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2005 Chevrolet Corvette problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is driver assistance and stability, typically around 40,100 miles. It has 6.3 times the complaints of a typical Corvette model year.

Year to avoid6.3x the typical complaints
Year score
5/100
Owner complaints
533
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
713
Worst area
Driver assistance
Fuel economy
19mpg
Typical repair
$1,000

The worst 2005 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.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette

Headlights 84Won't shift 44Airbag light 38Won't start 13Battery drain 12Engine failure 12Fuel smell 12ABS 11Pulling 11Jerking 10Loss of power 9Check engine light 8Stalling 8Grinding brakes 6Fuel pump 6Steering lock-up 6Door locks 5Overheating 5

Recalls 6

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported May 14, 2014 · 103,158 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles manufactured March 29, 2004, through June 22, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC) housing can expand and cause the headlamp low beam relay control circuit wire to bend. If the wire is repeatedly bent, it may fracture causing a loss of low beam headlamp illumination.
Risk
The loss of low beam headlamp illumination will decrease the driver's visibility, as well as the vehicle's conspicuity to other motorists, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a jumper wire to correct this condition, free of charge. The recall began January 2, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 13146. Note: Model year 2008-2013 Chevrolet Corvettes will be covered under customer satisfaction program number 14203 for the same issue.

Recall number 14V251000 · Recall details

Steering: columnReported April 26, 2010 · 40,028 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gm is recalling certain model year 2005 and 2006 chevrolet corvette passenger cars manufactured between march 2004 and january 2006 equipped with a tilt and telescoping steering column (rpo n37). In rare cases, repeated movement of the steering column may cause a signal interruption within the column. If this occurs, the message, "service active handling system" will appear in the driver information center, and one or more of the brakes may apply, possibly causing the vehicle to pull to the right or left.
Risk
If the driver does not respond to the change in vehicle movement, a crash could occur.
Remedy
Gm will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on april 30, 2010. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

Recall number 10V172000 · Recall details

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

Structure: body: roof and pillarsReported May 24, 2006 · 30,793 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain 2005-2006 chevrolet corvettes equipped with painted roofs, the adhesive between the roof panel and the frame may separate.
Risk
If there is a complete separation, the roof panel may detach from the vehicle and it could strike another vehicle and cause injury and property damage.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect vehicles free of charge for potential roof panel-to- frame separation and add the specified adhesive foam or replace the roof with one having adhesive foam. The recall began on october 19, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438.

Recall number 06V181000 · Recall details

Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connectionsReported October 5, 2005 · 123,592 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid.
Risk
If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power brake assist and increased braking effort would be required. If the power steering fluid spray were to spray onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on october 14, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727, or hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493.

Recall number 05V455000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported November 3, 2004 · 5,225 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles were produced with one or both rear brake hydraulic lines that can come in contact with or be affected by heat from the left engine exhaust manifold and the left exhaust pipe. The brake fluid could reach elevated temperatures and boil.
Risk
If the brake fluid boils in a rear brake line, the effectiveness of the rear brake system would be reduced which could result in a brake line leak and loss of brake fluid. If enough fluid leaks from the rear brake system so that brake pedal application can no longer build pressure to the rear brakes. The operator of the vehicle will experience limited braking which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will (1) inspect the left engine exhaust manifold clip for proper alignment and placement on the body-mounted stud. If incorrect, they will reposition the clip on the brake lines and reinstall the clip on the stud; (2) the dealer will verify that both rear brake lines have the proper clearance to the left exhaust pipe. They will reposition the lines by bending as necessary; (3) dealers will remove the machining tab from the rear differential housing. Also, dealers are to inspect the brake lines for wear in these related areas and repair or replace if there is any sign of wear-through on the nylon overcoating. The recall began on january 18, 2005. Owners should contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2239 or chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438.

Recall number 04V525000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette

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 2005 Chevrolet Corvette 713

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

See all 713 bulletins for the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette

2005 Chevrolet Corvette fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
6.0L 8‑cylRWD1624-2619

What 2005 Chevrolet Corvette owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Body · CO

While driving at approximately 50 mph, the outer painted panel of the removable targa roof began separating from its supporting frame. The roof frame remained latched to the vehicle, but the driver-side front/top-left corner of the painted panel lifted far enough that I could see daylight between the panel and frame. I immediately pulled off the highway, removed the roof, stored it in the trunk, and drove home. The panel did not completely detach and there was no crash, injury, or property damage. Continued separation could allow the panel to detach while driving and strike occupants or surrounding traffic. The vehicle was purchased used in 2011 with this painted roof installed. Factory build information lists option CC3, indicating the vehicle originally had a transparent removable roof. GM Customer Care reviewed the VIN and build information, stated that the vehicle was not included in safety recall 09230 because it was originally equipped with a transparent roof, and declined assistance. No physical inspection by GM was performed. The failure appears similar to removable-roof panel separation addressed in GM campaigns 06041 and 09230; I am not claiming this VIN was officially included in either campaign.

Filed Aug 3, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · 123,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the low-beam headlights malfunctioned and failed to illuminate as needed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V251000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 123,000.

Filed Oct 9, 2025 · ND

Sometimes (intermittently), when I push the start button to start the car, it just makes a "click" sound, the car does not start and the steering wheel will lock and all other functions of the car will be disabled. "CHECK COLUM LOCK" will be displayed on the screen. I have to take a battery cable off to reset the software before I can once again start and drive the car.

Filed Oct 9, 2025 · Driver assistance · ND

As I'm driving, the brakes are deployed "hard" without any action on my part. "CHECK ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM" shows up on the screen. I have not het had the vehicle inspected.

Filed Dec 7, 2024 · Airbags, Electrical · OK · crash · 2 injuries

This lead to an injury accident which totaled the car. I have documentation stating that the recall was fixed, but after I moved to Germany with the Army, the recall regularly activated the active handling when not needed (e.g parking) but then when we started slipping, the active handling did not engage and we crashed, totaling the car. The airbags did not engage even though the car played pinball on both sides of the autobahn. If we were going any faster, we would have died.

Filed Nov 22, 2024 · Brakes, Seats · SC

The active handling applies itself with normal non aggressive driving. When activated the brakes apply and lock up, this has happened in low speed turns at intersections and even when driving straight. I have had the vehicle to the dealership to resolve as this is a major safety concern leaving the car locked up in the middle of an intersection. They stated it was the sensor behind the steering wheel and they fixed it but the problem still persists. Secondly the driver seat has begun moving on its own and inching me closer to the steering wheel with no interference with the button while driving. I have since disconnected the seat fuse to prevent collision from improper driver positioning.

Filed Jul 23, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · 80,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the headlights were flickering and then became inoperable. The fuse box was melted. There was smoke detected from underneath the hood. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V251000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuse box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that the part was no longer produced. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Jan 3, 2024 · Steering · PA

steering wheel lock car cannot start and this can happen while driving and could cause a accident chevy knows of problem and has been recalled but has not solved the problem knowed as steering wheel lock

Filed Sep 13, 2023 · Fuel system · CO

I bought this2005 corvette 3months and when i park it in the garage it fills up with gas fumes and could spark a fire.I have investigated this problem and its related to the gas tanks plastic parts.

Filed Aug 25, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · 30,458 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that the low-beam headlight failed to function properly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the fuse box to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V251000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,458.

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Questions about the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette

Is the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?

Owners have filed 533 complaints about the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette, 6.3 times a typical Corvette model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette year score?

The 2005 Chevrolet Corvette scores 5 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Corvette: 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 2005 Chevrolet Corvette?

Driver assistance and stability, with 104 complaints, typically around 40,100 miles. Next is electrical (101).

How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette have?

6 recalls, covering exterior lighting, steering and structure.

What year does the Chevrolet Corvette have the most driver assistance problems?

The Chevrolet Corvette model years with the most driver assistance complaints are 2005 (104 complaints), 2006 (43 complaints) and 2007 (35 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette get?

Official estimates for the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (6.0L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 16 city and 24-26 highway.

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