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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.

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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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25,000 miles · Aug 25, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)StructureCrashInjury

FIRST THE ROOF BLEW OFF.THE COMMUNICATION MESSAGE CENTER GIVES MIS INFORMATION.THE CAR HAS ALWAYS MADE A GRINDING SOUND UNDER HOOD AT START UP.PROBLEMSM ACTIVATING EELECTRICAL STABILITY SYSTEM.ALSO AFTER ROOF REPAIR ROOF RATTLES AND ALWAYS SOUND LOOSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10628167

35,143 miles · Jul 9, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

THE SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVEING. I LOOKED UP THE VIN NUMBER AND ACCORDING TO CHEVROLET MY VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THIS IS ODD DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR BUILT IN JANUARY 2006 HAS THE SAME ISSUE. CHEVROLET HAS REFUSED TO FIX THIS ISSUE WHICH ONLY TAKES A SMALL…

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THE SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVEING. I LOOKED UP THE VIN NUMBER AND ACCORDING TO CHEVROLET MY VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THIS IS ODD DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR BUILT IN JANUARY 2006 HAS THE SAME ISSUE. CHEVROLET HAS REFUSED TO FIX THIS ISSUE WHICH ONLY TAKES A SMALL CLIP INSTALLED TO REPAIR. ACCORDING TO BLOGS IT COULD CAUSE THE CARS BRAKES TO MAKE THE CARE VEAR TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS DANGEROUS THAT IT MAY HAPPEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10609445

35,000 miles · Jul 29, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Traction Control System

APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO, MY 2006 CORVETTE STARTED SHOWING THREE MESSAGES: SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING/SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL/SERVICE ABS. I WAS GOING TO HAVE THE DEALER TAKE A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE, BUT THEN THE MESSAGES WENT AWAY. THEY WOULD COME ON AND OFF, BUT IT WAS NOT A VERY FREQUENT OCCURRENCE. YESTERDAY, 07/28/2013, NO…

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APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO, MY 2006 CORVETTE STARTED SHOWING THREE MESSAGES: SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING/SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL/SERVICE ABS. I WAS GOING TO HAVE THE DEALER TAKE A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE, BUT THEN THE MESSAGES WENT AWAY. THEY WOULD COME ON AND OFF, BUT IT WAS NOT A VERY FREQUENT OCCURRENCE. YESTERDAY, 07/28/2013, NOT ONLY DID THE MESSAGES APPEAR, BUT MY ABS KICKED IN WHILE GOING AROUND A CORNER AND I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. I SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IT, BUT ALL THREE MESSAGES CAME BACK ON WITHIN 30 SECONDS OF DRIVING IT. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY 2006 CORVETTE WITH ONLY 40,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10532410

12,000 miles · Jan 11, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

I OWN A 2006 CORVETTE MANUFACTURED IN FEBRUARY OF 2006. FROM EARLY 2009 (JUST PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE GOING OUT OF WARRANTY) I BEGAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM (SAHS) WARNING LIGHT COMING ON. INITIALLY THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A TURN OR WHEN IT HIT A BUMP ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE …

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I OWN A 2006 CORVETTE MANUFACTURED IN FEBRUARY OF 2006. FROM EARLY 2009 (JUST PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE GOING OUT OF WARRANTY) I BEGAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM (SAHS) WARNING LIGHT COMING ON. INITIALLY THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A TURN OR WHEN IT HIT A BUMP ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE WARNING WOULD CLEAR ITSELF PERIODICALLY. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO TWO SEPARATE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS (GROTH BROS. CHEVROLET, LIVERMORE, CA AND DUBLIN CHEVROLET CADILLAC, DUBLIN, CA). NEITHER FACILITY WAS ABLE TO DEFINITIVELY DIAGNOSE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. DUBLIN CHEVROLET CADILLAC DID PERFORM THE RECALL SERVICE IN WHICH THEY ADDED A RETENTION CLIP TO THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE TILT/TELESCOPIC STEERING COLUMN. THEY PERFORMED THIS REPAIR AT MY INSISTENCE AND AT A COST TO ME BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED THE MONTH AFTER THE LAST MANUFACTURING MONTH OF THE RECALL. THE ADDITION OF THE RETENTION CLIP REMEDIED THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY BUT IT DID RETURN. THE SAHS WARNING NOW COMES ON AND STAYS ON NEARLY ALL THE TIME. I HAVE SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS OVER THE FACT THAT GM HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DEFINITIVELY DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM ESPECIALLY NOW THAT I HAVE LEARNED THAT MANY OWNERS OF 2005/2006 CORVETTES HAVE HAD A RELATED ISSUE WITH THE FRONT BRAKES LOCKING UP. I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED THIS PHENOMENON YET BUT BELIEVE THAT IT PROBABLY WILL EVENTUALLY OCCUR. I BROUGHT ALL OF THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF GM?S CORPORATE SERVICE COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT, ASKING THAT THEY FIND A WAY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE ONCE AND FOR ALL, AT THEIR EXPENSE, IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT IT BEGAN AT THE TIME THE WARRANTY WAS ENDING. THE REQUEST WAS DENIED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10492262

20,000 miles · Nov 9, 2012
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)TiresCrash

ON WEDNESDAY 7 NOV 2012, I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT APPROX 4:30PM AND WHILE CHANGING LANES (FROM THE RH LANE TO THE LH LANE, TO MAKE A LEFT TURN IN APPROX HALF A MILE) WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRES POPPED AND I SPUN, CROSSED THE MEDIAN, CROSS TWO SOUTHBOUND LANES, STRUCK AN ELECTRICITY POLE, SPUN AGAIN AND FINALLY CAME…

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ON WEDNESDAY 7 NOV 2012, I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT APPROX 4:30PM AND WHILE CHANGING LANES (FROM THE RH LANE TO THE LH LANE, TO MAKE A LEFT TURN IN APPROX HALF A MILE) WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRES POPPED AND I SPUN, CROSSED THE MEDIAN, CROSS TWO SOUTHBOUND LANES, STRUCK AN ELECTRICITY POLE, SPUN AGAIN AND FINALLY CAME TO REST ON THE SIDEWALK & GRASS. NEITHER STABILITY CONTROL NOR TRACTION CONTROL ACTIVATED ONCE THE CAR BEGAN TO SPIN (COUNTER CLOCKWISE) WHICH CREATED AN UNCONTROLLABLE AND UNRECOVERABLE SPIN. THE FAILURE OF THESE SYSTEMS ACTIVATE AND OPERATE PROPERLY COULD HAVE KILLED ME AND DESTROYED THE CAR. BOTH SYSTEMS WERE FULLY OPERATIONAL AND ON. ALSO, THE SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE IMPACTED THE POLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10483864

14,200 miles · Aug 23, 2011
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

FREQUENTLY SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING INDICATOR COMES ON AND STABILITY CONTROL IS DISABLED. HAS BEEN TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST 5 YEARS, BUT PROBLEM HAS NEVER BEEN FIXED BY DEALER. THE LAST 2 TIMES THIS HAPPENED A FRONT WHEEL LOCKED UP FOR A FEW SECONDS CAUSING CAR TO ABRUPTLY SWERVE.

NHTSA ODI #10422036

16,558 miles · Jul 18, 2011
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

THE "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM" WARNING ACTIVATES ON MY DASH AND CAR DRIVES ERRATIC. IF I PULL OF THE ROAD AND TURN CAR OFF AND THEN TURN THE CAR BACK ON, THE SYSTEM WILL RESET ITSELF. UNFORTUNATELY THE WARNING RE-ACTIVATES A DAY OR SO LATER. THE CAR ONLY HAS 16,500 MILES ON IT. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10413440

17,000 miles · Jul 1, 2011
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL WHILE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000. …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL WHILE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000. UPDATED 08/01/11*LJ THE CONSUMER REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THE DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. UPDATED 08/11/11

NHTSA ODI #10410191

48,000 miles · Jun 1, 2011
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Traction Control System

WHEN DRIVING THE SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT APPEARS ON THE DASH. I HAVE HAD THE ORIGINAL RECALL FIX PERFORMED ON MY CAR (ORANGE/RED CLIP) AND HAD THE STEERING WHEEL POSITIONING SENSOR REPLACED. THE PROBLEM IS NOW BACK AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10404003

34,660 miles · May 31, 2011
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Wheels

I OWN A 2006 CORVETTE AND WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 270 IN GERMANTOWN, MD THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL OF THE CAR LOCKED UP FOR NO REASON. I WAS NOT BRAKING TURNING OR CHANGING SPEED. I WAS CRUISING AT A CONSTANT 60 MPH WHEN IT ALL OF A SUDDEN LOCKED UP THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL. IT CAUSED THE CAR TO RUN OFF THE ROAD INTO THE SHOULDER! I WA…

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I OWN A 2006 CORVETTE AND WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 270 IN GERMANTOWN, MD THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL OF THE CAR LOCKED UP FOR NO REASON. I WAS NOT BRAKING TURNING OR CHANGING SPEED. I WAS CRUISING AT A CONSTANT 60 MPH WHEN IT ALL OF A SUDDEN LOCKED UP THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL. IT CAUSED THE CAR TO RUN OFF THE ROAD INTO THE SHOULDER! I WAS VERY LUCKY TO BE EXACTLY WHERE I WAS AT THE TIME OR SOMEONE MAY HAVE BEEN KILLED! I LOOKED INTO GM RECALL INFO AND FOUND THERE HAS BEEN 3 DIFFERENT FIXES FOR THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO FOUND THAT 2 OF THE 3 FIXES HAVE BEEN DONE TO THIS CAR BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND NEITHER FIX HAS WORKED. I AM BRINGING THE CAR INTO THE DEALER TOMORROW AFTER SOME QUICK RESEARCH I FOUND THIS PROBLEM TO BE VERY COMMON TO THE 2005-2008 CORVETTES. I CAN'T BELIEVE GM HAS DONE NOTHING ABOUT THIS! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10403941

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.