2015 Chevrolet Corvette Safety Report

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable number of recalls addressing critical safety components, but a lack of comprehensive crash test ratings from NHTSA. With 64 total complaints, 3 crashes, 0 fires, and 3 injuries reported, the vehicle's real-world incident data is relatively low for its age. However, the absence of NHTSA's overall, frontal, side, and rollover safety ratings means a key aspect of its passive safety performance remains unassessed by this agency. The five recalls issued for this model year are significant, addressing issues ranging from potential air bag deployment failures (two separate recalls), suspension toe link separation which could lead to loss of control, driver frontal air bag separation from the steering wheel, and parking brake cable issues that could cause rollaway. These recalls indicate proactive measures by GM to correct potentially serious safety defects. Analysis of the complaint data reveals several recurring patterns. The 'POWER TRAIN' category leads with 18 complaints, often describing shuddering, vibration, and transmission issues, including a 'torque converter shudder' and 'hard shifts'. 'WHEELS' are the second most complained about component with 12 reports, predominantly detailing cracked rims, particularly on the rear wheels, which owners attribute to manufacturing defects rather than road hazards. 'FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' and 'ENGINE' each account for 6 complaints, with fuel smell and broken valve springs being specific concerns. Other issues include flickering or black infotainment screens affecting backup camera visibility, and stress cracks in the windshield. The recall history is a significant factor. Two recalls (15V-421 and 16V-651) specifically address air bag deployment failures, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Recall 14V-688 for 'SUSPENSION' highlights a risk of toe link separation, directly impacting vehicle stability and steering control. Another air bag recall (14V-689) concerns the driver frontal air bag separating from the steering wheel. Finally, recall 14V-690 addresses a parking brake issue that could lead to unintended vehicle rollaway. These recalls, while indicating potential initial defects, also show that GM has identified and attempted to mitigate these risks. The high number of complaints related to power train and wheels, despite recalls for other components, suggests ongoing reliability concerns in these areas.

Our recommendation: Given the significant recalls and recurring complaints about transmission and wheel issues, potential buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the wheels and powertrain, and ensure all 5 recalls have been addressed.