Appears the asr unit hard shorted sending electricity through all 3 throttle cables and sebsequently melting them. Thankfully the vehicle didn't start on fire. This problem occurred on the first drive of the day after about 7 minutes of low speed (city) operation since engine start.
The worst 1996 Chevrolet Corvette 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.
- Electrical9
- Tires8
- Body6
- Steering6
- Transmission6
- Fuel system4
- Engine2
- Lights2
- Seats2
- Suspension2
- Airbags1
- Brakes1
- Locks1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
Power rack and pinion steering failure
Gm conducted a safety recall (the federal safety agency # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019.
RQ03001
Brake pull
The petitions stated that:we represent the owner of a 1990 chevrolet corvette which, when the brakes were applied, suddently, violently, and unexpectedly pulls to the left.this is a intermittent defect which does not occur with an regularity.
DP96006
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette 30
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy...
- Fuel system, gasoline
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Equipment
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy...
- Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- Information on run flat, zero pressure or extended mobility tires (EMT) and unique servicing techniques
- Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case
- A no reverse, no second gear, or no fourth gear condition
1996 Chevrolet Corvette fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 23-24 | 18 |
What 1996 Chevrolet Corvette owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tried to start vehicle, but 'security' light came on & engine would not turn over. Researched issue online & found that this is due to a known ignition lock cylinder problem. The wires leading to the ignition lock cylinder break, and will not allow the anti-theft system to properly read the security code from the key.
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet corvette. While driving approximately 50 MPH on normal road conditions, the contact heard a loud whistling noise. Suddenly, the removable roof panel separated from the mounting frame of the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle. He took the vehicle to an authorized dealer and they stated that the failure was contributed to the acrylic removable roof panel, which was replaced. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for identical failures on four separate occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the malfunctions. The failure mileage was 71,500 and current mileage was 72,500.
The acrylic top on my 1996 corvette was replaced with a new acrylic top from chevrolet. The acrylic portion of the top has separated from the aluminum mounting frame. I have presented gone through 4 consecutive tops. Every top supplied to me has done the same thing. I can no longer drive my vehicle due to this fact. If I continue to drive my vehicle, there is a high probability that my roof is going to come off of the vehicle and possibly cause a accident on injure someone.
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet corvette. The contact heard a very loud explosion and her home began to shake. She found the vehicle parked in the driveway engulfed in flames. The fire spread rapidly as the fire department was called to the scene. The fire was extinguished prior to the fire department's arrival. A police report was filed. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the regulator exploded due to pressure build-up. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileages were 100,000. Updated 03/17/09. *lj the fire department was unable to determine the cause of the fire. Updated 03/18/09.
Snap in valve stem http://blogs.consumerreports.org/safety/2008/06/tire-valve-stem.html.
Upon normal auto start sequence, starter would not disengage. Removed key from vehicle cylinder lock and starter continued to crank engine. Starter motor began to smoke and caught fire before battery could be disconnected to remove power from vehicle. Burned up starter motor and o2 wiring harness around location of starter motor. Same failure occurred in 1999.
Passive keyless entry light came on and then while vehicle was moving hatch released. Altmost losing control of vehicle.
While operating vehicle at 10 MPH brake pedal fell to floor after consumer took foot off brake. He was able to stop vehicle without an incident. Dealership examined vehicle and determined that brake lines had corroded, allowing failure of brake system. *ak
Check engine light on / distributor failed while driving, engine stalled, lost power steering. Engine refired. On way to dealer engine stalled in traffic.
Compare the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
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Other model years
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Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
Is the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?
Owners have filed 43 complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette, fewer than a typical Corvette model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette?
Electrical system, with 9 complaints. Next is tires (8).
How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Chevrolet Corvette have the most electrical problems?
The Chevrolet Corvette model years with the most electrical complaints are 2005 (101 complaints), 2006 (44 complaints) and 2008 (39 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Chevrolet Corvette range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.7L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 23-24 highway.
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