CarBrief

NHTSA has only 3 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Corvette[1], but the car has 3 recalls[2][3][4]. All three list a remedy, so the useful step for an owner or buyer is to check that the recall work is done.

3owner complaints[1]
3recalls[5]
14–19MPG combined (EPA)[6]

Reported problems

NHTSA lists 3 owner complaints for the 2026 Corvette, and none mentions a crash, a fire, an injury or a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners. One complaint can name several components, so the list below adds up to more than 3[1].

We read the complaint texts behind these counts. Because the sample is so small, we do not treat any of it as a pattern. In the engine complaint, an owner describes the car jerking and shutting off at highway speed, then losing power and coasting to the side of the road[9]. In the power train and fuel/propulsion texts, an owner describes the car shuddering and powering down with warning lights on, then refusing to move and losing braking, more than once and even after a dealer replaced a part[11][8]. Another fuel/propulsion text comes from a Z06 owner who asks NHTSA whether their car should be covered by the fuel recall described below[8].

Three complaints is a tiny number. It says little about how any one car will behave.

Recalls

NHTSA lists three recalls that include the 2026 Corvette. Newest first:

Each fact lists a remedy as available. Ask a Chevrolet dealer to confirm that all three have been done on any car you are considering. Chevrolet customer service is listed in the recall notices as 1-800-222-1020[2][3][4].

Fuel economy

EPA rates the 2026 Corvette from 14 to 19 MPG combined, depending on the version[6][13][14][15][16]. All versions listed use premium fuel and an automatic (S8)[6][13][17][14][15][16]. EPA estimates yearly fuel cost with its current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Version Engine Drive City / Hwy / Combined Est. yearly fuel cost
Corvette[6] 6.2L 8-cyl Rear-wheel 16 / 25 / 19 $4,350
Corvette E-Ray[15] 6.2L 8-cyl All-wheel 16 / 24 / 19 $4,350
Corvette Z06[17] 5.5L 8-cyl Rear-wheel 12 / 21 / 15 $5,500
Corvette Z06 Carbon Aero[14] 5.5L 8-cyl Rear-wheel 12 / 19 / 14 $5,850
Corvette ZR1[13] 5.5L 8-cyl turbo Rear-wheel 12 / 18 / 14 $5,850
Corvette ZR1X[16] 5.5L 8-cyl turbo All-wheel 12 / 19 / 14 $5,850

Safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2026 Corvette, the E-Ray and the ZR1 show "not rated" for every configuration listed[18][19][20][21][22][23]. That means there is no star score to compare yet.

Engine and size

The EPA test car list shows two engines. The 5.5L 8-cylinder is rated from 670 to 1250 hp depending on version[24]. The 6.2L 8-cylinder is rated 495 hp[25].

These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Stingray coupe[26] 182 in 76 in 48 in 107 in 3,373 lb
Stingray convertible[27] 182 in 76 in 48 in 107 in 3,474 lb
Z06 coupe[28] 184 in 80 in 48 in 107 in 3,501 lb
Z06 convertible[29] 184 in 80 in 48 in 107 in 3,598 lb
E-Ray coupe[30] 184 in 80 in 48 in 107 in 3,761 lb
E-Ray convertible[31] 184 in 80 in 48 in 107 in 3,858 lb

How 2026 compares with other years

1995: 32 complaints, 0 recalls19951996: 44 complaints, 0 recalls1997: 153 complaints, 5 recalls1998: 399 complaints, 2 recalls1999: 308 complaints, 2 recalls19992000: 278 complaints, 2 recalls2001: 205 complaints, 1 recalls2002: 157 complaints, 1 recalls2003: 85 complaints, 1 recalls20032004: 217 complaints, 2 recalls2005: 537 complaints, 6 recalls2006: 413 complaints, 5 recalls2007: 386 complaints, 2 recalls20072008: 589 complaints, 0 recalls2009: 152 complaints, 0 recalls2010: 84 complaints, 0 recalls2011: 85 complaints, 1 recalls20112012: 56 complaints, 1 recalls2013: 82 complaints, 0 recalls2014: 63 complaints, 5 recalls2015: 65 complaints, 5 recalls20152016: 104 complaints, 2 recalls2017: 257 complaints, 4 recalls2018: 51 complaints, 1 recalls2019: 148 complaints, 1 recalls20192020: 34 complaints, 4 recalls2021: 13 complaints, 2 recalls2022: 21 complaints, 1 recalls2023: 26 complaints, 1 recalls20232024: 21 complaints, 2 recalls2025: 11 complaints, 3 recalls2026: 3 complaints, 3 recalls320262027: 1 complaints, 0 recalls2027
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Corvette model year. The 2026 is highlighted[5].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995320
1996440
19971535
19983992
19993082
20002782
20012051
20021571
2003851
20042172
20055376
20064135
20073862
20085890
20091520
2010840
2011851
2012561
2013820
2014635
2015655
20161042
20172574
2018511
20191481
2020344
2021132
2022211
2023261
2024212
2025113
202633
202710

NHTSA shows 3 complaints and 3 recalls for the 2026 Corvette[5]. Only 2027, with 1 complaint, has fewer complaints[5]. The 2025 model year shows 11 complaints and 3 recalls, and 2008 shows 589 complaints[5]. Several earlier years show 4 to 6 recalls, such as 2005 with 6[5].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, and a newer model year has had less time to collect reports. The low 2026 count is partly a matter of time on the road.

Should you buy a used 2026 Corvette?

The federal record for the 2026 Corvette is short so far, with 3 complaints and no reported crashes, fires or injuries[1]. It also has 3 recalls, and each lists a remedy[2][3][4]. Ask for proof that all three were done, especially the fuel spill shield[4]. Safety ratings are not yet available, so that comparison is not possible[18]. A short record can change as more owners report, so check NHTSA again before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette?
NHTSA has only 3 complaints[1], too few to name a common problem. Owners name unknown or other, fuel/propulsion, engine, electrical, power train and forward collision avoidance components[1][7][8][9][10][11][12].
Has the 2026 Corvette been recalled?
Yes, three times. The recalls cover a turn signal software error, the electronic owner's manual, and fuel spilling into the filler pocket[2][3][4].
What MPG does the 2026 Corvette get?
EPA rates it from 14 to 19 MPG combined[6][13]. The base Corvette and E-Ray are rated 19 combined, and the ZR1, Z06 Carbon Aero and ZR1X are rated 14[6][15][13][14][16].
How much horsepower does the 2026 Corvette have?
The EPA test car list shows 495 hp for the 6.2L engine and 670 to 1250 hp for the 5.5L engine, depending on version[25][24].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 3 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Recall 26V213, filed April 2, 2026: Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal. NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 26V114, filed February 26, 2026: Equipment › Other › Owners / Service / Other Manual . NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 25V536, filed August 21, 2025: Fuel System, Gasoline. NHTSA recall database
  5. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Corvette model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for Corvette, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. 2 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 2 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 1 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 1 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 1 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 1 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. EPA rating for Corvette ZR1, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 18 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  14. EPA rating for Corvette Z06 Carbon Aero, 5.5L 8-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 19 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Corvette E-Ray, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Corvette ZR1X, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, Automatic (S8), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 19 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Corvette Z06, 5.5L 8-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 21 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  19. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2026 Chevrolet Corvette with 5.5L 8-cylinder: rated 670 to 1250 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2026 Chevrolet Corvette with 6.2L 8-cylinder: rated 495 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CORVETTE STINGRAY COUPE: length 182 in, width 76 in, height 48 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,373 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CORVETTE STINGRAY CONVERTIBLE: length 182 in, width 76 in, height 48 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,474 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CORVETTE Z06 COUPE: length 184 in, width 80 in, height 48 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,501 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CORVETTE Z06 CONVERTIBLE: length 184 in, width 80 in, height 48 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,598 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CORVETTE E-RAY COUPE: length 184 in, width 80 in, height 48 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,761 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CORVETTE E-RAY CONVERTIBLE: length 184 in, width 80 in, height 48 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,858 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.