drive. I have no other car. Supposedly, my vin number is 200 numbers away from being included in the recall for the same issue and that you have 43 pages of complaints about. Did I mention that the crossover tube is a backordered part because so many are needed because when you pull the current one out, it breaks and a new one is needed?

20231105UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Strong Fuel smell near the fuel filler when car is parked in the garage.

20230904FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel tank leaking/fumes. Appeara to be crossover tube connection connecting the 2 tanks.

20230807FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the odor of gasoline was detected by the contact and his wife. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the odor of gasoline was strongest in the cabin after refueling the vehicle to a full tank. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a cross fill tube needed to be installed. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that the gasoline odor was again detected while driving at various speeds. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE10015 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

Mileage: 44,000

20230405FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

In 2011 Chevrolet acknowledged an issue with the fuel system as the the attached letter states. I was not the owner of the vehicle in 2011 and since the issue was not elevated to an official recall it did not show up on the car fax report and I thus was unaware of this potential safety hazard. My car has now developed all the symptoms of the fuel tank leak with fumes in the car and gas dripping on the garage floor when parked. Although my car only has 30,000 miles the end date for GM to provide repair was August 11, 2011. The significant risk to passengers, the car, and my home when the car is parked in the attached garage is unacceptable as caused by a faulty engineered fuel modification in this model year. The fuel leak is both a safety and environmental risk and should warrant a recall and GM to mitigate the costs. Their liability for a faulty engineered system should not have a time limit.

20230313FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Purchased the vehicle in 2015. That same purchased date I filled the vehicle with fuel. The following day my garage was totally covered with gas fumes. No tech could find the problem. On Feb 22 2023 while filling up, gas was pouring out the bottom left side . This is very dangerous. Come to find out that many others have had the same problem. There is a manufacturer defect of the gas tank housing tube . I cannot drive the vehicle because it’s to dangerous and to costly to repair.

20221026FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Drivers side fuel tank/system leak Leaking fuel in this area can/will result in a catastrophic fire which could lead to injury or death The problem just occurred but is a common problem for this generation Z06 Corvette The odd thing is no warning light, check engine light or messages displayed, just the smell of fuel and 18 inch puddle on the floor beneath the drivers side fuel tank. The fuel level according to the gauge is 1/2 tank.

20220910FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I have owned this vehicle the last 6 years. When the amount of fuel is over one-half tank, there is an abnormal odor of fuel. When pulling into the garage, there's fuel leaking if over one-half tank. Once the engine is cut off the fuel leak ceases. To control the issue, I keep the fuel level at less than one-half tank. A certified local mechanic determined the fuel tank and crossover tube cross connector needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The mechanic stated the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: PE10015 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 26,500, when i bought the car. The mechanic stated that GM did issue a service bulletin around 2010 stating that GM would make repairs if the failure occurred within 10 years/100,000 miles. The local GM dealer will not repair my vehicle since it is out of time frame window. It's not fair to those who bought the car after the 10-year cutoff point. or do not drive these vehicles very much.

20220822FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds and approaching a stop, an abnormal odor of fuel was detected. The contact noticed there was fuel leaking in the garage. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank and crossover tube cross connector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: PE10015 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 41,000. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired and is seeking reimbursement from the manufacturer for the cost.

Mileage: 41,000

20220801STEERING

The contact's friend owns a 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while his friend was starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they were unable to assist due to the age of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V060000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

20210901FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Left side fuel tank developed a leak- this is a problem known to GM- they offered warranty repairs for ten years-I purchased the vehicle after this additional warranty had expired- my complaint is this is a known defective part which I would replace at my expense however GM has discontinued this part- I feel that while GM will no longer cover the cost of parts and labor the replacement parts should be available

20210824FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The vehicle has a fuel leak. I just purchased this vehicle a few weeks ago, it's 16 years old and has only 36,000 miles on it. It smelled terribly of fuel when I purchased it. I had the vehicle looked at and it has a fuel leak where the quick connectors connect to the fuel tanks. Anyhow, there's a special coverage adjustment which extended the warranty to 10 yrs/100,000 miles. I'm obviously outside of those parameters, but I feel that since the manufacturer admitted fault and stated that my particular VIN is affected, they should be held accountable for fixing a safety issue with my vehicle. How they got away with issuing a special coverage adjustment for such an issue rather than a simple recall is beyond me.

20210812FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

leaking left fuel tank

20210721FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Have been in contact with 2 employees from GM, called and left voicemails and sent emails. No reply after it was requested that I take the Corvette to my local dealership for diagnosis. The ECL motor is not working property, causing the steering wheel to lock up and fuel supply to shut off. Sent attachment with diagnosis; however, no reply. GM indicated that this was previously fixed, but it obviously was not. My assertion is that there should not be a expiration date on safety recalls, and the ECL motor is not working properly creating a very dangerous situation. This happens every time that I drive the car. There have been several instances of me starting the car, pulling into traffic, and then the car shuts down. It has been very scary as I pull the key and wait 10 seconds to restart the car. Sometimes I have to do it twice. It is my contention that GM should be responsible for fixing this problem that was previously identified by GM as an issue/concern.

20210518FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK CROSSOVER PIPE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE ISSUE TO AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER’S RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000.

Mileage: 36,000

Compare 2004CHEVROLETCORVETTE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE have?
The 2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE has 257 NHTSA complaints, 7 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE?
Yes, the 2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE?
The most-complained component for the 2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE with 78 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and STEERING.
Is the 2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.