Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 9% | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% | — |
| 2023 | 7 | 27% | 1,000 miles |
| 2022 | 5 | 24% | 13,000 miles |
| 2021 | 7 | 54% | 13,000 miles |
| 2020 | 6 | 18% | 7,000 miles |
| 2019 | 10 | 7% | 6,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% | 3,000 miles |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2016 | 12 | 12% | 12,000 miles |
| 2015 | 18 | 28% | 11,000 miles |
| 2014 | 9 | 14% | 5,000 miles |
| 2013 | 3 | 4% | 12,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 4% | 5,000 miles |
| 2011 | 11 | 13% | 21,000 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 5% | 25,000 miles |
| 2009 | 6 | 4% | 35,000 miles |
| 2008 | 32 | 6% | 25,000 miles |
| 2007 | 51 | 15% | 27,000 miles |
| 2006 | 33 | 9% | 31,000 miles |
| 2005 | 70 | 13% | 38,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% | 25,000 miles |
| 2003 | 11 | 13% | 3,000 miles |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% | 8,000 miles |
| 2001 | 5 | 2% | 15,000 miles |
| 2000 | 7 | 3% | 44,000 miles |
| 1999 | 12 | 4% | 27,000 miles |
| 1998 | 18 | 5% | 90,000 miles |
| 1997 | 3 | 2% | — |
| 1996 | 6 | 14% | — |
| 1995 | 3 | 9% | 12,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the transmission failed to engage as the gear indicator light began to flash and the service transmission message was displayed on the instrument panel. After multiple attempts, the contact was able to engage the transmission and drove the vehicle to dealer where they were unable to diagnose or service the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 812.
On [redacted] I was driving my corvette in Atlantic City, New Jersey, which at that time I noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. I looked at my dash to see if any warning lights or check engine lights were on and nothing Indicate there was a problem. So I did continue to drive to get to a safe place where I can pull over and look at the engine. When I came up to the red light, the car next to me told me that my vehicle was on the fire. I was able to pull over on the side of road next to the hospital in Atlantic City. And then I got out of my car to nattempt to put out the fire myself as I noticed Melting Plastic that was on fire, was dripping all my tires to avoid the tires Catching on fire. I Remove the plastic that was on fire, causing burns to my hand. Then I called the fire to department to help me put out the fire. Once the fire was put out. …
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the began to jerk and hesitate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,000.
I have not experienced a safety incident, but have been warned not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle has 1850 miles. I recently got a message on the Driver Information Display "Rear Axel System Off". I also receiver an email from OnStar "Engine/ Transmission fault, Seek Service Immediately". After analysis at the Dealer, they concluded with GM that the transmission needed to be REPLACED. They indicated that it is NOT safe to drive and I should leave it at the Dealer. No other comment as to why. I found that GM reported (September, '21) that their transmission supplier had left out two of six bearings in several transmission units...and that they believed that only 19 vehicles were affected. Also commenting that this defect could cause a sudden loss of power resulting in loss of control...however no serious incidents have been reported. My vehicle was assembled in December '21... …
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the transmission warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission filter. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact regained possession of the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift into third gear, severely reducing motive power. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,500. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that an unknown warning light illuminated while driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was condensation seen underneath the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the gasket, bolts, and fluid were replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,192.
The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact came to a complete stop at a stop sign. The contact stated that the light turned green, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started jerking with a rumbling sound coming from the engine compartment. In addition, the engine independently shut off, however the transmission failed to properly shift, pressure level at zero, check engine light, idle creeping disabled, and service transmission warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he restated the vehicle and the failure reoccurred, and the contact turned the vehicle off. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle eleven times however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. …
My left rear axel/rear differential/ control arm snapped with normal driving and breaking. It is available for inspection. This mechanical failure made me loose control of my vehicle on the busy freeway and threw me across a lane into the freeway center divider. Nearly caused a pile up accident and killed me.. The dealership service department checked it in today. I filed a claim today with the manufacture but nobody looked at it yet. There were no warning lamps and i believe there is still no warning lamps
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The rear half-shaft assemblies may be missing one or more ball bearings, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left or right rear half-shaft assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 4, 2022.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Corvette years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (70), 2007 (51), 2006 (33), 2008 (32) and 1998 (18) model years. Transmission complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Corvette transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 22V-091 (driveshaft, Feb 17, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Corvette transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 27,000 miles; 81% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (18 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (15).
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.