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2006 Chevrolet Corvette

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Corvette years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette are substantially higher than the model-year median of 29.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

305 reports with mileage · 60 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 59 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports2 fire reports5 injury reports

Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints

37 reports
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24,000 miles · Jun 4, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

THE SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING LIGHT APPEARED AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR BECAUSE OF A RF BRAKE LOCKING UP. THE CAR WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MPH IN A CITY STREET. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11327306

184,500 miles · Oct 17, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

WHEN I MOVE THE STERRING WHEEL COMPLETELY TO THE LEFT THE CAR HAVE AND INTERRUPTION AND PULL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AND THE SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM MESSAGE APPEARS

NHTSA ODI #11269155

74,200 miles · Jan 3, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

I GOT A SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING LIGHT THAT CAME ON THE DASH TWO DAYS AGO, AND WENT AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR A FEW TIMES. WHILE I WAS DRIVE YESTERDAY AND DOING ABOUT 70 MPH, THE CAR PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT AND I HAD TO MAKE A RAPID CORRECTION TO AVOID HITTING THE TRUCK NEXT TO ME. AS THAT HAPPENED I INSTINCTIVELY GLANCED AT …

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I GOT A SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING LIGHT THAT CAME ON THE DASH TWO DAYS AGO, AND WENT AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR A FEW TIMES. WHILE I WAS DRIVE YESTERDAY AND DOING ABOUT 70 MPH, THE CAR PULLED VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT AND I HAD TO MAKE A RAPID CORRECTION TO AVOID HITTING THE TRUCK NEXT TO ME. AS THAT HAPPENED I INSTINCTIVELY GLANCED AT MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND THE SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING, SEEMS TO HAVE LIT UP THE INSTANCE THE CAR MADE TO SUDDEN LEFT SWING. I'VE READ ON THE CORVETTE FORUMS, THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN PLAGUING THE C6 Z06. THIS ALSO HAPPENED A COUPLE OF YEARS WHILE I WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AND WAS GOING ABOUT 25 TO 30 MPH. I DON'T USE THE CAR THAT OFTEN, ONLY WHILE I'M ON VACATION, WHICH IS ABOUT 3 TO 4 TIMES PER YEAR. THE LIGHT WILL COME ON FROM TIME TO TIME BUT THE SUDDEN LEFT SWING ONLY HAPPENED TWICE.

NHTSA ODI #11058191

31,300 miles · Jul 13, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

BEGAN TO NOTICE A SENSED VEHICLE SELF STEERING SENSATION ON 7/12/17. THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE THE REAR WHEELS ARE SLIDING AROUND WITH NO TRACTION OR AS IF THE REAR WHEELS ARE STEERING THEMSELVES. IT IS OCCURRING AT ALL SPEEDS, EVEN WHILE DRIVING UP AN INCLINED DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11005205

8,700 miles · Dec 27, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

IN 2010, THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR "STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR." THE ISSUE WAS THE "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING" WARNING NOTICE WAS INTERMITTENTLY APPEARING IN THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER. THE REMEDY WAS TO INSTALL A PLASTIC CLIP. THIS REMEDY DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW "STEERING WHEEL POSI…

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IN 2010, THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR "STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR." THE ISSUE WAS THE "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING" WARNING NOTICE WAS INTERMITTENTLY APPEARING IN THE DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER. THE REMEDY WAS TO INSTALL A PLASTIC CLIP. THIS REMEDY DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW "STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR" AND THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL AND IT WOULD BE AT MY EXPENSE. I DID NOT HAVE THE REPAIR DONE AT THAT TIME BECAUSE I RARELY DRIVE THE CAR, AND THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME TO HAVE A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND THAT SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR AWHILE. THE "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING" WARNING HAS RETURNED, AND I'M SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE SENSOR REPLACED FOR ABOUT $800. THIS SEEMS TO BE A WIDELY KNOWN PROBLEM IN THE 2005-2006 CORVETTES, AND THE PLASTIC CLIP DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE. I'M EXTREMELY CONCERNED AS THERE HAVE BEEN MANY BAD ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM ENGAGING AT RANDOM TIMES AND CAUSING CRASHES. WHY DIDN'T GM ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE PLASTIC CLIP DID NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE AND WHY AM I HAVING TO PAY FOR A REPAIR THAT IS WIDE SPREAD AND THAT THE RECALL REPAIR IS KNOWN TO NOT HAVE WORKED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10937597

40,000 miles · Aug 22, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE SERVICE RIDE CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO OBSERVED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OCCASIONALLY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V172000 (STEERING). THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE SERVICE RIDE CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO OBSERVED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OCCASIONALLY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V172000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #10897796

87,000 miles · Jul 20, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior LightingService Brakes

MY ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL COMES ON REGULARLY ESPECIALLY WHEN I HIT SAND IN DRIVEWAY AND TIRE SPINS WHICH I EXPECT BUT AT OTHER TIMES THE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WITHOUT ANY TIRE SPIN OR CONDITION THAT WOULD WARRANT THIS. TURNING FROM A STAND STILL IS ANOTHER TIME THE LIGHTS WILL COME ON WITHOUT ANY TIRE SPIN. MY WIFE DRIVE…

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MY ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL COMES ON REGULARLY ESPECIALLY WHEN I HIT SAND IN DRIVEWAY AND TIRE SPINS WHICH I EXPECT BUT AT OTHER TIMES THE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WITHOUT ANY TIRE SPIN OR CONDITION THAT WOULD WARRANT THIS. TURNING FROM A STAND STILL IS ANOTHER TIME THE LIGHTS WILL COME ON WITHOUT ANY TIRE SPIN. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR NOW AND I GOT A NEWER ONE. I AM WORRIED ABOUT HER SAFETY AS SHE IS AN OLDER LADY [XXX] AND IF BRAKES LOCKED UP OR STEERING SHE WOULD NOT KNOW HOW TO HANDLE THE SITUATION.

NHTSA ODI #10886040

35,000 miles · Jun 1, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

BRAKES LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING DOWN BUSY ROAD. PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD AND TURNED OF ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM. DROVE SHORT DISTANCE TO HOME

NHTSA ODI #10871956

163,000 miles · Apr 1, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

I HAVE OWNED A 2006 CORVETTE FOR ABOUT 4 YEARS NOW. THE "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM" LIGHT COMES ON IN THE DIC. IT USED TO COME ON ONCE IN A WHILE. IT NOW OCCURS EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR. ABOUT 10% OF THE TIME ONE OF THE BRAKES WILL INSTANTANEOUSLY COME ON HARD THEN RELEASES IN ADDITION TO THE "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYST…

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I HAVE OWNED A 2006 CORVETTE FOR ABOUT 4 YEARS NOW. THE "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM" LIGHT COMES ON IN THE DIC. IT USED TO COME ON ONCE IN A WHILE. IT NOW OCCURS EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR. ABOUT 10% OF THE TIME ONE OF THE BRAKES WILL INSTANTANEOUSLY COME ON HARD THEN RELEASES IN ADDITION TO THE "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM" LIGHT COMING ON. I LIVE IN WISCONSIN SO I DON'T DRIVE IT ALL YEAR, BUT IN THE SUMMER I DRIVE IT EVERY DAY (ITS MY PRIMARY SUMMER VEHICLE). I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON CORPORATE TYPE AIRCRAFT FOR 37+ YEARS SO I AM ACCUSTOMED TO INSPECTING COMPLEX SYSTEMS. I CHECKED UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN AND FOUND AN ORANGE "WEDGE" INSTALLED INTO THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR AND NOTICED THE ELECTRICAL LEAD GOING TO THE SENSOR APPEARS TO BE TOO SHORT WITH THE TILT / TELESCOPIC COLUMN ADJUSTED FULL AFT AND UP. I CALLED A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP TO "FIX THE FIX" BUT THEY TOLD ME MY CAR ISN'T COVERED BY RECALL "N100118" BY VIN #. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY SHOW A RECORD OF A DEALERSHIP WORKING ON THIS SYSTEM BACK IN 2012? I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THE DEALERSHIP INSTALLED THE ORANGE WEDGE (RECALL # N100118) AT THAT TIME. I CONTACTED THE CHEVROLET OWNERS CENTER AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING, NO COVERAGE DUE TO VIN #. THEY DID DOCUMENT MY COMPLAINT WITH CASE # [XXX]. AT THE END OF LAST SEASON I WAS DRIVING WITH MY WIFE IN THE CAR AT NIGHT, ON A BUSY INTERSTATE, IN A POURING RAIN. I WAS IN THE CENTER LANE WHEN THE STABILITY SYSTEM SLAMMED ON MY LEFT FRONT BRAKE. IT HAPPENED FOR JUST AN INSTANT BUT THAT WAS LONG ENOUGH TO SEND ME PARTIALLY INTO THE LANE TO LEFT OF ME. BECAUSE OF THE RAIN THE CAR LOST TRACTION AND GOT A LITTLE "SQUIRRELLY" DURING RECOVERY. IT WAS A VERY SCARY RIDE THAT COULD EASILY HAVE ENDED UP AS A MULTI-CAR CRASH. I COULD USE SOME ASSISTANCE. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*CC

NHTSA ODI #10853004

78,000 miles · Nov 12, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

"SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM" AND "SERVICE VEHICLE SOON" LIGHT BOTH CAME ON TODAY. RESEARCHED ON-LINE AND DETERMINED THAT THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE, POTENTIALLY FATAL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10654315

Official recalls

5

14V251000 · Electrical System:wiring; Exterior Lighting:headlights

May 14, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

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.

Consequence: 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.

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 bend. If the wire is repeatedly bent, it may fracture causing a loss of low beam headlamp illumination.

Consequence: 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.

10V172000 · Steering:column

Apr 26, 2010

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

09V491000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

Dec 23, 2009

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

06V181000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

May 24, 2006

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

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THERE IS A COMPLETE SEPARATION, THE ROOF PANEL MAY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE AND IT COULD STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE AND CAUSE INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

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 OCTOBER 19, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

05V455000 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

Oct 5, 2005

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD BE LOST AND INCREASED STEERING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRO-BOOST POWER BRAKES, IT COULD ALSO RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. IF THE POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAY WERE TO SPRAY ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.

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, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

4

EA13007 · Simultaneous Loss Of Low-Beam Headlights

Opened Aug 23, 2013 · Closed Jun 24, 2014

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:headlights

On May 14, 2014, General Motors (GM) submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating NHTSA Safety Recall 14V-251 to remedy the subject vehicles.GM will remedy a defect condition in the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) by modifying the vehicle's electrical harnessing.GM also announced a customer satisfaction bulletin to address this issue on model year (MY) 2008-2013 Chevrolet Corvettes.Both programs will be conducted free of charge.According to GM, when the engine heats up and cools down (from normal use), the plastic material in the UBEC housing expands at a different rate than an electrical conductor routed within it.The difference in expansion rates results in bending of the conductor, a control circuit for the low beam headlights.After multiple thermal cycles, often taking several years of use, the conductor fractures resulting in an open circuit.When this occurs the low-beam headlights will not illuminate.After the engine is turned off and the UBEC cools, the conductor may temporarily reconnect and restore low-beam function, although subsequent failures will occur.This condition does not affect high-beam headlights, marker lamps, turn signals or fog lamps.Simultaneous loss of low-beam headlights could reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. The ODI report counts noted above, involving the loss of low beam headlights, represents those received at the time of GM's recall filing; however NHTSA has since received additional complaints.GM submitted similar complaints in response to the agency's information request.Among the complaints reported to NHTSA, five alleged minor crashes in which the vehicle ran off the road or into roadside objects due to the sudden loss of headlights.Two of these complaints alleged minor injuries and three alleged property damage.Several other reports to NHTSA alleged close calls due to the loss of lighting.GM states that it has received no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities as a result of this condition. GM's recall action appears to adequately address the safety risks in the subject vehicles of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.In addition to recalling the subject vehicles, GM is covering MY 2008-2013 Corvettes, which contain essentially the same UBEC, under a customer satisfaction campaign.ODI notes that these vehicles exhibit a lower likelihood of failure due to their comparatively shorter service life. The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10400308, 10415603, 10415867, 10416531, 10421639, 10424391, 10424543, 10445971, 10451733, 10454919, 10460674, 10460750, 10463546, 10466342, 10466857, 10468128, 10469057, 10470616, 10471595, 10474350, 10474368, 10475257, 10486597, 10491670, 10496592, 10496788, 10498100, 10502059, 10505606, 10508507, 10510052, 10511467, 10511517, 10511576, 10511696, 10511699, 10511789, 10511837, 10511994, 10512072, 10512093, 10512154, 10512292, 10512341, 10512856, 10513422, 10514576, 10514802, 10514978, 10515162, 10515311, 10515821, 10519426, 10519879, 10520155, 10521036, 10521585, 10522260, 10523059, 10523064, 10523190, 10525646, 10531602, 10531631, 10532221, 10532439, 10533227, 10533251, 10533339, 10536835, 10537561, 10537612, 10538184, 10541749, 10542468, 10542540, 10542576, 10542708, 10542726, 10543187, 10543970, 10544083, 10544810, 10545441, 10545516, 10547343, 10547561, 10547600, 10548492, 10548588, 10548687, 10548982, 10549272, 10549487, 10550079, 10550260, 10551233, 10551867, 10551926, 10551978, 10552019, 10553258, 10554456, 10554573, 10556002, 10556433, 10556844, 10556984, 1

Additional source detail variants (2)

Exterior Lighting

On May 14, 2014, General Motors (GM) submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating NHTSA Safety Recall 14V-251 to remedy the subject vehicles.GM will remedy a defect condition in the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) by modifying the vehicle's electrical harnessing.GM also announced a customer satisfaction bulletin to address this issue on model year (MY) 2008-2013 Chevrolet Corvettes.Both programs will be conducted free of charge.According to GM, when the engine heats up and cools down (from normal use), the plastic material in the UBEC housing expands at a different rate than an electrical conductor routed within it.The difference in expansion rates results in bending of the conductor, a control circuit for the low beam headlights.After multiple thermal cycles, often taking several years of use, the conductor fractures resulting in an open circuit.When this occurs the low-beam headlights will not illuminate.After the engine is turned off and the UBEC cools, the conductor may temporarily reconnect and restore low-beam function, although subsequent failures will occur.This condition does not affect high-beam headlights, marker lamps, turn signals or fog lamps.Simultaneous loss of low-beam headlights could reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. The ODI report counts noted above, involving the loss of low beam headlights, represents those received at the time of GM's recall filing; however NHTSA has since received additional complaints.GM submitted similar complaints in response to the agency's information request.Among the complaints reported to NHTSA, five alleged minor crashes in which the vehicle ran off the road or into roadside objects due to the sudden loss of headlights.Two of these complaints alleged minor injuries and three alleged property damage.Several other reports to NHTSA alleged close calls due to the loss of lighting.GM states that it has received no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities as a result of this condition. GM's recall action appears to adequately address the safety risks in the subject vehicles of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.In addition to recalling the subject vehicles, GM is covering MY 2008-2013 Corvettes, which contain essentially the same UBEC, under a customer satisfaction campaign.ODI notes that these vehicles exhibit a lower likelihood of failure due to their comparatively shorter service life. The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10400308, 10415603, 10415867, 10416531, 10421639, 10424391, 10424543, 10445971, 10451733, 10454919, 10460674, 10460750, 10463546, 10466342, 10466857, 10468128, 10469057, 10470616, 10471595, 10474350, 10474368, 10475257, 10486597, 10491670, 10496592, 10496788, 10498100, 10502059, 10505606, 10508507, 10510052, 10511467, 10511517, 10511576, 10511696, 10511699, 10511789, 10511837, 10511994, 10512072, 10512093, 10512154, 10512292, 10512341, 10512856, 10513422, 10514576, 10514802, 10514978, 10515162, 10515311, 10515821, 10519426, 10519879, 10520155, 10521036, 10521585, 10522260, 10523059, 10523064, 10523190, 10525646, 10531602, 10531631, 10532221, 10532439, 10533227, 10533251, 10533339, 10536835, 10537561, 10537612, 10538184, 10541749, 10542468, 10542540, 10542576, 10542708, 10542726, 10543187, 10543970, 10544083, 10544810, 10545441, 10545516, 10547343, 10547561, 10547600, 10548492, 10548588, 10548687, 10548982, 10549272, 10549487, 10550079, 10550260, 10551233, 10551867, 10551926, 10551978, 10552019, 10553258, 10554456, 10554573, 10556002, 10556433, 10556844, 10556984, 1

Exterior Lighting:headlights

On May 14, 2014, General Motors (GM) submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating NHTSA Safety Recall 14V-251 to remedy the subject vehicles.GM will remedy a defect condition in the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) by modifying the vehicle's electrical harnessing.GM also announced a customer satisfaction bulletin to address this issue on model year (MY) 2008-2013 Chevrolet Corvettes.Both programs will be conducted free of charge.According to GM, when the engine heats up and cools down (from normal use), the plastic material in the UBEC housing expands at a different rate than an electrical conductor routed within it.The difference in expansion rates results in bending of the conductor, a control circuit for the low beam headlights.After multiple thermal cycles, often taking several years of use, the conductor fractures resulting in an open circuit.When this occurs the low-beam headlights will not illuminate.After the engine is turned off and the UBEC cools, the conductor may temporarily reconnect and restore low-beam function, although subsequent failures will occur.This condition does not affect high-beam headlights, marker lamps, turn signals or fog lamps.Simultaneous loss of low-beam headlights could reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. The ODI report counts noted above, involving the loss of low beam headlights, represents those received at the time of GM's recall filing; however NHTSA has since received additional complaints.GM submitted similar complaints in response to the agency's information request.Among the complaints reported to NHTSA, five alleged minor crashes in which the vehicle ran off the road or into roadside objects due to the sudden loss of headlights.Two of these complaints alleged minor injuries and three alleged property damage.Several other reports to NHTSA alleged close calls due to the loss of lighting.GM states that it has received no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities as a result of this condition. GM's recall action appears to adequately address the safety risks in the subject vehicles of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.In addition to recalling the subject vehicles, GM is covering MY 2008-2013 Corvettes, which contain essentially the same UBEC, under a customer satisfaction campaign.ODI notes that these vehicles exhibit a lower likelihood of failure due to their comparatively shorter service life. The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10400308, 10415603, 10415867, 10416531, 10421639, 10424391, 10424543, 10445971, 10451733, 10454919, 10460674, 10460750, 10463546, 10466342, 10466857, 10468128, 10469057, 10470616, 10471595, 10474350, 10474368, 10475257, 10486597, 10491670, 10496592, 10496788, 10498100, 10502059, 10505606, 10508507, 10510052, 10511467, 10511517, 10511576, 10511696, 10511699, 10511789, 10511837, 10511994, 10512072, 10512093, 10512154, 10512292, 10512341, 10512856, 10513422, 10514576, 10514802, 10514978, 10515162, 10515311, 10515821, 10519426, 10519879, 10520155, 10521036, 10521585, 10522260, 10523059, 10523064, 10523190, 10525646, 10531602, 10531631, 10532221, 10532439, 10533227, 10533251, 10533339, 10536835, 10537561, 10537612, 10538184, 10541749, 10542468, 10542540, 10542576, 10542708, 10542726, 10543187, 10543970, 10544083, 10544810, 10545441, 10545516, 10547343, 10547561, 10547600, 10548492, 10548588, 10548687, 10548982, 10549272, 10549487, 10550079, 10550260, 10551233, 10551867, 10551926, 10551978, 10552019, 10553258, 10554456, 10554573, 10556002, 10556433, 10556844, 10556984, 1

PE13013 · Loss Of Low Beam Headlights

Opened May 6, 2013 · Closed Aug 26, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:headlights

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 30 reports from consumers alleging that, after driving for a short time (5 to 30 minutes), both low beam headlights stopped working simultaneously and without warning. The low beam headlights remained inoperative for the remainder of the drive cycle, however no other lighting is affected.General Motors (GM) provided information in response to ODI's information request letter explaining that the loss of headlights is caused by a fractured low beam circuit wire in the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC), a device that is similar to a fuse box. The UBEC is located in a high heat area near the engine, and the low beam circuit wire routing within the UBEC makes it susceptible to cyclical stress caused by thermal expansion.The investigation covers model years 2005-2007 Corvettes however ODI also has received four VOQs alleging the same condition in model year 2008 Corvettes. ODI is upgrading the investigation to an Engineering Analysis to further examine the consequences, frequency and scope of this problem. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers.For MY 2005-2007: 10400308, 10415603, 10415867, 10416531, 10421639, 10424391, 10424543, 10445971, 10451733, 10454919, 10460674, 10460750, 10463546, 10466342, 10466857, 10468128, 10469057, 10470616, 10471595, 10474350, 10474368, 10475257, 10486597, 10491670, 10496592, 10496788, 10498100, 10502059, 10505606, 10508507, 10510052, 10511467, 10511517, 10511576, 10511696, 10511699, 10511789, 10511837, 10511994, 10512072, 10512093, 10512154, 10512292, 10512341, 10513422, 10514802, 10514978, 10515162, 10515311, 10515821, 10519426, 10519879, 10520155, 10521036, 10521585, 10522260, 10523064, 10523190, 10525646, 10531602, 10531631, 10532439, 10533227, 10533251, 10533339For MY 2008: 10512856, 10514576, 10523059, 10532221

Additional source detail variants (2)

Exterior Lighting

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 30 reports from consumers alleging that, after driving for a short time (5 to 30 minutes), both low beam headlights stopped working simultaneously and without warning. The low beam headlights remained inoperative for the remainder of the drive cycle, however no other lighting is affected.General Motors (GM) provided information in response to ODI's information request letter explaining that the loss of headlights is caused by a fractured low beam circuit wire in the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC), a device that is similar to a fuse box. The UBEC is located in a high heat area near the engine, and the low beam circuit wire routing within the UBEC makes it susceptible to cyclical stress caused by thermal expansion.The investigation covers model years 2005-2007 Corvettes however ODI also has received four VOQs alleging the same condition in model year 2008 Corvettes. ODI is upgrading the investigation to an Engineering Analysis to further examine the consequences, frequency and scope of this problem. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers.For MY 2005-2007: 10400308, 10415603, 10415867, 10416531, 10421639, 10424391, 10424543, 10445971, 10451733, 10454919, 10460674, 10460750, 10463546, 10466342, 10466857, 10468128, 10469057, 10470616, 10471595, 10474350, 10474368, 10475257, 10486597, 10491670, 10496592, 10496788, 10498100, 10502059, 10505606, 10508507, 10510052, 10511467, 10511517, 10511576, 10511696, 10511699, 10511789, 10511837, 10511994, 10512072, 10512093, 10512154, 10512292, 10512341, 10513422, 10514802, 10514978, 10515162, 10515311, 10515821, 10519426, 10519879, 10520155, 10521036, 10521585, 10522260, 10523064, 10523190, 10525646, 10531602, 10531631, 10532439, 10533227, 10533251, 10533339For MY 2008: 10512856, 10514576, 10523059, 10532221

Exterior Lighting:headlights

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 30 reports from consumers alleging that, after driving for a short time (5 to 30 minutes), both low beam headlights stopped working simultaneously and without warning. The low beam headlights remained inoperative for the remainder of the drive cycle, however no other lighting is affected.General Motors (GM) provided information in response to ODI's information request letter explaining that the loss of headlights is caused by a fractured low beam circuit wire in the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC), a device that is similar to a fuse box. The UBEC is located in a high heat area near the engine, and the low beam circuit wire routing within the UBEC makes it susceptible to cyclical stress caused by thermal expansion.The investigation covers model years 2005-2007 Corvettes however ODI also has received four VOQs alleging the same condition in model year 2008 Corvettes. ODI is upgrading the investigation to an Engineering Analysis to further examine the consequences, frequency and scope of this problem. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers.For MY 2005-2007: 10400308, 10415603, 10415867, 10416531, 10421639, 10424391, 10424543, 10445971, 10451733, 10454919, 10460674, 10460750, 10463546, 10466342, 10466857, 10468128, 10469057, 10470616, 10471595, 10474350, 10474368, 10475257, 10486597, 10491670, 10496592, 10496788, 10498100, 10502059, 10505606, 10508507, 10510052, 10511467, 10511517, 10511576, 10511696, 10511699, 10511789, 10511837, 10511994, 10512072, 10512093, 10512154, 10512292, 10512341, 10513422, 10514802, 10514978, 10515162, 10515311, 10515821, 10519426, 10519879, 10520155, 10521036, 10521585, 10522260, 10523064, 10523190, 10525646, 10531602, 10531631, 10532439, 10533227, 10533251, 10533339For MY 2008: 10512856, 10514576, 10523059, 10532221

EA09002 · Electronic Stability Control

Opened Jan 14, 2009 · Closed May 11, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electronic Stability Control

On April 26, 2010, at NHTSA's request following this investigation, General Motors submitted a Defect Information Report to NHTSA to correct a defect associated with the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system in approximately 40,000 Model Year (MY) 2005 and 2006 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles (NHTSA Recall No. 10V-172).According to the report, these vehicles may have a problem with the Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS) connector created by a fretting condition in the connector (small movement of the pins back and forth creating a residue build up) which could change the electrical resistance and corrupt the information signal to the VSC computer.The VSC system uses the information from the SWPS to calculate the driver's intended vehicle direction; this information is cross referenced to sensors that tell the system which direction the vehicle is actually going and the system will, if it determines a variance indicating the vehicle is in a over-steer or under-steer condition, reduce throttle control and apply braking to make a correction in vehicle direction towards what the system believes is the driver's intended path.GM dealers will inspect the SWPS connector of recalled vehicles and, if necessary, install a terminal position assurance clip to the connector.GM has advised NHTSA that its position is that the inappropriate activations of the VSC system do not present an unreasonable risk to safety because GM believes that the activations are low in occurrence, a rare set of conditions would need to be present, the driver has the ability to maintain direction control if the alleged condition were to occur, and that there are no reports of injuries.NHTSA does not agree.Based on interviews with complainants and testing performed at the NHTSA Vehicle Research and Testing Center in East Liberty, Ohio, ODI believes that the majority of the unwarranted activations of the VSC system occur when turning, in such scenarios as travelling highway entrance or exit ramps or in street traffic conditions.Complainants report the effect produced by the malfunction of the VSC system is sudden unexpected braking and in some cases a sudden unexpected change in vehicle direction which some complainants indicate was sufficient to cause a movement into an adjoining lane of traffic or in some cases into curbing or stationary objects.During the VSC event the brake lights of the Corvette are not illuminated, depriving trailing traffic from indication that braking is occurring and some complainants indicate the braking effect can be severe and last up to 10 seconds in length.Based on available information ODI counts four crashes due to a malfunction of the VSC system; GM is counting one crash due to the problem.In these circumstances NHTSA believes the defect presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, and so advised GM when requesting this recall.This investigation is closed based on GM's recall.

PE08056 · Electronic Stability Control Malfunction

Opened Sep 17, 2008 · Closed Jan 14, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electronic Stability Control

ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2008, ODI OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE08-056 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF INAPPROPRIATE ACTIVATION OF THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2005 AND 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE VEHICLES.SOME REPORTS RECEIVED BY ODI AND SOME REPORTS TO GENERAL MOTORS (GM) CONTAINED IN GM'S RESPONSE TO PE08-056 ALLEGE THAT THE ESC SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING A SUDDEN AND INAPPROPRIATE BRAKING ACTION WITHOUT ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE LEFT OR RIGHT UNEXPECTEDLY. GM ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN IN JANUARY 2006, LATER REVISED IN OCTOBER 2007 (BULLETIN NO. 06-02-35-002B) CONCERNING ESC PROBLEMS IN MY 2005 AND 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE VEHICLES WITH THE TELESCOPING STEERING WHEEL OPTION.THE BULLETIN WAS INTENDED TO CORRECT A FRETTING CORROSION PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR CONNECTOR C202. AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED (EA09-002) TO CONTINUE TO ASSES THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.