The C6 Corvette is the sixth generation of the iconic Corvette sports automobile. It was the first Corvette in fifty years to use open headlights. It brought back the legendary ZR1 package, this time with a top speed of 205 mph, and significantly upgraded the C5’s handling and performance. However, there are some C6 Corvettes that you should avoid purchasing.
C6 Corvette years to avoid include 2005-2008; they are considered the worst. The best years for C6 Corvette include 2009-2013. This result was concluded from trustworthy sources such as NHTSA, Edmund, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book.
C6 Corvette Years To Avoid
Since the C6 Corvette was only available from 2005-2013, statistically speaking, there aren’t too many to look at. But it’s not hard to tell which ones excel. Model years from 2005 to 2008 are all ones you should avoid. These may necessitate costly repairs, especially considering the car’s rarity.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these options and why they’re not suggested.
4. Worst Year: 2007 C6 Corvette (3.96 Rating)
General Motors has rectified both the power steering line leaks and the brake fluid boils for the 2007 model. However, the old LS2 had ongoing issues with its water pump leaking, fuel level monitor malfunctioning, steering position sensor malfunctioning, coolant contamination, and secondary air injection valves failing.
There were significantly fewer complaints about the 2007 model than the 2005 and 2006 models. Only two recalls were issued for it despite receiving 372 NHTSA complaints—less than half or a third of the total for the preceding two model years. It also receives somewhat lower consumer ratings than its successors.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 2 recalls and 372 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.8/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 82/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8/5.0 consumer ratings.
3. Worst Year: 2008 C6 Corvette (3.93 Rating)
The new LS3 6.2-liter engine debuted in the C6 for the 2008 model year, increasing output to 436 hp. Although this model year was more technologically advanced than its predecessors and featured a fresh new engine, it did have some new electrical issues.
Numerous reports of malfunctioning airbags persisted, and the fuel pump leak was also present in this model. In fact, the leaky fuel pump was the source of over half of the 599 complaints. The problem started happening at an average of 50,000 miles, and the expense to replace the fuel pump was almost $2,200.
Another problem was with the headlights; the low beams would regularly go out while driving due to poor wiring.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 0 recalls and 559 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.7/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 83/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8/5.0 consumer ratings.
2. Worst Year: 2006 C6 Corvette (3.53 Rating)
The 2006 C6 Corvette is the second worst model year. The C6 Corvette received the new 6L80E transmission in 2006, while the LS2, 6.0-liter engine remained the same as in 2005. However, broken brakes are something that will make no owner happy.
One of the worst problems with this model is boiling brake fluid, which results in leaks in the rear brake lines. When brake fluid boils, it diminishes braking performance and can also cause brake failure in the middle of the road. Additionally, power steering cables tend to leak under heavy acceleration.
There were 400 complaints to the NHTSA and five recalls because of many other issues like a malfunctioning anti-theft system, a leaking water pump, etc.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 5 recalls and 400 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.9/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 81/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8/5.0 consumer ratings.
1. Worst Year: 2005 C6 Corvette (3.18 Rating)
The C6 Corvette went into production in 2005, and like other first-year models, 2005 has more issues than subsequent years. Even though the Corvette is a low-production sports vehicle, the C6 received the most complaints, over 500 complaints from the NHTSA, and six recalls are noteworthy.
This model has numerous issues, including a faulty fuel level sensor, a faulty air injection valve, a leaking water pump, a faulty fuel pump that emits a gasoline odor, a faulty steering position sensor, and, in extreme cases, causes the vehicle to run out of petrol. The problem was considerably worse in convertible models because the removable roof often came off during travel.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 6 recalls and 528 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.9/5.0 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8/5.0 consumer ratings.
C6 Corvette Years To Buy As Used
Now that you know the worst models, we have the best option if you’re looking for the most secure and reliable model years of the C6 Corvette. When compared to the worst C6 Corvette years, these are the best. If a stylish car is what you want, start looking for one of them.
5. Best Year: 2011 C6 Corvette (4.58 Rating)
The 2011 C6 Corvette is generally a good car to buy as used. It got bigger, and performance-oriented features like drilled brake rotors were included in the base trim for the first time this model year.
Magnetic suspension became available in 2011 and may be found on high-performance vehicles like the Cadillac CTS-V and the ZR1 Corvette. And if you’re in the market for one, you’ll be happy to know that the NHTSA received only 75 complaints for this model year, almost all of which concerned a gasoline odor.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 1 recall and 75 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.8/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 84/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8/5.0 consumer and 3.7 expert ratings.
4. Best Year: 2012 C6 Corvette (4.59 Rating)
There were no major updates to the Corvette for the 2012 year. New seats were added that were more supportive and comfy than the previous models.
Although 2012 likewise had 48 NHTSA complaints, sales were significantly lower than usual due to anticipation of the C7 Corvette. There were problems with the air conditioner, heater, and fuel system in 2012. Almost every model has these problems, but none of them are as severe as the worst C6 Corvette model years.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 1 recall and 48 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.8/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 81/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8/5.0 consumer and 3.9 expert ratings.
3. Best Year: 2009 C6 Corvette (4.64 Rating)
The 2009 model year is one of the best years to buy. The leaky fuel pump was still the most noticeable issue, as the gasoline smell would permeate the cabin. However, this was not a severe problem and only required a one-time repair.
The overall number of complaints filed with NHTSA is 144, and the number of complaints related to all other issues is small enough to count on one hand. When compared to earlier production years, that is negligible. Customers gave the 2009 model year its highest-ever rating of 5/5, placing it in second place in Midsize Premium Sporty Cars.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 0 recalls and 144 complaints.
- Edmunds: 5.0/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 84/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8/5.0 consumer ratings.
2. Best Year: 2013 C6 Corvette (4.65 Rating)
For the final year of the C6’s production run, Chevrolet had no plans to address the car’s persistent gasoline odor, as it had not done so in prior years. However, 2013 is still one of the best years for the C6 Corvette, and you have the highest chance of locating a superb condition model because it has just recently turned ten years old.
The normal Corvette owner may struggle, but it’s worth it if you want to buy his car because it’s the last year they were made, and only 300 were made in blue with beige interior and red brake calipers. Since this is the final year of manufacture, high prices are understandable given the Corvette’s durability, enduring popularity, and limited supply.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 0 recalls and 74 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.7/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 80/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8/5.0 consumer and 3.8 expert ratings.
1. Best Year: 2010 C6 Corvette (4.73 Rating)
By the 2010 model year, Chevrolet had ironed out practically all the problems that had plagued earlier models. Moreover, the remaining issues were far less common than before.
Very few changes were made to the Corvette for the 2010 model year, which is acceptable given that 2009 is among the best years. It means the fuel pump and gasoline smell were still an issue, but don’t worry, fixing them isn’t too expensive because you’ll only have to repair it once (and probably the previous owner did it).
Even fewer complaints were filed with the NHTSA in 2010, totaling 79, and customer satisfaction ratings remained extremely high. The 2010 C6 is still among the top-rated vehicles here, receiving the second-best Midsize Premium Sporty Car award from J.D.Power.
Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:
- NHTSA: 0 recalls and 79 complaints.
- Edmunds: 4.9/5.0 consumer ratings.
- J.D. Power: 84/100 consumer ratings.
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.8/5.0 consumer ratings.
Common C6 Corvette Problems
The C6 Corvette is a high-quality vehicle, but it does have a few common issues. These are things you need to know before buying a C6 Corvette. These can be found in a lot of C6 Corvettes.
Defective Wobbling harmonic balancers
Harmonic balancer failure is one of the most typical engine issues, especially on entry-level C6 Corvettes. Without intervention, this could disturb the engine’s timing or generate a resonant shaking that could break it. When this breaks, the automobile may sway erratically.
Gas Leakage
Gas leakage from a cranked fuel pump is another typical complaint about C6 Corvettes. The smell of gasoline is very present near the back tire on the driver’s side. Both the C5 and C6 generations of the Corvette are prone to this issue.
Timing chain Problems
The C6 Corvette’s timing chain frequently breaks and wears out. Unfortunately, if they break, it can cause severe problems for the entire engine, not just the chain.
Worn Valve Guides Issues
Wearing valve guides is a common cause of breakdowns in high-speed driving. Excessive noise from the valvetrain is an early symptom of worn valve guides, which is irritating but not immediately dangerous.
While initially harmless, this allows oil to enter the combustion chamber, where it burns, clogs spark plugs, causes misfires, and can even destroy the catalytic converter.
FAQs
Is the C6 Corvette a Reliable Vehicle?
In general, with a score of 3.0 out of 5.0, the C6 Corvette is one of the most reliable cars on the road. There were no significant mechanical problems with the engine, transmission, or suspension of any LS2- or LS3-powered C6 Corvettes. There were a few outliers with the brakes, but those were all addressed through recalls.
Should You Buy a Z06 or a C6?
When comparing performance, the Z06 Corvette is superior. The Z06 has new shock absorbers, a new body package, and GM’s most significant production V8 engine, at 7.0 liters of displacement. However, The primary C6 is more reliable than the Z06 because of the Z06’s LS7 engine troubles.
C5 or C6: Which One is Better?
While both the C5 and C6 Corvettes are regarded as dependable sports vehicles, the C6 has earned a higher reputation for reliability. The C5’s engine, gearbox, and suspension are strong points, but GM scrimped on the quality of some interior and auxiliary components, which causes wear and tear over time.
Wrap Up
Finally, our list of C6 Corvette years to avoid is concluded here. We recommend that you look for a C6 Corvette that has been well-maintained. You don’t have to worry too much about the year of your Corvette once you locate one like that for a good price.
