2003 Chevrolet Corvette Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 13%of 85 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,625miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette, 13% of the 85 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,625 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“The manual transmission makes marbles in a can type noises. The transaxle was replaced at 465 miles for excessive noise. The noise is back, I have taken it back into the dealer numerous times over the last year for this and the dealer now says it is normal and refuses to do anything about it. I have elevated this to Chevrolet Corvette owner assistance but with no resolution.”
NHTSA complaint #10072846, filed 2004-05, 465 miles“While driving at higher speeds and when shifting from fourth to fifth gear gear shift wanted to go into reverse. When this happened, there was a grinding sound coming from the gear mechanism. This problem occurred six times in the last three weeks.”
NHTSA complaint #10055980, filed 2004-01, 10,000 miles“While accelerating from a stop into an intersection the vehicle failed to shift from first gear into second gear. As a result, the vehicle became inoperative.”
NHTSA complaint #10073607, filed 2004-05, 500 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while in first gear, he applied the accelerator pedal and the vehicle immediately jumped out of gear. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the bushings were replaced in the transmission but the failure recurred. The contact also stated that the service steering column lock warning light illuminated. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign id number: 04v060000 (steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10681806, filed 2015-02, 12,000 miles“While shifting from first gear to second gear vehicle jerked. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic could not duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10071602, filed 2004-04Related service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10113664May 29, 2015This informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil cooler flow test essential tool J-45096 TransFlow®.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 9% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 8 | 30% |
| 2022 | 5 | 24% |
| 2021 | 7 | 54% |
| 2020 | 6 | 18% |
| 2019 | 10 | 7% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 12 | 12% |
| 2015 | 18 | 28% |
| 2014 | 9 | 14% |
| 2013 | 3 | 4% |
| 2012 | 2 | 4% |
| 2011 | 11 | 13% |
| 2010 | 4 | 5% |
| 2009 | 6 | 4% |
| 2008 | 32 | 6% |
| 2007 | 51 | 15% |
| 2006 | 33 | 9% |
| 2005 | 70 | 13% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 11 | 13% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 2% |
| 2000 | 7 | 3% |
| 1999 | 12 | 4% |
| 1998 | 18 | 5% |
| 1997 | 3 | 2% |
| 1996 | 6 | 14% |
| 1995 | 3 | 9% |
| 1994 | 4 | 14% |
| 1993 | 3 | 14% |
| 1991 | 1 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 13% |
| 1988 | 2 | 13% |
| 1985 | 2 | 13% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
| 1981 | 3 | 50% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
32 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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