Most common 2012 Chevrolet Corvette problems
Share of the 56 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Corvette complaints by model year
Best Corvette years: 2021, 2012, 2011. Years to avoid: 2017, 2019, 1998, 2005, 2008. Compare all years →
2012 Chevrolet Corvette recalls (1)
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments
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, "door locks and door retention components".
Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will replace both rear hatch hinges free of charge. The safety recall began on October 14, 2011. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
What 2012 Chevrolet Corvette owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 29 →
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked inside the garage there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection, there was no fuel leak visible inside the garage. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed of a Manufacturer's Service Campaign that addressed the failed primary fuel tank flange leak, but the Extended Warranty coverage had expired. The failure mileage was 36,000.
Strong gas smell after filling gas tank. This is a known issue on these cars and although it can develop at any time they only warranty the problem for 10 years. This creates a fire hazard. The attached service bulletin was just released by GM today: Special Coverage Adjustment 15682 Primary Tank Module Flange Fuel and Vapor Leaks Reference Number: N150682 Release Date: July 2016 Condition Some 2007 to 2009 model year Cadillac XLR and 2007 to 2013 model year Chevrolet Corvette vehicles may have a condition where a fuel odor is detected, fuel droplets appear below the left-hand fuel tank with fuel gauge level above 1/2, or a malfunction indicator lamp illuminates due to a leak path in the left-hand fuel pump module flange. …
Air bags
The air bag warning light comes on and off at various times. Sometimes it stays on and other times it goes out after a while. If i shut the car off and wait a few then when restarted it goes out Sometimes it stays off other times it comes back on. This appears to be a common problem on this generation Corvette from what I have been reading
Airbag light intermittently comes on and goes off whilst driving. Per GM, they will not say whether the airbag will or will NOT deploy while the light is on. There is a TSB for the issue, but it only last 10 years past the in-service date. When safety is affected, there should be no limit on time to have remedied.
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle out of storage and starting the vehicle, he noticed that the active handling and traction control error messages were displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 15,800.
Failure of Active Handling System with onboard computer message to have the system serviced. Other drivers (owner forums) have reported significant safety hazards related to this system failure. Reported issues include system-driven steering and braking actions that lead to mishandling of the car that could put the driver, passengers, other drivers, and property at risk. At this point in time, the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. At this time, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There have been no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the prior to the failure, which occurred on 8/12/21. Currently, the car is shifting gears hard and the engine is running in a very rough manner.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
| 7.0L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl supercharged | 6-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette a good car?
Based on 56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Corvette rates better than average: 64% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Corvette at the same age. It is one of the best Corvette years by this measure. 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 2012 Chevrolet Corvette?
The fuel & propulsion system — 29 complaints, 52% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (10) and electrical system (6).
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette have?
There is 1 recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette, the most recent from October 3, 2011 (hinge and attachments). 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?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2021, 2012 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017, 2019, 1998, 2005 and 2008. See the full Chevrolet Corvette years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Corvette problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 25,000 miles; 79% 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.