1996 Chevrolet Corvette Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 20%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 133,725miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette, 20% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 133,725 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Tried to start vehicle, but 'security' light came on & engine would not turn over. Researched issue online & found that this is due to a known ignition lock cylinder problem. The wires leading to the ignition lock cylinder break, and will not allow the anti-theft system to properly read the security code from the key.”
NHTSA complaint #10596668, filed 2014-06, 133,725 miles“Upon normal auto start sequence, starter would not disengage. Removed key from vehicle cylinder lock and starter continued to crank engine. Starter motor began to smoke and caught fire before battery could be disconnected to remove power from vehicle. Burned up starter motor and o2 wiring harness around location of starter motor. Same failure occurred in 1999.”
NHTSA complaint #10217831, filed 2008-02, 160,000 miles“Appears the asr unit hard shorted sending electricity through all 3 throttle cables and sebsequently melting them. Thankfully the vehicle didn't start on fire. This problem occurred on the first drive of the day after about 7 minutes of low speed (city) operation since engine start.”
NHTSA complaint #10883595, filed 2016-07“Check engine light on / distributor failed while driving, engine stalled, lost power steering. Engine refired. On way to dealer engine stalled in traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #752947, filed 2001-10“While parked an electrical short in the computer system caused the vehicle to catch on fire. Consumer states that there was also structural damage to furniture and property.”
NHTSA complaint #818649, filed 1997-11Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 9% |
| 2024 | 4 | 19% |
| 2023 | 7 | 26% |
| 2022 | 7 | 33% |
| 2021 | 4 | 31% |
| 2020 | 3 | 9% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 2% |
| 2016 | 6 | 6% |
| 2015 | 5 | 8% |
| 2014 | 8 | 13% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 6 | 11% |
| 2011 | 3 | 4% |
| 2010 | 5 | 6% |
| 2009 | 8 | 5% |
| 2008 | 39 | 7% |
| 2007 | 35 | 10% |
| 2006 | 44 | 12% |
| 2005 | 101 | 19% |
| 2004 | 11 | 5% |
| 2003 | 15 | 18% |
| 2002 | 17 | 11% |
| 2001 | 25 | 12% |
| 2000 | 24 | 9% |
| 1999 | 30 | 10% |
| 1998 | 32 | 8% |
| 1997 | 9 | 6% |
| 1996 | 9 | 20% |
| 1995 | 7 | 22% |
| 1994 | 5 | 17% |
| 1993 | 3 | 14% |
| 1992 | 3 | 43% |
| 1991 | 4 | 17% |
| 1990 | 2 | 6% |
| 1989 | 2 | 13% |
| 1988 | 4 | 25% |
| 1987 | 3 | 14% |
| 1986 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsInterior lighting
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology