Chevrolet Corvette Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Chevrolet Corvette model year (1997–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Chevrolet Corvette Years to Avoid
4 recalls · 368 complaints
11 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 402
0 recalls · 313 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Problem score: 317
2 recalls · 222 complaints
4 reported injuries
Top issue: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Problem score: 236
Best Chevrolet Corvette Years to Buy
1 recall · 8 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 11
1 recall · 8 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 11
0 recalls · 12 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 12
Found the right year? Verify that specific Corvette with a free VIN report.
Chevrolet Corvette — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 1 | 8 | — | — | 11 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 1 | 14 | 1 | — | 19 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 1 | 19 | 1 | — | 24 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 0 | 12 | — | — | 12 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 1 | 8 | — | — | 11 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 3 | 18 | — | — | 27 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 1 | 74 | 1 | — | 79 | Good |
| 2018 | 0 | 20 | — | — | 20 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 2 | 131 | 4 | — | 145 | Caution |
| 2016 | 2 | 51 | — | — | 57 | Good |
| 2015 | 3 | 39 | 3 | — | 54 | Good |
| 2014 | 3 | 42 | 7 | 1 | 70 | Good |
| 2013 | 0 | 42 | — | — | 42 | Good |
| 2012 | 0 | 28 | — | — | 28 | Excellent |
| 2011 | 0 | 35 | — | — | 35 | Excellent |
| 2010 | 0 | 43 | 1 | — | 45 | Good |
| 2009 | 0 | 86 | — | — | 86 | Good |
| 2008 | 0 | 313 | 2 | — | 317 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 1 | 224 | — | — | 227 | Caution |
| 2006 | 4 | 218 | 2 | — | 234 | Caution |
| 2005 | 4 | 368 | 11 | — | 402 | Avoid |
| 2004 | 3 | 139 | 4 | — | 156 | Caution |
| 2003 | 2 | 60 | 1 | 1 | 73 | Good |
| 2002 | 2 | 92 | 1 | — | 100 | Good |
| 2001 | 2 | 139 | 1 | — | 147 | Caution |
| 2000 | 2 | 183 | 14 | — | 217 | Caution |
| 1999 | 2 | 193 | 10 | 1 | 224 | Caution |
| 1998 | 2 | 222 | 4 | — | 236 | Caution |
| 1997 | 5 | 101 | 2 | — | 120 | Good |
All 30 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Chevrolet Corvette Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent Corvette models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2013Mid-decade Corvette units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2013 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Corvette models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Corvette should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette if possible. It has 4 recalls, 368 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 402 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Corvette to buy?+
The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 11. It has only 1 recall and 8 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Corvette has the fewest problems?+
The 2021, 2025, 2022 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Chevrolet Corvette Research
Check a Specific Chevrolet Corvette VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →