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2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 problems

The most common problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is engine and cooling, typically around 39,340 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Corvette Z06 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
48
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
127
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Engine failure 5

Recalls 1

Structure: body: roof and pillarsReported December 23, 2009 · 22,090 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. If there is a partial separation, the driver may notice one or more symptoms, such as a snapping noise when driving over bumps, wind noise, poor roof panel fit, roof panel movement/bounce when a door or hatch is closed, or a water leak in the headliner.
Risk
If there is a complete separation, the roof panel may detach from the vehicle. If this were to occur while the vehicle was being driven, it could strike a following vehicle and cause injury and/or property damage.
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.

Recall number 09V491000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Defect investigations

Simultaneous Loss of Low-Beam HeadlightsOpened August 23, 2013, closed June 24, 2014

On May 14, 2014, General Motors (GM) submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating the federal safety agency 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 programs will be conducted free of charge.According to GM, when the engine heats up and cools down (from normal use), the plastic material in the UBEC housing expands at a different rate than an electrical conductor routed within it.The difference in expansion rates results in bending of the conductor, a control circuit for the low beam headlights.After multiple thermal cycles, often taking several years of use, the conductor fractures resulting in an open circuit.When this occurs the low-beam headlights will not illuminate.After the engine is turned off and the UBEC cools, the conductor may temporarily reconnect and restore low-beam function, although subsequent failures will occur.This condition does not affect high-beam headlights, marker lamps, turn signals or fog lamps.Simultaneous loss of low-beam headlights could reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. The ODI report counts noted above, involving the loss of low beam headlights, represents those received at the time of GM's recall filing; however the federal safety agency has since received additional complaints.GM submitted similar complaints in response to the agency's information request.Among the complaints reported to the federal safety agency, five alleged minor crashes in which the vehicle ran off the road or into roadside objects due to the sudden loss of headlights.Two of these complaints alleged minor injuries and three alleged property damage.Several other reports to the federal safety agency alleged close calls due to the loss of lighting.GM states that it has received no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities as a result of this condition. GM's recall action appears to adequately address the safety risks in the subject vehicles of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.In addition to recalling the subject vehicles, GM is covering MY 2008-2013 Corvettes, which contain essentially the same UBEC, under a customer satisfaction campaign.ODI notes that these vehicles exhibit a lower likelihood of failure due to their comparatively shorter service life. The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification numbers: 10400308, 10415603, 10415867, 10416531, 10421639, 10424391, 10424543, 10445971, 10451733, 10454919, 10460674, 10460750, 10463546, 10466342, 10466857, 10468128, 10469057, 10470616, 10471595, 10474350, 10474368, 10475257, 10486597, 10491670, 10496592, 10496788, 10498100, 10502059, 10505606, 10508507, 10510052, 10511467, 10511517, 10511576, 10511696, 10511699, 10511789, 10511837, 10511994, 10512072, 10512093, 10512154, 10512292, 10512341, 10512856, 10513422, 10514576, 10514802, 10514978, 10515162, 10515311, 10515821, 10519426, 10519879, 10520155, 10521036, 10521585, 10522260, 10523059, 10523064, 10523190, 10525646, 10531602, 10531631, 10532221, 10532439, 10533227, 10533251, 10533339, 10536835, 10537561, 10537612, 10538184, 10541749, 10542468, 10542540, 10542576, 10542708, 10542726, 10543187, 10543970, 10544083, 10544810, 10545441, 10545516, 10547343, 10547561, 10547600, 10548492, 10548588, 10548687, 10548982, 10549272, 10549487, 10550079, 10550260, 10551233, 10551867, 10551926, 10551978, 10552019, 10553258, 10554456, 10554573, 10556002, 10556433, 10556844, 10556984, 1

EA13007

Loss of Low Beam HeadlightsOpened May 6, 2013, closed August 26, 2013

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. The low beam headlights remained inoperative for the remainder of the drive cycle, however no other lighting is affected.General Motors (GM) provided information in response to ODI's information request letter explaining that the loss of headlights is caused by a fractured low beam circuit wire in the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC), a device that is similar to a fuse box. The UBEC is located in a high heat area near the engine, and the low beam circuit wire routing within the UBEC makes it susceptible to cyclical stress caused by thermal expansion.The investigation covers model years 2005-2007 Corvettes however ODI also has received four VOQs alleging the same condition in model year 2008 Corvettes. ODI is upgrading the investigation to an Engineering Analysis to further examine the consequences, frequency and scope of this problem. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification (ODI) numbers.For MY 2005-2007: 10400308, 10415603, 10415867, 10416531, 10421639, 10424391, 10424543, 10445971, 10451733, 10454919, 10460674, 10460750, 10463546, 10466342, 10466857, 10468128, 10469057, 10470616, 10471595, 10474350, 10474368, 10475257, 10486597, 10491670, 10496592, 10496788, 10498100, 10502059, 10505606, 10508507, 10510052, 10511467, 10511517, 10511576, 10511696, 10511699, 10511789, 10511837, 10511994, 10512072, 10512093, 10512154, 10512292, 10512341, 10513422, 10514802, 10514978, 10515162, 10515311, 10515821, 10519426, 10519879, 10520155, 10521036, 10521585, 10522260, 10523064, 10523190, 10525646, 10531602, 10531631, 10532439, 10533227, 10533251, 10533339For MY 2008: 10512856, 10514576, 10523059, 10532221

PE13013

Electronic Stability ControlOpened January 14, 2009, closed May 11, 2010

On April 26, 2010, at the federal safety agency's request following this investigation, General Motors submitted a Defect Information Report to the federal safety agency 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 (the federal safety agency Recall No. 10V‑172).According to the report, these vehicles may have a problem with the Steering Wheel Position Sensor (SWPS) connector created by a fretting condition in the connector (small movement of the pins back and forth creating a residue build up) which could change the electrical resistance and corrupt the information signal to the VSC computer.The VSC system uses the information from the SWPS to calculate the driver's intended vehicle direction; this information is cross referenced to sensors that tell the system which direction the vehicle is actually going and the system will, if it determines a variance indicating the vehicle is in a over-steer or under-steer condition, reduce throttle control and apply braking to make a correction in vehicle direction towards what the system believes is the driver's intended path.GM dealers will inspect the SWPS connector of recalled vehicles and, if necessary, install a terminal position assurance clip to the connector.GM has advised the federal safety agency that its position is that the inappropriate activations of the VSC system do not present an unreasonable risk to safety because GM believes that the activations are low in occurrence, a rare set of conditions would need to be present, the driver has the ability to maintain direction control if the alleged condition were to occur, and that there are no reports of injuries.the federal safety agency does not agree.Based on interviews with complainants and testing performed at the federal safety agency Vehicle Research and Testing Center in East Liberty, Ohio, ODI believes that the majority of the unwarranted activations of the VSC system occur when turning, in such scenarios as travelling highway entrance or exit ramps or in street traffic conditions.Complainants report the effect produced by the malfunction of the VSC system is sudden unexpected braking and in some cases a sudden unexpected change in vehicle direction which some complainants indicate was sufficient to cause a movement into an adjoining lane of traffic or in some cases into curbing or stationary objects.During the VSC event the brake lights of the Corvette are not illuminated, depriving trailing traffic from indication that braking is occurring and some complainants indicate the braking effect can be severe and last up to 10 seconds in length.Based on available information ODI counts four crashes due to a malfunction of the VSC system; GM is counting one crash due to the problem.In these circumstances the federal safety agency believes the defect presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, and so advised GM when requesting this recall.This investigation is closed based on GM's recall.

EA09002

Electronic stability control malfunctionOpened September 17, 2008, closed January 14, 2009

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 braking action without illumination of the brake lights and causing the vehicle to swerve left or right unexpectedly. Gm issued a technical service bulletin in january 2006, later revised in october 2007 (bulletin no. 06-02-35-002b) concerning ESC problems in my 2005 and 2006 chevrolet corvette vehicles with the telescoping steering wheel option.the bulletin was intended to correct a fretting corrosion problem with the steering wheel position sensor connector c202. An engineering analysis has been opened (ea09-002) to continue to asses the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.

PE08056

Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 127

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 127 bulletins for the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

What 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 22, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · 160,000 miles · CA

The front lights of the car one of them isn't working. I believe this isn't the first complain about this kind of car. It is dangerous to be driving on the road. I have to continue to put my high beams on for them to work. At times both the lights are on and with time driving it will turn one of them off. It's dangerous because the visibility on the road for me and other drivers.

Filed Nov 21, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 31,000 miles · AL

Valve rattle, not driving vehicle to keep from dropping valve......costs $4k for repair to heads....31000 miles... If I drive it and drop valve, will cost $18k to replace engine assembly.....long term value of vehicle decreases with non-matching numbers vehicle. One helluva way to treat customers that spend $85k on a vehicle.

Filed Sep 28, 2017 · Driver assistance · 2,500 miles · NJ

I never received any notice from gm, but I brought it to the dealer's attention while I was in for a recall repair in 2008. I told the tech that my traction control, active stability control, wasn't working properly. When I received the car back the tech said the traction control is fixed and working fine. I didn't see how he could have said that when the car never left the shop. I realize now that he was aware of something that I wasn't. The traction wasn't fixed, but I felt that I can't bring it back due to incompetence. I went to forums and found plenty of complaints from others. Then I noticed that 2005-2006 corvettes with the rpon37 steering column built in 2005 were recalled for this. The federal safety agency campaign number was 10v172000 and gm's campaign # was n100118. I called gm they said I am mistaken my car is not affected which is [xxx]. I then found from the internet that part #19179794, clip, was used to fix the issue. I then ordered one of these and followed the instructions to repair it and found this clip was installed, but improperly hence the reason it wasn't fixed by the tech, but he was under the impression it was solved. I then replaced the clip properly and now it's ok. Gm was very difficult and dismissive during the entire ordeal. Looking on your web site it specifically states that my VIN # does in fact fall into the specs of your recall. I am going to enclose a photo of the bent, improperly, installed clip and a proper picture of the clip. Also the harness that needs the clip to show that the bent prong is needed to repair the harness. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 15, 2017 · Engine · 52,241 miles · TX

I recently had my valves tested by a local shop since ive heard from other owners that the ls7 valves drop at any given time. I had two valves out of specs and have to get it fixed in order to save engine from future damage. My car currently has 52,241 miles.

Filed Oct 26, 2016 · Engine · 55,000 miles · OH

I had a friend who had an engine failure on this same engine due to a failed exhaust valve. The valve guides were extremely worn on his car causing the valve failure. Due to his failure and many others like it, I removed my heads and inspected. Sure enough, they were significantly beyond general motors published tolerances and required machining to repair. This was at significant cost to me and out of pocket. Gm knows of this issue and refuses to participate in repair costs for cars out of warranty even though it's a design flaw and safety concern. If and when the valve catastrophically fails, the engine will have a complete shut down, large amounts of smoke out the exhaust clouding the other drivers vision, and has the possibility of leaving oil slicks on the road surface.

Filed Apr 28, 2016 · Engine · 22,269 miles · MN

Valve guides out of wear with possible failure including valve to drop inside combustion chamber

Filed Jan 6, 2016 · Engine · 51,051 miles · GA

I was interning the interstate 15 in california and was picking up speed to inter the hwy and my corvette z06 starting making a knocking sound and lost power and I turned it off and had it looked at my a very well know automotive shop who specializes in gm vehicles. They told me it drop an exhaust valve.

Filed Jan 6, 2016 · Engine · 29,400 miles · CA

I was concerned about a noise that I was hearing in my 2006 z06 that is unlike any other noise I have heard while currently owning my three other gm vehicles. I decided to bring it to a well know corvette speciality shop near me. The told me about the valve guide issue that has been linked to the ls7 heads. I immediately told him to take the heads off the car and check them. I had 4 exhaust valves that were way out of gm specs. I had the heads re-machined properly and installed new intake and exhaust valve guides, valve springs and seals.

Filed Dec 29, 2015 · Airbags · 14,500 miles · AZ

Airbag disabled light comes on under normal driving conditions. Sometimes goes out after restart.

Filed Dec 23, 2015 · Steering · 47,075 miles · NV

Driving on the freeway at approx. 65 MPH. , the steering wheel on my car " took control of itself and jerked to the left: on the dash pod it stated " service active handling system" . I pulled the car over as soon as I could do so safely and shut the car off. After restarting it the warning went away and the steering returned to normal.

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Other model years

2005200620072008

Questions about the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 reliable?

Owners have filed 48 complaints about the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, close to a typical Corvette Z06 model year.

What is the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 year score?

The 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06?

Engine and cooling, with 18 complaints, typically around 39,340 miles. Next is driver assistance (15).

How many recalls does the 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 have?

1 recall, covering structure.

What year does the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 model years with the most engine complaints are 2007 (27 complaints), 2008 (25 complaints) and 2006 (18 complaints).

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