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If you’re a lover of muscle cars, you definitely must have considered owning a Corvette. Now, that’s not a bad consideration – Corvettes are great cars; so much power to offer, enticing designs, the right techs, and so much more to offer. But the truth is that most Corvette models give a lot of problems, which are pretty expensive to fix up.
In this article, we’d be analyzing C6 Corvette problems you should be aware of. The C6 Corvettes are newer models, with more enticing body designs and V8 engine variants. But, you have to be careful because some model years can be problematic. Some commonly reported problems are transmission, electrical, and fuel system issues.
C6 Corvette Overview
The Corvette C6 is an ideal supercar – more like a muscle car – with a standard V8 engine that averages 400 horsepower. It is the sixth generation of the Corvette series and has some of the best models you should buy. Also, the C6 Corvettes come with cutting-edge in-car technologies that make driving more fun and exciting.
Unlike the C3 to C5 models, the C6 Vettes came with exposed headlights and a rugged, yet sporty aesthetical appearance. A base, new LS2 engine launched with the series; it produces 400hp at 6,000 rpm and 400lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. One of the things to love about the C6 Vettes is the larger passenger compartment.
Chevrolet produced the C6 Corvettes from 2005 to 2013. Throughout the production run, the series had several engine and transmission options. A standard Corvette V6 can scoot from 0 to 60mph in four (4) seconds or less. The last Corvette C6, which was a white 427 convertible, was completed on February 28, 2013.
C6 Corvette Problems with Specific Model Years
1. Transmission Faults
Affected Years: 2005 and 2006
These two C6 model years had the highest report on transmission faults. The commonly reported issue is that the gear lever gets stuck in the “park” position or the car jerks when changing gears. Also, there are reports of shuddering when driving at low speeds.
These transmission problems allegedly happen before 50,000 miles and the average repair cost is $4,500. Apparently, these transmission problems are daring and could cause serious incidents if you’re driving on a busy road.
2. Fuel System Faults
Affected Years: 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2013
When the fuel system is faulty, it costs at least $1,000 to get it fixed. This is because it is a delicate system and comprises quite many components. A disturbing number of fuel system failure complaints were recorded on the indicated model years above, which draws concerns for buying a used model of these C6 Corvette years.
Actually, the reported issue is perceiving fuel odor while driving, which is a result of leaks in the fuel delivery channels or loose fuel tank caps. The most common fix is replacing the fuel tank cap or pump. However, there are cases where the C6 owners had to change some components in the delivery lines.
3. Electrical Faults
Affected Years: 2005 and 2009
A few electrical faults were indicated for the 2005 and 2009 C6 Corvettes. Among the issues reported include battery not charging, door latch failure, clock display stopped working, and car not starting. Apparently, the car not starting is a result of a bad/weak battery.
The majority of electrical problems on the C6 Corvettes happened before 30,000 miles, and the average repair cost is $1,000. If you’re buying a 2005 and 2009 C6 Corvette that has been driven more than 100k miles, you should check out for these electrical problems.
4. Steering Wheel
Affected Year: 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008
Once the steering wheel gets stiff, or the steering wheel position sensor fails, the steering wheel becomes difficult to turn, which makes driving difficult. A couple of persons reported steering wheel anomalies on their 2005 to 2008 C6 model, you may want to look into this when buying a used Vette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are C6 Corvettes Problematic?
Every car has its own issues – no automobile is perfectly made. The Corvette C6 models are not problematic but, of course, some models allegedly have weak components that fail repeatedly, even before 100k miles. A well-maintained Corvette C6 would last for many years and miles; C6s are built strong.
What are Common Problems With C6 Corvette?
Most issues with the C6 are linked to the fuel system. Most C6 Corvette owners allege that they perceive strong fuel odor while driving – even though they barely see leaks when they try to inspect the cause of the odor. To fix fuel system issues on C6 Corvettes, you’d be spending an average of $1,000.
How Long Do C6 Corvette Engines Last?
How long an engine would last depends on how it is used and the job it is subjected to do. That notwithstanding, the V8 engines on Corvette C6s are powerful enough to last forever with proper maintenance and servicing. In other words, expect a Corvette to last for up to 200,000 miles or 13 years before it starts having serious engine problems.