1990 Chevrolet Corvette Problems
- Complaints
- 34filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 57,999miles, 6 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 5.7L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 34 consumer complaints for the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette. The part named most often is air bags, with 16 complaints (47% of the total), followed by seat belts (8) and brakes (2). 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 17% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 57,999 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the anchorage filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags16 47%
- Seat belts8 24%
- Brakes2 5.9%
- Electrical system2 5.9%
- Fuel system2 5.9%
- Suspension2 5.9%
- Vehicle speed control2 5.9%
- Other or unknown1 2.9%
- Seats1 2.9%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “My wife and I were driving down 1-20 at 70 MPH when the driver side airbag deployed for no reason known to us. I was driving and was able to keep the car under control and get it stopped. The airbag injured my left arm and my chest. It filled the interior with smoke, which affected our breathing (my wife has asthma) and vision.”
NHTSA complaint #10723870, filed 2015-06, 23,767 milesSeat belts: “Gm ordered the incorrect seat belts which would satisfy the recall. They've ignored my phone calls and emails. According to my findings GM must either satisfy the recall or provide me with a suitable vehicle which is safe to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11190245, filed 2019-03, 56,000 milesElectrical system: “A problem inherent to all 1990 corvettes is corrosion of the area where the airbag sensors are attached to the frame under the hood. This causes a grounding problem and the constant display of the infl rest warning light. It also deactivates the airbag. Everything I read says it's due to a design flaw. Why would such an important problem like this not result in a recall?”
NHTSA complaint #712574, filed 1999-09Mileage when problems were reported
17% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,000 and 88,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1990 Chevrolet Corvette version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corvette RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,550 |
| Corvette RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 15 | 23 | 17 | $4,850 |
| Corvette RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,850 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 91V143000Sep 4, 1991Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Chevrolet Corvette 1984–1991
Under certain vehicle operations and occupant usage conditions, the safety belts can lockup or jam in the safety belt retractor.
- 90V008000Jan 22, 1990Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Chevrolet Corvette 1990
Fuel feed and return line connectors have incorrect line end flare configurations.
Recall details for the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- DP96006BRAKE PULLClosed · May 14, 1996
- DP92011Airbag failed to deployClosed · May 22, 1992
- PE90040Parking brake failureClosed · Feb 6, 1990
- PE90038Under dash fireClosed · Feb 2, 1990
- PE90032Tie rod socket failureClosed · Jan 12, 1990
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Corvette
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 11 | 25 | 3 | — | 14 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 21 | 500 | 2 | — | 15 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 27 | 812 | 1 | — | 15 | 43 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 21 | 9,250 | 1 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 2021 | 13 | 12,500 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 34 | 1,100 | 4 | — | 19 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 148 | 7,953 | 1 | — | 17 | 99 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 51 | 10,000 | 1 | — | 18 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 257 | 14,000 | 4 | — | 19 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 104 | 14,500 | 2 | — | 20 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 65 | 12,000 | 5 | — | 20 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 63 | 7,700 | 5 | — | 21 | 73 · More | Stable |
| 2013 | 82 | 18,250 | 0 | — | 18 | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 56 | 25,000 | 1 | — | 18 | 22 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 85 | 28,900 | 1 | — | 18 | 22 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 84 | 35,202 | 0 | — | 18 | 10 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 151 | 38,500 | 0 | — | 18 | 35 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 541 | 48,300 | 0 | — | 18 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 341 | 43,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 365 | 36,750 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 533 | 40,000 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 217 | 33,100 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 85 | 30,544 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 157 | 42,500 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 205 | 42,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 278 | 39,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 308 | 45,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 399 | 46,140 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 153 | 42,258 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 44 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 32 | 94,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 29 | 92,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 22 | 77,452 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Falling |
| 1992 | 7 | 34,000 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 24 | 89,450 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Falling |
| 1990 | 34 | 57,999 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1989 | 15 | 76,700 | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 16 | 57,000 | 3 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 21 | 99,000 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 15 | 83,200 | 3 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 16 | 92,000 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 14 | 94,000 | 5 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
| 1981 | 6 | 84,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Corvette model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette have?
NHTSA recorded 34 consumer complaints for the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 16 complaints (47% of the total), followed by seat belts with 8.
Has the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette get?
The EPA rates the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette (Corvette, 5.7L 8-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette reported?
Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 57,999 miles and the middle half falls between 50,000 and 88,000 miles; 17% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.