Most common 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 problems
Share of the 48 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 complaints by model year
Best Corvette Z06 years: 2005. Compare all years →
2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 recalls (1)
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
General motors is recalling certain model year 2005 through 2007 corvette vehicles equipped with a removable roof and model year 2006 and 2007 corvette z06 vehicles. The adhesive between the roof panel and the frame May separate.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new design roof panel free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during April 2010. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or at www.gmownercenter.com.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06:
Loss of Low Beam Headlights
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 30 reports from consumers alleging that, after driving for a short time (5 to 30 minutes), both low beam headlights stopped working simultaneously and without warning.
Electronic stability control malfunction
On September 17, 2008, odi opened preliminary evaluation pe08-056 to investigate allegations of inappropriate activation of the electronic stability control (ESC) system in model year (my) 2005 and 2006 Chevrolet corvette vehicles.some reports received by odi and some reports to general motors (GM) contained in GM's response to pe08-056 allege that the ESC system malfunctioned causing a sudden and inappropriate…
Simultaneous Loss of Low-Beam Headlights
On May 14, 2014, General Motors (GM) submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating NHTSA Safety Recall 14V-251 to remedy the subject vehicles.GM will remedy a defect condition in the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) by modifying the vehicle's electrical harnessing.GM also announced a customer satisfaction bulletin to address this issue on model year (MY) 2008-2013 Chevrolet Corvettes.Both…
Electronic Stability Control
On April 26, 2010, at NHTSA's request following this investigation, General Motors submitted a Defect Information Report to NHTSA to correct a defect associated with the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system in approximately 40,000 Model Year (MY) 2005 and 2006 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles (NHTSA Recall No.
What 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 owners say
Engine & cooling
My son was driving and just completed a turn when he applied the accelerator and the engine stopped abruptly. There was a cloud of smoke and then a small fire underneath the car from the oil that came out from a baseball size hole in the side of the block below the number 8 cylinder. Upon further investigation, a valve in the number 8 cylinder snapped below the valve guide dropping the head of the valve onto the piston which caused the failure. I have the engine available for inspection.
Date of heads pulled: 7/5/12 head type: GM ls7 year: 2006 miles: 16,000 track time: none tune: stock I had my cylinder heads removed because I was paranoid after reading online about many other owners having issues with their valve guides being out of spec. My cylinder heads had valve guides that were way out of spec and the car only had 16,000 miles on it and was never tracked or abused. These were on the verge of having the valve break off and seize the motor which could have resulted in serious injury to myself and others around me while driving. I paid out of my own pocket to have these heads redone. Max allowable clearance is 0.0037 for both intake and exhaust. …
Stability & traction control
Rarely, during low speeds (under 15 MPH), while driving straight, the left rear wheel will lock up, inducing a harsh left turn, unstable maneuvering, and causing the motor to attempt to stall. Steering is extremely unstable and violent and operator has to fight against the car wanting to turn left by applying extreme right to the steering wheel. The only remedy is to engage and disengage the clutch several times until the left rear wheel unlocks. Symptoms have not occurred during normal traffic speeds (above 15 MPH). Auto handling/traction control and ABS lights are activated during this event. Vehicle is in factory condition. Only exception is alternate brand of tire (nitto invos) - but maintaining factory specifications (front: 275/35zr18; rear: 325/30zr19). Have not reported to manufacturer yet (it is too random and rare to reproduce on a predictable occurrence). …
Drove through a turn (rt hand) exited turn at approx 45 MPH or less,went straight for approx 300 feet and car locked up rt front and left rear brakes causing car to go into 4 wheel slide (60 degrees from direction that was straight) jumped over curb side ways (drivers side facing curb) went off road,tires dug in and car rolled over 3 times,destroying car. There are many complaints on this active handling issue. Car is still in my garage and has been inspected by a automotive forensics investigator. Car is 100% complete and ready for any ones inspection including general motors.
Body & structure
I own a 2006 Corvette Z06 and there has previously been a recall on the roof panel. The roof panel has been making noises when going over bumps and turns, so I took it in to reliable Chevrolet in albuquerque, nm. Upon further inspection, the technician noticed one of the bolts that holds the roof in place was seized up and the hardware used to perform the roof recall was not the correct hardware for the vehicle. The service writer stated that the roof will need to be replaced, as well as all hardware and possibly the headliner, but they would not cover it since the recall was already completed. When I contacted GM, they stated that since the recall had already been performed, I will have to pay out of pocket to fix it. I contacted courtesy Chevrolet in san diego, the dealership that performed the original recall work, and they did not want to accept the responsibility. …
My fiberglass roof (fixed) on my 2006 Z06 flew off on the freeway going about 60 MPH in the #4 (fast) lane. I had just taken it to the dealer to get if looked at and they ordered me a new one. While waiting, I had strong tape across the front so no air would get in. As I was driving today, I heard some wind noise and as I slowed down,it come off. I looked in my rear view mirror and I saw the top about 20 feet in the air and 50 yards behind me!!! I before this incident, I had to go to 2 dealers and GM themselves before I got help. It is a miracle no one was killed or injured, let alone no accidents occurred. This happened in woodland hill, ca while traveling n on the 101 freeway. On the way home, I saw what remains of the top in the s 101 fast lane!!! It went into oncoming traffic. This top had already been in for repairs by the previous own under a recall. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 a good car?
Based on 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Corvette Z06 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Corvette Z06 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06?
The engine & cooling — 18 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the stability & traction control (15) and body & structure (6).
How many recalls does the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the most recent from December 23, 2009 (roof and pillars). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005. See the full Chevrolet Corvette Z06 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 22,000 miles; 77% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.