2009 Chevrolet Corvette Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 16%of 151 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,845miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette, 16% of the 151 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,845 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Although my car is a 2009 it only has 300 miles on it. The zo6 model which has the ls7 engine has a known valve issue with both intake and exhaust being out of spec and wearing rapidly. I had a wiggle test done on all my valves. More than half of the 16 valves were out of spec. If the issue is not correct a valve will drop and a new engine will be required.”
NHTSA complaint #11051354, filed 2017-11, 300 miles“My engine experienced valve guide failure while driving which resulted in a complete loss of power and spilled oil all over the road. The entire engine was destroyed. If I had not been able to pull over safely it could have been very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11323493, filed 2020-05, 35,000 miles“I became aware of a potential valve guide wear issue with the ls7 and ls9 engines through the Corvette forum, the Corvette action center, and other sources. I began researching the issue and decided that I should have my car checked out at a GM dealership. It was determined that the valve train noise appeared to be normal and the engine was not burning or using any excessive oil. The more I followed the valve guide wear issue, the more concerned I became. …”
NHTSA complaint #10676466, filed 2015-01, 7,500 miles“I experienced an engine failure. This resulted in a sudden and complete loss of power at an unexpected time. This occurred during a high performance driver education event at auto club speedway in fontana, ca. There was no warning before the moment the engine failed. The cause of the failure was the head of one of the exhaust valves separated from the valve stem and fell into the cylinder, destroying the cylinder head, piston and cylinder wall. The engine model in my 2009 Corvette is the ls7. A google search on 'ls7 dropped valves' will fill many pages.”
NHTSA complaint #11318640, filed 2020-03, 30,133 miles“Regarding the cylinder heads, I am one of hundreds that experienced intake and exhaust valves that were out of specification due to inadequate cylinder head design and valve guides. As a result, I needed to have my heads replaced with rebuilt heads and new valve guides. The uploaded document highlights the measurements on the valves as being out of specification after they were tested upon removal from my vehicle. On an engine with only 11,000 miles at the time, this is alarming. Hundreds others have experienced the same defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #11071992, filed 2018-02, 11,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11007116Aug 6, 2024This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007091Aug 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or…
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10199238May 3, 2021This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 9% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 2 | 7% |
| 2022 | 1 | 5% |
| 2020 | 4 | 12% |
| 2019 | 4 | 3% |
| 2017 | 3 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 6% |
| 2015 | 8 | 12% |
| 2014 | 5 | 8% |
| 2013 | 8 | 10% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 5 | 6% |
| 2010 | 3 | 4% |
| 2009 | 24 | 16% |
| 2008 | 21 | 4% |
| 2007 | 26 | 8% |
| 2006 | 24 | 7% |
| 2005 | 13 | 2% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 5 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 2% |
| 1998 | 4 | 1% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 6% |
| 1994 | 3 | 10% |
| 1993 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
82 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology