2016 Chevrolet Corvette Safety Report
2016 Chevrolet Corvette: Significant wheel cracking issues and airbag recall overshadow low overall complaint count; no official crash test ratings available.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
Reliability Score
The 2016 Chevrolet Corvette receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cracked Wheels/Rims Numerous reports of cast aluminum rims cracking, particularly rear wheels, leading to tire air loss and potential loss of control. This is a widespread issue among owners. |
High | Common | 22000-69000 miles |
| Transmission Shudder/Hesitation Vehicle experiences shuddering, especially at highway speeds (60-80 mph) or during low acceleration, and hesitation when shifting or accelerating from a stop. Often linked to transmission fluid issues. |
Medium | Common | 6200-10500 miles |
| Loss Of Power Steering Sudden loss of electric power steering assist while driving, making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer until the ignition is recycled. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Fuel Leaks/Smells Reports of fuel smells after filling up, indicating potential leaks, with one instance leading to a vehicle fire. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Airbag Non-Deployment (Recall) Recall for potential failure of front airbags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash, increasing injury risk. |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette:
The most prevalent issue, with 56 complaints, is related to cracked rims causing air loss, a significant safety concern.
14 complaints, including fuel leaks, smells, and one reported fire, indicating potential fire hazards.
9 complaints, primarily concerning transmission shudder, hesitation, and erratic shifting.
5 complaints, including issues like new noises after transmission repair.
3 complaints, specifically regarding sudden loss of electric power steering assist.
3 complaints, including issues like a detached dashboard and windshield cracks.
2 complaints, related to the airbag system, in addition to the existing recall.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette has a low number of overall complaints (103) and very few reported crashes (1), fires (1), or injuries (1). However, it lacks official NHTSA crash test ratings, making direct assessment of crashworthiness difficult. A significant safety concern is the high number of complaints (56) regarding cracked wheels, which can lead to tire air loss and potential loss of control. There are also two recalls related to frontal airbags that could fail to deploy, increasing injury risk in a crash.
What are common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette?
The most reported issues for the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette are related to the WHEELS, accounting for 56 complaints, primarily concerning cracked rims leading to air loss. Other common problems include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM issues (14 complaints) such as fuel leaks and smells, and POWER TRAIN issues (9 complaints) like transmission shudder and hesitation. There are also reports of sudden loss of power steering.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette?
Yes, the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette has two recalls, both related to 'AIR BAGS:FRONTAL'. These recalls address a defect where the front airbags or seat belt pretensioners may fail to deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Owners should ensure these recalls have been addressed by a dealership.
How reliable is the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette?
While a direct reliability score is not provided by NHTSA, the high volume of complaints (56 out of 103 total) specifically for 'WHEELS' indicates a significant and common manufacturing defect. Transmission issues (POWER TRAIN) are also notable. These recurring problems suggest potential reliability concerns, particularly with the wheels and powertrain components.
What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Corvette?
When buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Corvette, prioritize a thorough inspection of all four wheels for any signs of cracks, especially on the inner bead lip. Also, pay close attention to the transmission for any shuddering, hesitation, or erratic shifting during a test drive. Verify that all airbag recalls have been completed by checking the vehicle's VIN with a Chevrolet dealer or NHTSA's recall lookup tool.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the prevalent issue of cracked wheels and the critical airbag recalls, a pre-purchase inspection focusing on wheel integrity and recall completion is essential. Be prepared for potential transmission issues and factor in possible repair costs for these known problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Chevrolet Corvette
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette. The data includes 103 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.