Vehicle structure and engine issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
There are few sports cars as exciting as the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette. In fact, the automaker claims that “precision is our starting line,” indicating that this car has so much more to offer. Yet, customers are left wishing for more, between dealing with a defective structure and malfunctioning engine.
Click on other model years to view more problems: 2019 2022 2023
The Corvette is designed to turn heads and impress onlookers. However, the structure is what is most disappointing, with countless complaints about the same part.
Here is one from the NHTSA website. “While driving at 20-30 mph, the front hood released and the hood opened to a near vertical position. After stopping I closed the hood but it took a lot of effort. When closed the hood, now is recessed near the hinges and there is some paint damage to the edges of the hood and fenders. It appears that the hinges are damaged. I immediately took it to a dealer and they are to research the issue with Chevy engineering. The damage has been repaired under warranty. I am concerned that this may reoccur.”
It turns out that this is a massive problem, with a recall issued. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V461000 states that the release button in the front trunk might not work. If this happens and someone is in the trunk, they could become trapped inside. While it’s unclear why someone would be in the trunk in anything short of a kidnapping, this is a serious defect. However, the majority of customers find it impossible to keep the front trunk closed, which seems to be the opposite problem. For now, Corvette hoods are flapping in the wind, preventing the Chevy from even getting off the “starting line.”
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Structure:body | |
| Engine | |
| Power Train | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Exterior Lighting | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Suspension:front:shock Absorber |
The Corvette is known for its powerful and potent powertrain. However, there seem to be some troubles with the engine itself.
Another NHTSA complaint states, “I tried to register the vehicle and cannot register the car. It fails smog. O2 sensor not ready. The battery has not been disconnected since its first mile driven.”
It turns out that Chevy isn’t oblivious to engine troubles. Service Bulletin #16NA383 talks about the need for a new fuel injection cleaner kit. This new product decarbonizes the intake valves to correct trouble with a rough idle, no start situation, misfiring and extended cranking. If there is a product required to fix these problems, there must have been something wrong with the system, to begin with. Why isn’t the company looking at putting a better system in? Why is Chevy only concerned with band-aiding the situation? Obviously, Chevy’s only focus is getting off the starting line, it isn’t about finishing the race.
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Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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