In production since 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette has carved out a space as America’s supercar. Over the years, it has become an icon of performance and style. But it was in 2019 that the Bowtie brand truly took things to the next level. That year, Chevrolet first unveiled a production model with a mid-engine layout—a design choice that, in the eyes of many, secured the Corvette’s place among exotic rides like Ferrari and Lamborghini.
The 2020 Corvette made a huge splash upon debut. It was named both the North American Car of the Year and the Motor Trend Car of the Year. It immediately gained popularity with drivers who quickly scooped up the entire first-year production run, even before the first retail example came off the line. Some industry observers even suggest that Chevrolet might have made these cars too good.
### Consumer Reports Ratings and Reliability
Perhaps even more surprising were the Corvette’s ratings from Consumer Reports (CR). Not only did CR recommend the 2021 Corvette despite not fully testing the 2020 model, but it also highlighted the car’s top-notch reliability. Consumer Reports uses its own proprietary scoring model for reliability, but it’s worth noting that the 2021 Corvette ranked as more reliable than several highly regarded competitors, including the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
While the very newest 2025 Corvette models haven’t quite rated as highly for predicted reliability, they still outperform other CR-picked rivals such as the 2025 Porsche 718 Boxster and Nissan Z. The 2025 Corvette’s reliability is also not far behind the BMW Z4, showcasing strong performance even among luxury sports cars.
### Owner-Reported Reliability Feedback
Consumer Reports also gathers important owner-reported feedback about the Corvette’s reliability history, and nearly all the indicators for the current generation cars are positive. Since CR’s first full test in 2021, the eighth-generation Corvette has shown improvements in several key areas:
– Powertrain
– Suspension/steering
– In-car electronics
In fact, CR points out that in-car electronics and climate systems are among the biggest growing concerns in late-model cars, reflecting common issues with design or quality. Notably, one of the few areas where the C8 Corvette’s reliability worsened was the climate system in the 2023 models, along with the braking system.
### Recalls and Owner-Reported Trouble Spots
Consumer Reports also tracks recalls. The 2025 Corvette has already been subject to two recalls, including one related to a potential fire risk. Models from 2020 to 2024 have had a combined total of 10 recalls, averaging about two recalls per year over the past six model years.
Examining the 2024 Corvette in more detail reveals only two notable owner-reported trouble spots out of 17 areas tracked:
– Poor ratings for body hardware like doors, latches, windows, and removable roof panels
– Middling scores for minor engine issues, such as belts, pulleys, and the engine computer
### The Seventh-Generation Corvette (C7)
Consumer Reports holds a fairly extensive data set on the seventh-generation Corvette (C7), which launched in 2014. At that time, CR praised the car for upgraded cabin materials and an overall refinement upgrade compared to the previous generation. In terms of reliability, the 2014 Corvette scored significantly better than the Toyota Camry, providing useful context as a benchmark midsize sedan.
While the 2014 model did experience some in-car electronics issues and was subject to five recalls, owner-reported trouble in other areas was minimal. By 2016, the Corvette’s predicted reliability had improved slightly, and reports of electronics problems noticeably declined.
### Reliability Decline in Later Years
Unfortunately, the seventh-generation Corvette’s reliability seems to have peaked around 2016. The predicted reliability for the 2017 model saw a significant drop. Although the 2018 model went untested, the 2019 model’s predicted reliability plummeted sharply.
At this point, based solely on Consumer Reports’ overall reliability grades, the 2019 Corvette ranked lower than its brand mate, the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse—which itself was one of CR’s five least reliable vehicles of the year.
Major owner-reported issues for the 2019 Corvette included:
– Climate system
– Suspension/steering
– Transmission
– In-car electronics
– Drive system
This decline aligns with reports that GM invested very little in the development of the C7 Corvette’s later years, leading to noticeable compromises in reliability.
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The Chevrolet Corvette remains a benchmark American sports car with a storied history and significant advancements in recent years, especially with the transition to the mid-engine C8. While reliability has generally improved in the latest generation, there have been notable challenges, particularly in the earlier years of the C7. As always, potential buyers should consider both model year and specific reliability data when choosing a Corvette.
https://www.jalopnik.com/2012422/chevrolet-corvette-reliability/
