Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chevrolet Corvette owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. While driving at approximately 63 MPH, the contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy and the vehicle caught fire. The contact sustained a broken ankle, and internal and external injuries to the face and head that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the driver owned a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. While driving at approximately 65 MPH, the driver crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. During the crash, the driver was ejected from the vehicle and suffered trauma to the head, a fractured right ankle, and various traumas to the body that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
Air bag light on instrument panel goes on and off . Came on yesterday then went off again . Seems like this May be caused by the seat moving to different positions. I contacted other people with this same style vehicle and they are having the same problem. All the dealer wants to do is change parts for a lot of money. With as many complaints they are getting this should be corrected. Light came on when car was started. The car has a memory seat that moves back when the driver exits the vehicle..
Air bag readiness light comes on intermittently on dash. Just purchased vehicle. Car is very low miles showroom condition. This issue happened when turning vehicle on. After further research this has been an issue with these cars for at least 10 years and GM chooses not to rectify problem. It can make car unsafe to drive.
Airbag light comes on due to faulty electrical connector underneath driver power seat. This is an extremely common issue that GM is aware of. There should be a recall by GM due to being a life safety system.
Wiring harness for drivers seat failed causing airbag system to be disabled. Fails at start-up. Strong fuel smell from driver's side. Vehicle stationary. Not cured by replacing gas gap and fuel pump.
Smell of raw gasoline coming from drivers side gas tank area After filling gas tank ,just bought the car had half tank of gas at the dealer didn't smell when i checked the car then.
Started my car after getting off work. Looked at my gauges before pulling out only to notice that my airbag indicator light staying lit. Turned the car on and off but the light continued to stay lit. Drove home with airbag light on. Upon further investigation on the internet.... There are a multitude of people with the same issues. The airbag light staying on appears to be caused via a faulty harness connection located under the seat. Seems that Buick's (a GM built model car) have had the same issues but were recalled for the exact same thing. The fact that the airbag light is on means that the airbags will not deploy in an accident causing them to be useless and May lead to severe/fatal injury. …
Starting on or around August 2011 my air bag light comes on. It has come on and off intermittently since then. The fix is to jiggle the connector under the seat and then zip tie it. That normally last about 6 months or more but it always comes back. I am concerned that my air bag will not deploy in a severe frontal impact. The dealer is well aware of this problem and says it is something I am going live with. The problem I have with that is I am afraid it might be something I am going to have to die with.
I keep getting a red light on the dash saying the air bag is not active. I have found that by wiggling the connector under the driver's seat the light goes out. I suspect there is a bad connector and it never fails while I am at the dealership. The Chevy dealership says their is no recall and they want at least $125 to strait checking. The Chevy dealership says their is no recall and they want at least $125 to strait checking but they don't know of a fix.
Airbag complaints in other Corvette years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette, 4% of the model year's 541 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Corvette airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Corvette airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 37,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to air bags 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.