2008 Chevrolet Corvette Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Corvette years
Typical for this model
48/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Chevrolet Corvette year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 10 of its 541 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported problem: Fuel smell and leak at driver-side tank flange (387 complaints, median 52,344 mi).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009, 2010, 2011
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 541filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 48,300miles, 411 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 6.2L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 25 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe a strong gasoline smell from the driver-side fuel tank area, usually after filling above about half a tank, often with visible fuel on top of the tank or drips underneath. The other recurring themes are intermittent airbag warning lights, occasional headlamp failures, and engine valve trouble that a few owners describe as serious. Many of the fuel-smell complaints come from cars with relatively low mileage, and several owners say the smell appears after the car sits.
- Fuel system
Fuel smell and leak at driver-side tank flange
- 387 complaints (72%)
- median 52,344 mi at 9.2 yrs old (279 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,500 (median of 41 quotes)
- filed 2008–2026
Owners describe a strong raw-gasoline odor outside the car and inside the cabin, strongest near the driver-side rear wheel and in a closed garage. Many say it appears only when the tank is filled above roughly half and fades at lower levels, and some report visible fuel or wet staining on top of the left tank or drips underneath. Complaints mention dealers replacing the tank, fuel pump module and sending units, sometimes quoting several thousand dollars, and several owners say they were told a special coverage or bulletin applied but that it had expired on their car. Reported across a wide mileage spread from about 10,000 to over 200,000 miles, frequently in cars under 70,000 miles, and often noticed after refueling or after the car sits.
What to check: Smell the filler and driver-side rear area with the tank full, and look on top of the left tank and the support pan for wet fuel or staining. Ask whether the tank flange, pump module or sending units have been replaced and whether any special coverage still applies.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After driving my car I parked it in my garage the next morning my garage was filled with gas fumes called dealer and brought car in they told me it was the fuel pump module and my car was out of extended warranty it only has 18000 miles on it and they said repair was approximately 3000.00 dollars”
NHTSA complaint #11385985, filed 2021-01, 18,000 miles“So recently bought a 2008 Corvette c6 from rick hendricks Chevrolet, and have been smelling the gas smell since I got it, I can smell it outside the car, in the cockpit all the time if it's over half a tank, I look under the car and there's gas all under it. Seems like it's coming from the top of the fuel tank, my fuel mileage isn't that great because of it. Smell is constant, until it's below half a tank.”
NHTSA complaint #11416654, filed 2021-05, 78,000 miles - Electronic stability control
Stability and handling warnings, ABS module damage
- 44 complaints (8%)
- median 34,665 mi at 6.8 yrs old (42 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2020
Owners report 'service active handling' and traction control warnings appearing while driving, and in some cases loss of control or a fishtail event. Complaints describe damage at the electronic brake control module and its harness plug, with one owner finding a burned connector and wiring. The same complaints note the warnings returned after repairs. Reported from about 18,000 to 167,000 miles, often on ordinary road driving rather than at the track.
What to check: Watch for stability or traction control messages during a test drive, and inspect the brake control module connector for corrosion or heat damage. Ask whether the module or harness has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car reeks of gas if tank is filled more than half tank full. Fuel sprays from high pressure line at the top of the left tank, runs down sides and collects in sheetmetal pan that holds tank up. This car has only 20,000 miles and was out of service from 2015 to 2019 with a massive electrical meltdown of the ABS system that completely destroyed the ecbm and the harness plug. After fixing the ABS system in 2019, and driving the car again, I noticed strong fuel smell inside the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11366490, filed 2020-10, 18,000 miles“Catastrophic ABS system failure. While traveling about 30 MPH on dry pavement, the tail end of the car suddenly fishtailed left then right, turning around 180 degrees, totally out of control. The right rear wheel struck the curb of the median, severely bending the right rear wheel, and damaging the right rear wheel bearing too. …”
NHTSA complaint #11353567, filed 2020-09, 18,000 miles - Engine
Engine valve and internal failure
- 61 complaints (11%)
- median 34,000 mi at 7.5 yrs old (49 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,000 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2008–2023
A few owners describe exhaust valve or valve guide trouble that led to a dropped valve, lost power and, in some cases, major engine damage while driving. Complaints mention oil consumption on one cylinder and damage to the catalytic converter, and repairs quoted in the thousands of dollars. Some report the problem recurring after an earlier repair under warranty. Mostly reported between roughly 20,000 and 35,000 miles, with one case around 119,000 miles.
What to check: Check oil level and consumption between changes, listen for ticking or misfire at idle, and ask for service records showing any valve, head or engine work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“That night I was driving on the highway at 70 MPH when the engine blew up because the valve dropped though the 8th cylinder and the car shook all the equipment stopped working and the brake not working well ,I was so scared that the road was very busy , thankfully I drove the car to a safe place,the car make 2008 only 34 k mile ,my car had been repair at Chevrolet dealership cost over 16 thousand dollars.”
NHTSA complaint #11323808, filed 2020-05, 34,000 miles“The vehicle dropped a cylinder head valve and was fixed under original factory warranty in 2012. It was fixed by the dealer using factory parts. It was on the freeway and the motor lost almost all power. I had to get towed. It happened again in 2016 after 20,000 miles and religious oil changes. This car was maintained meticulously. They cylinders were found to be at fault of destroying an exhaust valve both times. Additionally, the number 8 cylinder was found to be consuming oil, which destroyed my catalytic converter. …”
NHTSA complaint #11318541, filed 2020-03, 24,000 miles
Buying note. Ask specifically about the fuel tank flange and pump module on the driver's side and check for a fuel smell with the tank full, since that is what owners report most. Service records for airbag wiring, headlamp repairs and any engine or ABS module work are also worth reviewing before purchase.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 541 consumer complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. 411 of the complaints include a mileage, and 51% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 48,300 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 1,027 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Chevrolet Corvette model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 48 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
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.
- Fuel system374 69%
- Exterior lighting46 8.5%
- Electrical system39 7.2%
- Transmission and drivetrain32 5.9%
- Air bags24 4.4%
- Engine21 3.9%
- Other or unknown20 3.7%
- Electronic stability control16 3.0%
- Brakes15 2.8%
- Steering12 2.2%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (7), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Suspension (3), Body and structure (2), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Seat belts (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Very strong fuel smell, after filling up with fuel. Fuel smell while driving vehicle. After vehicle is turned off, I can hear a sizzling sound on rear exhaust , as well as smelling fuel. There are gas leak marks on left rear fuel tank, as if fuel is leaking somewhere on left fuel tank. I am worried about possible fire or explosion with driving this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11265791, filed 2019-10, 89,000 milesExterior lighting: “Like many of the other complaints that have been filed the low beam head lights go out for no apparent reason. It appears that they go out when the car heats up but we don't know. This is a huge safety issue and it should be taken care of by the manufacturer. We have contacted the manufacturer and they won't do anything unless NHTSA tells them to.”
NHTSA complaint #10548492, filed 2013-10, 53,000 milesElectrical system: “My new (to me - second owner) 2008 Corvette was stuck in park in a grocery store parking lot. I finally had to force it out and this damaged the shift assembly that had to be replaced at my expense. The problem is with the electronic module that is part of the shift assembly that controls the hold brake before starting. I found out after the fact that a number of Corvette owners have had the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10610254, filed 2014-07, 18,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Ocassionally, the car will not shift out of park. The engine will start as normal but it's hung in park. After we turn the car off, get out wait a few minutes we have been able to restart the car and drive home. So far we have been lucky and not stranded, but realize it's just a matter of time before we are stranded in a parking lot or remote location away from home or help.”
NHTSA complaint #10850634, filed 2016-03, 32,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
51% of the 411 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 31,000 and 71,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 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 | 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 26 | 19 | $4,350 |
| Corvette RWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 25 | 18 | $4,550 |
| Corvette RWD | 7.0L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 15 | 24 | 18 | $4,550 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,027 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025Electrical system, Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11014061Feb 7, 2025Other or unknown. This PIC provides a diagnostic check to help technicians test for a weak hydraulic cylinder on a power folding top.
- 11014060Feb 7, 2025Other or unknown. This PIC directs technicians into some common areas to inspect when dealing with a folding top that appears to be misaligned.
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
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette?
Owners of this model year most often describe a strong gasoline smell from the driver-side fuel tank area, usually after filling above about half a tank, often with visible fuel on top of the tank or drips underneath. The issues reported most often: Fuel smell and leak at driver-side tank flange; Stability and handling warnings, ABS module damage; Engine valve and internal failure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette have?
NHTSA recorded 541 consumer complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 374 complaints (69% of the total), followed by exterior lighting with 46.
Has the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (Corvette, 6.2L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette reported?
Among the 411 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 48,300 miles and the middle half falls between 31,000 and 71,000 miles; 51% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. 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.