Depending on the model year, a used Chevrolet Corvette could be your ticket to a bona fide performance bargain. However, a few model years from the seventh-generation (C7) Plastic Fantastic can potentially leave you high and dry. Read about the 2015, 2016, and 2017 Chevrolet Corvette, the early C7 models with NHTSA and owner complaints from wheel issues to fuel system problems. 

What years of Corvette should you stay away from?

While a C7-generation Chevy Corvette is a capable and touring-friendly package, not every model year is without issues. For instance, the 2015 and 2016 model years made Consumer Reports’ list of “Used Cars to Avoid Buying.” 

Specifically, the CR evaluators said the models on the list have “much-worse-than-average” reliability compared to other models from the last 10 years. Moreover, the 2015, 2016, and 2017 Chevrolet Corvettes from the seventh generation are the model years with some of the most significant owner complaints.   

What problems does the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette have?

The most common owner-reported complaint with the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette pertains to jerkiness and improper transmission operation. Unfortunately, one of the owner complaints resulted in an expensive replacement of the model’s seven-speed manual transmission.

Moreover, the 2015 model has 16 NHTSA complaints of powertrain issues like shuttering and sluggish shifting, per Car Complaints.    

What issues does the 2016 Chevy Corvette have?

The 2016 Chevrolet Corvette has 12 NHTSA complaints about fuel system issues, like fuel tank pump module cracks that could result in leaks or odor. Moreover, 50 NHTSA complaints indicate some of the model’s wheels could develop cracks that could cause an air leak at as little as 17,031 miles.   

Does the 2017 Corvette have issues?

Like the 2016 model, the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette has owner complaints about cracked wheels that could result in air loss. Specifically, Car Complaints reports 203 NHTSA reports of wheel problems, most often a crack that hurts air retention. 

Additionally, fewer than 20 official complaints indicate a chance of power steering failure at under 10,000 miles.  

Should you steer clear of a C7 Chevrolet Corvette?

While steering and transmission issues sound costly and even dangerous, the frequency of the owner and NHTSA complaints suggest that these C7 Chevrolet Corvette problems are rare. For instance, General Motors produced 40,689 Corvettes in 2016, while just 50 NHTSA complaints pertain to wheel cracks.  

 
Additionally, the C7 Corvette’s average annual repair costs of around $750 put it on par with many other less high-performance cars, per RepairPal. While issues could be frustrating, repairing and maintaining one of these C7 models could be much more affordable than comparable performance car alternatives.