CHEVROLET CORVETTE · model year

2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

441 NHTSA complaints, 16 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2006CHEVROLETCORVETTE carries 441 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 16 crashes, 2 fires, 7 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 2006 CORVETTE is exterior lighting with 59 filings, followed by fuel/propulsion system (49) and electrical system (42). 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 5 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 2006 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.

441
Complaints
16
Crashes
2
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

441 filings

Crashes Reported

16 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
EXTERIOR LIGHTING59
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM49
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM42
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS40
STEERING38
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)37
POWER TRAIN30
ENGINE24
SERVICE BRAKES21
AIR BAGS14
STRUCTURE12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
STRUCTURE:BODY8
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC5

Recalls (5)

10V17200026/04/2010

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 COLU

06V18100024/05/2006

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

ON CERTAIN 2005-2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTES EQUIPPED WITH PAINTED ROOFS, THE ADHESIVE BETWEEN THE ROOF PANEL AND THE FRAME MAY SEPARATE.

09V49100023/12/2009

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 SY

14V25100014/05/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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

05V45500005/10/2005

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

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 WHILE BRAKING, THE HOSE MAY FRACTURE AND LEAK FLUID.

Recent Complaints

20251202STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V491000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall part was no longer available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part had been discontinued. The contact was advised to purchase the part from a junkyard or to order an entire roof from the dealer at his expense. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20251013FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2006 Corvette convertible. Has a strong gas smell after filling up. I understand this is a common problem, but Chevrolet will not acknowledge it. The gas can drip down on the hot exhaust system, and start a fire, burning down our house, or out on the road with us in it! Please help us get this deadly problem resolved, with little expense heaped upon us. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250825FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Strong fuel smell coming from the vehicle after fueling filling.

20250511ENGINE

We were driving 55 and the car stalled. This has happened several times. Been at dealer and the codes show fine they replaced what they thought was issue and it still does this. Very scary

20250511ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

We were driving 55 and the car stalled. This has happened several times. Been at dealer and the codes show fine they replaced what they thought was issue and it still does this. Very scary

20250129STEERING

I purchased this car from a dealer in Sarasota Florida. Driving it home from the dealer, I was driving approximately 70 mph on [XXX] near Sarasota. The vehicle suddenly braked and pulled to the left simultaneously. I have taken it to a repair shop that specializes in Corvettes, and trying to ID the problem. In doing research, evidently it is related to the active handling system. There is a recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V172000 Manufacturer GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Components STEERING Potential Number of Units Affected 40,028 and a service bulletin 10118. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250129SERVICE BRAKES

I purchased this car from a dealer in Sarasota Florida. Driving it home from the dealer, I was driving approximately 70 mph on [XXX] near Sarasota. The vehicle suddenly braked and pulled to the left simultaneously. I have taken it to a repair shop that specializes in Corvettes, and trying to ID the problem. In doing research, evidently it is related to the active handling system. There is a recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V172000 Manufacturer GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Components STEERING Potential Number of Units Affected 40,028 and a service bulletin 10118. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250127FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle is leaving a strong gas order inside and around the vehicle. This issue is currently awaiting to be inspected but for the meantime, it’s parked inside a garage where it completely fills the area with said odor. This is particularly unsafe due to our water heater also being located in this section of the house. Gas smell first appeared about a month ago and had consistently releasing these vapors. I’ve seen that GM has released a service bulletin for a short period of time but hasn’t officially recalled the fuel issue (faulty fuel system).

20250106STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact received recall notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V491000 (Structure) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because the vehicle was no longer equipped with the recalled part. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted.

20241202STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V491000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20241105STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V491000(Structure); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. No further information was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20231028FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Strong smell of fuel after driven with more than 1/2 tank of fuel.

20230921AIR BAGS

Air bag light goes on and mostly when driver seat is adjusted

20230919SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving at speeds above 25 MPH, the ABS system failed, causing the front brakes to activate without the driver depressing the brake pedal. During the failure the active handling warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the active handling control module wiring harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the low beam headlights inadvertently turned off. The mechanic diagnosed that the wiring harness for the exterior lighting needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V251000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 50,000. The contact stat

Mileage: 50,000

20230919EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving at speeds above 25 MPH, the ABS system failed, causing the front brakes to activate without the driver depressing the brake pedal. During the failure the active handling warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the active handling control module wiring harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the low beam headlights inadvertently turned off. The mechanic diagnosed that the wiring harness for the exterior lighting needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V251000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 50,000. The contact stat

Mileage: 50,000

20230919ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving at speeds above 25 MPH, the ABS system failed, causing the front brakes to activate without the driver depressing the brake pedal. During the failure the active handling warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the active handling control module wiring harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. Additionally, while operating the vehicle the low beam headlights inadvertently turned off. The mechanic diagnosed that the wiring harness for the exterior lighting needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V251000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 50,000. The contact stat

Mileage: 50,000

20230814POWER TRAIN

Happened twice within a day. The main electric fan on the radiator stopped working and the car overheated. Once at idle, was able to shut the car off safely. The second time, there was traffic on the highway, and the fan stopped working and the car started to overheat. Had to shut the car off and wait for it to cool down on the side of the road. When I got the car home, I found the electrical connector of the fan to be melted and fused together. There was no indicator that the fan would stop running prior to the engine overheating.

20230814ENGINE

Happened twice within a day. The main electric fan on the radiator stopped working and the car overheated. Once at idle, was able to shut the car off safely. The second time, there was traffic on the highway, and the fan stopped working and the car started to overheat. Had to shut the car off and wait for it to cool down on the side of the road. When I got the car home, I found the electrical connector of the fan to be melted and fused together. There was no indicator that the fan would stop running prior to the engine overheating.

20230814ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Happened twice within a day. The main electric fan on the radiator stopped working and the car overheated. Once at idle, was able to shut the car off safely. The second time, there was traffic on the highway, and the fan stopped working and the car started to overheat. Had to shut the car off and wait for it to cool down on the side of the road. When I got the car home, I found the electrical connector of the fan to be melted and fused together. There was no indicator that the fan would stop running prior to the engine overheating.

20230711SEATS

This is a 2006 Corvette with roughly 82,000 miles. The driver's seat will intermittently collapse on the recline function, resulting in a seat that is reclined all the way back. When this occurs, I need to pull myself up by the steering wheel while the vehicle is going down the road.

Compare 2006CHEVROLETCORVETTE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE have?
The 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE has 441 NHTSA complaints, 16 crashes, 2 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE?
Yes, the 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING:COLUMN. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE?
The most-complained component for the 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE is EXTERIOR LIGHTING with 59 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2006 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.