Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chevrolet Corvette owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-25 MPH down a steep hill, he depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brakes failed. The contact stated that brake fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The contact then saw thick smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall and that the report would not be covered. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
I purchased my 2005 Corvette C6 from a used car dealership on 4/30/2023. The car was fine for the first week. The second week I began getting a lot of error codes specifically: Service Active Handling System Service Traction Control Service ABS Shocks Inoperative Service Fuel System. At times it would go into limp mode. I would find a safe place to pull off. I would shut the car off and it would not restart. I would check the relays under the hood and the passenger floorboard. Eventually it would restart and drive again until the next time. I have replaced the following components: Battery cables with factory replacement New Battery, twice New high output alternator and a new belt. These items solved the many codes. Now I get Service Traction System, and the traction control shuts off. When this happened last, I got a P0101 MAF sensor error. Replaced the MAF Sensor 8/13. …
The active handling applies itself with normal non aggressive driving. When activated the brakes apply and lock up, this has happened in low speed turns at intersections and even when driving straight. I have had the vehicle to the dealership to resolve as this is a major safety concern leaving the car locked up in the middle of an intersection. They stated it was the sensor behind the steering wheel and they fixed it but the problem still persists. Secondly the driver seat has begun moving on its own and inching me closer to the steering wheel with no interference with the button while driving. I have since disconnected the seat fuse to prevent collision from improper driver positioning.
A strong fume odor enter my house as if something was burning, my Corvette was in my garage it hasnt been used in more than 3days.....I noticed it was coming from the bottom of the car, and in effect it was! Contacted my mechanic and he advised me that it was the ABS system caught on fire damaging the conector, module and regulator. He found a leak of brake fluid thru the modulator that cause the modules cables burned the connector. Had to change all the ABS system since Chevrolet modified the previous ABS system cause it was defective. However no recall has been made to this system. An aprox $3500. In repairs for a system that they know is defective. We were lucky nothing else in our garage/house got damage it was an scary situation.
First occurrance was a month or two ago. We were exiting a parking lotat about 5mph when the car's active handling locked the right side brakes to where I could not keep the car straight. I could not accelerate without a heavy throttle to overcome the brakes. Service active handling icon lit. I had to shut the car down for a minute then restart to clear the brakes. This has happened several times since, almost identically. The car was checked by the dealer but there were no stored codes for them to follow up on. Apparently the "mechanics" cannot physically inspect cars anymore. Recently and after the dealer serviced the car, it has happened several more times with my wife driving. It is back at the dealer as we speak. We are both beginning to be worried about our safety and that of other motorists.
02/13/2007 2005 Corvette car was completely dead. Would not start or lock. Left us stranded after dinner. Car was towed to home that night and towed to dealer on 02/14/07. 02/14/2007 invoice# cvcs117440 #1 customer states vehicle will not start - battery leaking acid, necessary to replace battery, clean acid spill. Clean cables - check alt 145 amp output diodes good the consumer stated she was in an accident as well as her son and on both occasions, when the brakes were applied, it felt as if the brakes locked up. Also. The service active handling system light illuminated. The dealer had to rework the connection to secure and prevent the tilt telescope steering wheel from pulling the vehicle to the right. Updated ivoq 10/08/10
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette. While driving 50 MPH, the roof panel separated without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V491000 (structure). In addition, the contact mentioned that the anti lock brakes engaged independently and pulled the vehicle to the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician stated that the steering reposition sensor, calipers, and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 62,835.
This vehicle (Corvette) was parked , gear in reverse, with the emergency brake fully engaged , vehicle not running .while reaching in to press acess. Button inadvertently pressed the start button which put the car into a strong violent moving reverse action, the Corvette hit my truck which was parked two-three feet behind Corvette and drove my vehicle a good ten feet before the Corvette stalled, the truck was not running ,truck was parked in gear with the emergency brake applied --the skid marks from my truck being pushed are still in my driveway and road.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette. While driving various speeds, the "service active handling" message displayed and the brakes suddenly applied. As a result, the vehicle stopped abruptly. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer (allen tillery Chevrolet, 4573 central ave, hot springs, ar) was notified and indicated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 10V172000 (steering); however, the VIN was excluded. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000.
Tl-the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that he was driving 65 MPH before returning home. Upon returning home and exiting the vehicle, the contact smelled a burning odor coming from the brakes. The contact examined the brakes and noticed that they were seized. The sasc warning lights then began to illuminate. The vehicle was not driveable and could not be towed to the dealer. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 41,000. Sm. Duplicate to 10459095 *smch
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Certain passenger vehicles were produced with one or both rear brake hydraulic lines that can come in contact with or be affected by heat from the left engine exhaust manifold and the left exhaust pipe. The brake fluid could reach elevated temperatures and boil.
Remedy: Dealers will (1) inspect the left engine exhaust manifold clip for proper alignment and placement on the body-mounted stud.
Brake complaints in other Corvette years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the brakes of the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette, 12% of the model year's 532 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Corvette brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-525 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Nov 3, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Corvette brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.