Research · Two Seaters

2016 Chevrolet CorvetteRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 105 owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette. Most complaints involve wheels (59) and fuel/propulsion system (14). The EPA rates it 16–21 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
16–21mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jul 2017
Owner complaints
105
Top: wheels
Fuel cost / yr
$3,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: frontal

Free remedy

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Air bagsReported Jul 10, 2017NHTSA 17V437000

Air bags: frontal

Free remedy

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Air bagsReported Sep 8, 2016NHTSA 16V651000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

105 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2016 – Oct 2026
  1. Wheels59
  2. Fuel/propulsion system14
  3. Power train13
  4. Electrical system6
  5. Engine6
  6. Steering5
  7. Structure3
  8. Visibility/wiper2
  9. Air bags2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Corvette model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
199644
1997153
1998399
1999308
2000277
2001203
2002170
2003112
2004217
2005538
2006413
2007386
2008589
2009152
201084
201185
201256
201382
201464
201565
2016105
2017257
201851
2019148
202034
202113
202221
202327
202422
202511
20261
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Wheels

59 reports
“Overview: Beginning sometime in 2020, the coating of the rearview inside mirror began to degrade and lose its reflective capability. By [XXX] visibility through the mirror was so bad that I had to have it replaced by the local Chevy dealership. Because it was out of warranty, I had to pay $453.93 out of pocket. The vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the mirror's degraded condition. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rearview interior mirror 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I could not see clearly in the rearview mirror. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Many other drivers have reported the same issue with this model on the Corvette forum (see [XXX] ) Also, Sunrise Chevrolet in Collierville, TN confirmed the mirror was defective and replaced it at my expense. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 29, 2025Wheels, Visibility/wiperODI 11639504

Fuel/propulsion system

14 reports1 fire
“My vehicle is covered by GM Special Warranty 17469 which relates to cracks and fuel leaks at the primary fuel pump module flange. It caught fire while driving at a high performance driver’s education event at Barber Motorsports Park and was denied coverage due to it having modifications. GM case number 9-15085163081. There were no warning messages displayed at any time during the incident. GM had the vehicle inspected by a “neutral” third party which turned out to be a retired GM service center instructor. None of the modifications on the vehicle affect the fuel pump module flange. This is in violation of the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act. The basic facts regarding the incident are as follows: the fire was a fuel fire, the vehicle had normal fuel pressure until I shut the engine off 2 minutes into the incident, the fuel line fittings are melted in the normal seated position, the fuel tank flange is cracked and fire damaged, the most significant fire damage is at the top of the driver’s side fuel tank (the location of the warrantied and currently cracked flange), the fire was not from any of the pressurized fuel lines. I have video from the vehicle of the incident…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 14, 2025Fuel/propulsion systemFire reportedODI 11661069

Power train

13 reports
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated while shifting from second gear to third gear. The transmission was skipping a gear. The contact believed that the vehicle was not working properly. The vehicle was not responding as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with torque converter failure. The dealer contacted the surveyor for the protection plan approval. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact called the attorney general and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 33,025.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2025Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11689471
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Two Seaters
Engines
6.2L 8-cyl · 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged
Transmissions
Manual 7-spd · Automatic (S8)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Corvette
Man 7-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172821$3,700426
Corvette
Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 6.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162920$3,850444
Corvette
Man 7-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg · Rear-Wheel Drive
152218$4,300499
Corvette
Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg · Rear-Wheel Drive
132316$4,850539
  • Corvette
    Man 7-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L
    17 city · 28 hwy · $3,700/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Corvette
    Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 6.2 L
    16 city · 29 hwy · $3,850/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Corvette
    Man 7-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg
    15 city · 22 hwy · $4,300/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Corvette
    Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 6.2 L, Sup Charg
    13 city · 23 hwy · $4,850/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 10379Vehicle 10378
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 Corvette questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Corvette problems?

Owners filed 105 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are wheels (59), fuel/propulsion system (14), power train (13). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette at 16–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026