2011 Chevrolet Corvette Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Corvette years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
22/100 0.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.5× 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.
- 5 of its 85 complaints were filed by the end of 2013.
- Most reported problem: Gasoline smell and fuel leak at top of tank (47 complaints, median 50,600 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 85filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 28,900miles, 57 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 6.2L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2011 Corvette most often describe a gasoline smell around the car, usually after filling the tank, and many trace it to the top of the fuel tank or fuel pump area. A smaller but recurring group of complaints covers an airbag warning light, a 'service active handling' message with unexpected braking, and driveline or shifter noises. Many fuel-smell reports come in from cars with modest mileage, and some owners say the problem returned after a prior repair.
- Fuel system
Gasoline smell and fuel leak at top of tank
- 47 complaints (55%)
- median 50,600 mi at 8.2 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- filed 2015–2026
Owners describe a strong gasoline odor inside the cabin, around the driver-side rear wheel area, and in the garage after parking, most often right after filling the tank or with the tank more than half full. Several say a shop found fuel leaking from the top of the tank at the fuel pump module or a cracked plastic fitting, and some had the pump or tank replaced. Complaints also mention the fuel gauge dropping to empty or a service fuel system message, and repeated gas cap replacements that did not help. Some owners report the smell came back after a previous repair. Reported across a wide mileage range, from roughly 12,000 to 120,000 miles, and most often shortly after refueling.
What to check: After a fill-up, smell around the driver-side rear wheel and inside the cabin, and look for stains or dampness on top of the tank. Ask whether the fuel pump module or tank has been replaced and keep the receipt, since owners report the odor returning.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased 2011 c6 Corvette. I had the Corvette repair because I very bad gas smell inside and outside.. So I take it to Corvette mechanic. It cost me 4k to fix.. Ouch ..I been looking for recall on this year and found nothing.. I found on 06 Corvette. But the samething is happen on the 2011 c6 .. Why? I can't place the vette in my garage because the smell was too bad..”
NHTSA complaint #11373452, filed 2020-11, 89,157 miles“Car has a very strong fuel odor when filling tank over half full. The fuel gauge will sometimes go to empty prompting a service fuel system message on display screen for 30-40 seconds, then goes back to previous level reading. I've owned car for 4 years, I remember getting a g.m. Recall notice in the mail about a fuel system recall shortly after buying it, but I can't find it now.”
NHTSA complaint #11317425, filed 2020-03, 91,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light on while driving
- 7 complaints (8%)
- median 12,050 mi at 4.2 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2022
Owners describe the airbag readiness light coming on intermittently or staying on, sometimes during acceleration or after the car sits, and on some cars the passenger airbag status indicator stops working. Complaints mention connectors under the seats chafing on the carpet when the seat is moved, and a connector for the seat belt and side impact sensors coming loose under the driver seat. Some owners had front impact sensors replaced without the light staying off. Mostly reported under about 30,000 miles, often appearing intermittently at first and then more consistently.
What to check: Watch the airbag light through a start-up and a short drive, move both seats fully forward and back, and ask whether any connectors or sensors under the seats have been checked or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have taken my car into dealership multiple times with problem of the air bag sensor light coming on and off while I am driving my car. To date the issue has not been resolved and I am very concerned that if I am in a car accident and that air bag sensor does not function correctly. I think there is some type of flaw with this sensor and it needs to be corrected .”
NHTSA complaint #10561830, filed 2014-01, 5,000 miles“The air bag light on the dashboard appears during vehicle acceleration, while in motion, indicating that the air bag system is no longer functioning. To add insult to injury, I brought the vehicle to gordon Chevrolet (address below) for service. The dealer changed the front impact sensors of the vehicle at my cost. Upon receiving the vehicle back, it immediately reported that the airbag system was still not functioning correctly (air bag light). …”
NHTSA complaint #10789469, filed 2015-11, 16,800 miles - Electronic stability control
'Service active handling' message with unexpected braking
- 7 complaints (8%)
- median 12,850 mi at 6.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2012–2024
Owners report a service active handling message on the driver information center, sometimes with service traction and a reduced max speed display, and in several cases the car applies a front brake on its own and swerves or stops abruptly. Complaints describe the message clearing after a restart and returning later. Some had the electronic brake control module or steering column replaced, and at least one owner said the condition persisted afterward. Reported from very low mileage, in some cases under 5,000 miles, up to about 30,000 miles; often at low speed or in turns.
What to check: Ask for any stored codes or prior repairs to the brake control module or wheel speed sensors, and test drive at low speed in a parking lot or on loose surfaces where owners say the message appears.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“As I left the grocery store I started to head home when the 11 Corvette gs sent a message to the dic on the instrument cluster, it said to service active handling, the problem is it locks up the front brakes, while this may not sound too serious at low speeds, imagine pulling out into traffic and the brakes lock up on your car. It occurs pulling onto grass or loose gravel also, especially in turns. I have to turn the car off and restart it for it to move again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10520009, filed 2013-06, 10,700 miles“Car applied right front brake on the street in front of my house, causing a severe swerve into shoulder of road. There is a known active handling fault on these cars. It has been in for repair twice. The car only has 3200 miles on it. There is a service active handling light on the dash now. Dealer has attempted to repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11326287, filed 2020-05, 3,200 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Rattle or clunk from torque tube and driveline
- 7 complaints (8%)
- median 25,500 mi at 7.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2021
Owners describe a rattling or marble-like noise from underneath the car at idle or when stopping, traced by mechanics to bearings in the torque tube or flex plate area. One complaint describes a loose propeller shaft bolt inside the torque tube damaging the bearing, requiring the assembly to be replaced. Others describe the clutch pedal failing to return or the pedal dropping to the floor during a shift. A shifter stuck in gear or refusing to come out of park is also reported. Mostly reported between roughly 5,000 and 40,000 miles, with the shifter and clutch cases at lower mileage.
What to check: Listen for a rattle or clunk underneath at idle with the car in gear, work the shifter through every gear including park, and press the clutch pedal several times to confirm it returns fully.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Clutch pedal does not return. Pedal is at approx. 1/2 height up from floor surface than what it should be ... Pedal throw is minimal.. However, clutch system works correctly. I was driving on a road 40 MPH when I realized the pedal was not in its normal position”
NHTSA complaint #11025273, filed 2017-09, 30,500 miles“I have a bad rattle noise coming from under the car. It sounds like some bearing, or marbles are loose. It happens when car is in drive and at a stop light or parked. My personal mechanic pinpointed the issue to the torque tube/ flex plate bearings.”
NHTSA complaint #11057505, filed 2017-12, 39,000 miles - Brakes
Brake hose separation and brake faults
- 6 complaints (7%)
- median 15,000 mi at 9.6 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2013–2024
Complaints describe a front brake hose separating at the caliper fitting, letting the pedal go to the floor and losing brake fluid, and in another case brakes applying on their own at low speed in a turn with the active handling message showing. Owners report the car was taken to a dealer or shop for inspection afterward. Reported between roughly 10,000 and 72,000 miles.
What to check: Inspect the flexible brake hoses at each caliper for cracking or separation at the crimp, check fluid level and pedal feel, and ask whether the hoses have ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The front right brake hose that connects the brake 'hard lines' to the caliper failed. The rubber portion separated from the fitting on the caliper causing complete brake failure. Brake pedal went to the floor and all brake fluid dumped out onto the ground and inside of the wheel. The vehicle was traveling at high speed under hard brake pressure. Miraculously, I was able to swerve around obstacles and avoid serious collision. I'm lucky to be alive to write this complaint. …”
NHTSA complaint #11383419, filed 2020-12, 72,000 miles“While driving over 30 MPH the car will brake and the digital information center will show active handling system and vehicle is not driveable and is a safety risk”
NHTSA complaint #11209655, filed 2019-05, 16,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on the fuel system, including a fill-up to check for odor and leaks at the top of the tank, and on a test drive that exercises the brakes and active handling system. Ask for service records covering any fuel pump or tank work, since owners report the smell recurring even after repair.
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 85 consumer complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette. 57 of the complaints include a mileage, and 72% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 28,900 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 1,303 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 22 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than 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 system49 58%
- Air bags10 12%
- Brakes5 5.9%
- Engine5 5.9%
- Other or unknown4 4.7%
- Electrical system3 3.5%
- Steering2 2.4%
- Engine cooling1 1.2%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Every time I fill the gas tank, the car smells heavily of gas fumes for days. I was told it is a leak from the top of the gas tank, and the mechanic told me he has seen this a lot with this model/year of corvettes. It's caused my fuel economy to drop, and my fuel gauge will sometimes shut off completely.”
NHTSA complaint #11203714, filed 2019-04, 92,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “While driving I would hear rattling noises coming from under the vehicle. I took it to a repair facility and it was discovered that a propeller shaft bolt inside the torque tube assembly came lose and damaged the bearing inside the torque tube. It is my understanding that this could have caused the transmission to freeze/fail, lose control and cause an accident. I had to have the entire torque tube assembly removed and replaced. This occurred one week after the expiration of GM's five year drivetrain warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10873700, filed 2016-06, 21,000 milesAir bags: “After driving the car for two hours it was parked for seven hours. Upon restarting the air bag readiness light came on flashing and would not turn off. The passenger airbag status indicator has also stopped working.so the system does not know if somebody is sitting in the seat. According to the owner's manual it also indicates that the air bags may not deploy in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10628599, filed 2014-08, 12,050 milesMileage when problems were reported
72% of the 57 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 15,000 and 51,200 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 2011 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 | 25 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Corvette RWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Corvette RWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,150 |
| 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
- 11V491000Oct 3, 2011Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachmentsCovers: Chevrolet Corvette 2011–2012
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 chevrolet corvette coupe vehicles, manufactured from january 24, 2011, through september 1, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 206…
Recall details for the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette → · Check a 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. 1,303 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 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…
- 11019693Jun 9, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
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 2011 Chevrolet Corvette?
Owners of the 2011 Corvette most often describe a gasoline smell around the car, usually after filling the tank, and many trace it to the top of the fuel tank or fuel pump area. The issues reported most often: Gasoline smell and fuel leak at top of tank; Airbag warning light on while driving; 'Service active handling' message with unexpected braking.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette have?
NHTSA recorded 85 consumer complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 49 complaints (58% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 11.
Has the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette (Corvette, 6.2L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette reported?
Among the 57 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 28,900 miles and the middle half falls between 15,000 and 51,200 miles; 72% 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.