2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Corvette Z06 › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
48 complaints6 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving out of his driveway, the "Service Active Handling System" warning light was illuminated. Neither the dealer nor an independent mechanic was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,600.
- Engine
2008 corvette C6 Z06. Consumer writes in regards to valve guide machining issues. *Ld *js
- Fuel/propulsion system
Filled gas tank to full & had strong gas odors inside & outside vehicle. Gas & gas smell coming from exhaust when car IS started & running. Dealer identified left side fuel pump module needs to be replaced.
- Engine
Loud ticking coming from valves, worried to drop a valve when driving
- Engine
Defective valve guides. this first happened at 13,500 miles, and chevrolet did replace the heads under warranty. now it has happened again at 28500 miles and I have spent over $3100 in parts alone to fix the problem, which has been verified by the company who sold me the replacement heads. I…
Defective valve guides. this first happened at 13,500 miles, and chevrolet did replace the heads under warranty. now it has happened again at 28500 miles and I have spent over $3100 in parts alone to fix the problem, which has been verified by the company who sold me the replacement heads. I provided the labor or the cost would have been $1700 higher. four intake valve guides were beyond the chevrolet replacement spec and another four were already at the chevrolet service limit with only 15000 miles on the replacement heads. obviously the problem occurred during city and highway driving.
- Traction control system · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owned a 2008 chevrolet corvette Z06. While driving 45 mph with the cruise control activated, the instrument panel indicated that the front driver side tire pressure was high and then low. The message "service active handling" flashed across the instrument panel. The vehicle then…
TL* the contact owned a 2008 chevrolet corvette Z06. While driving 45 mph with the cruise control activated, the instrument panel indicated that the front driver side tire pressure was high and then low. The message "service active handling" flashed across the instrument panel. The vehicle then slid to the left, spun 360 degrees, and crashed into the median and several trees. The contact was knocked unconsciousness and the passenger was fatally injured. The contact was injured and transported to a hospital via ambulance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was totaled and towed. The contact was advised by his attorney not to speak to anyone; therefore, the dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 60,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Primary tank module flange fuel and vapor leak on top of primary fuel pump causing hazardous fumes in garage and car.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Severe gas smell left in a closed area after corvette use. when the car IS driven and then parked in a garage, the garage smells severely of fuel. if aired out, the smell dissipates. if not, the odor IS overwhelming. Upon review, it appears the smell IS coming front the drivers side left-hand…
Severe gas smell left in a closed area after corvette use. when the car IS driven and then parked in a garage, the garage smells severely of fuel. if aired out, the smell dissipates. if not, the odor IS overwhelming. Upon review, it appears the smell IS coming front the drivers side left-hand fuel tank. the leak affects the safety of the car passengers as the gasoline leak from the tank drips onto the exhaust. my mother IS 94 years old and has ridden with me while this issue was occurring. little did I understand the potential impacts on my families well-being. I believe this IS a major safety hazard with this car. upon cursory review of online corvette chat groups, this seems to specifically affect this model corvette. after further research, this problem seems to be prevalent in past corvette models extending back to 1997. Upon contacting gm/chevrolet service department we were told that our specific vin number does not qualify for a recall. it's my understanding there IS an extension of the warranty on this specific issue due to its prevalence. I also understand that the extension included mileage to 80,000 miles and through august 17, 2017. my mileage currently sits at 49,000 miles and we supposedly missed the deadline by 11 days as we reported this issue to the dealership on august 28, 2017. while we did purchase the car used, we never were told of the issue nor received paperwork to that affect so we were completely unaware of such a hazard. I strictly use dealerships for my service and am disappointed that they were not able to identify this issue in my opinion, it doesn't appear that the company IS not interested in addressing my problem.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Severe gas smell left in a closed area after corvette use. when the car IS driven and then parked in a garage, the garage smells severely of fuel. if aired out, the smell dissipates. if not, the odor IS overwhelming. Upon review, it appears the smell IS coming front the drivers side left-hand…
Severe gas smell left in a closed area after corvette use. when the car IS driven and then parked in a garage, the garage smells severely of fuel. if aired out, the smell dissipates. if not, the odor IS overwhelming. Upon review, it appears the smell IS coming front the drivers side left-hand fuel tank. the leak affects the safety of the car passengers as the gasoline leak from the tank drips onto the exhaust. my mother IS 94 years old and has ridden with me while this issue was occurring. little did I understand the potential impacts on my families well-being. I believe this IS a major safety hazard with this car. upon cursory review of online corvette chat groups, this seems to specifically affect this model corvette. after further research, this problem seems to be prevalent in past corvette models extending back to 1997. Upon contacting gm/chevrolet service department we were told that our specific vin number does not qualify for a recall. it's my understanding there IS an extension of the warranty on this specific issue due to its prevalence. I also understand that the extension included milage to 80,000 miles and through august 17, 2017. my milage currently sits at 49,000 miles and we supposedly missed the deadline by 11 days as we reported this issue to the dealership on august 28, 2017. while we did purchase the car used, we never were told of the issue nor received paperwork to that affect so we were completely unaware of such a hazard. I strictly use dealerships for my service and am disappointed that they were not able to identify this issue in my opinion, it doesn't appear that the company IS not interested in addressing my problem.
- Engine
I bought my 2008 Z06 back in december 2016 with 27000 miles on it. Love the car but from I understand reading about the complains from other owners it has valve problems and the can give away at any time. Dear gm I don't care how you take this, but should my 2008 LS7 motor break down due to this…
I bought my 2008 Z06 back in december 2016 with 27000 miles on it. Love the car but from I understand reading about the complains from other owners it has valve problems and the can give away at any time. Dear gm I don't care how you take this, but should my 2008 LS7 motor break down due to this specific situation you will fix it at your own cost, I am printing the complains from the forum about the LS7 motor issues, and if that ever happens to my car and you refuse to fix it, tv stations, radio stations, and news papers will know about this. Let me clear this IS a statement I am making thank you
- Engine
Engine IS making a loud ticking noise. Shop recommended to replace valve guides and remachine cylinder heads. This IS to prevent a valve dropping into the engine due to out of spec cylinder heads from the oem supplier. This IS a high occurrence problem that has low or remote detection methods. The severity presents a potential safety/fire hazard.
- Engine
I was concerned about excessive valve train noise and after reading several corvette forum threads about improperly machined heads by gm's supplier linamar, and that numerous vehicles have had valves drop and ruin the engines, I took my car with 9500 miles on it to a corvette specialty shop to have…
I was concerned about excessive valve train noise and after reading several corvette forum threads about improperly machined heads by gm's supplier linamar, and that numerous vehicles have had valves drop and ruin the engines, I took my car with 9500 miles on it to a corvette specialty shop to have my valve guide clearance tested. I had (2) intake valve guides outside of service specifications, (4) exhaust valve guides outside of service specifications, and a combination of (10) other intake and exhaust valve guides at or near the maximum outside of service specifications. The car IS being repaired with proper re-machining of the heads to make the valve guides concentric, new intake and exhaust valve guides installed, as well as new seals, valves, springs, etc. 88% of the corvette forum members who have had their cylinder heads tested for excessive valve guide wear, were out of service specifications. Source: http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/...-registry.html gm needs to issue a recall on this issue, there have been numerous engine failures as a result of a dropped valve into a cylinder which can cause accidents and fires. Gm IS very aware of this issue, but refuses to do anything about this huge safety risk to drivers, passengers, and nearby vehicles if the engine fails going down the road.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Strong gasoline smell coming from vehicle after driving when parked in garage. *tr
- Engine
Yes ,when driving the corvette on the highway and the engine blew up and quit working everything potentially causing an accident to me at that time I was very scared.........the valve dropped through the 8TH cylinder,while driving almost causing drivers to crash. *tr
- Engine
The 7L 427 engine has a valve failure problem. the valve heads break off inside the engine while running. this happened to me as I was driving along a highway at 60 miles per hour not accelerating braking or turning, in a very remote part of texas. the engine seized up. this IS a known issue by…
The 7L 427 engine has a valve failure problem. the valve heads break off inside the engine while running. this happened to me as I was driving along a highway at 60 miles per hour not accelerating braking or turning, in a very remote part of texas. the engine seized up. this IS a known issue by gm with a much higher than expected failure rate yet has never had a service bulletin nor recall. the car had 18,000 miles on it at the time and had never been to the track or abused in any way. oil was changed at 3,000 mile intervals by a certified shop. between towing and repair the total bill was over $ 16,000. because the car had been in service over 5 years despite the low mileage, gm picked up only 45% of the costs leaving me with over a $ 10,000 bill. this IS a high performance very expensive sports car that had a complete engine failure at 18,000 miles. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
Strong smell of gasoline on left side of car. No visible leak on the floor
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel smell coming from the left side of the vehicle. only happens when fueled above 3/4 of a tank. chevrolet dealer was concerned about the problem during an oil change and tried to get gm to correct the issue but they would not citing that the vehicle passed all fuel pressure an leak tests. the…
Fuel smell coming from the left side of the vehicle. only happens when fueled above 3/4 of a tank. chevrolet dealer was concerned about the problem during an oil change and tried to get gm to correct the issue but they would not citing that the vehicle passed all fuel pressure an leak tests. the vehicle IS dangerous to park in a garage or closed area due to the very good chance of ignition from strong fumes. Just as disturbing IS the fact that the exhaust system IS by the source of the leak and could ignite at any time while driving. many other customers have complained of this issue without a resolution from the manufacturer or if gm has agreed to replace the defective part (fuel pump) they do so with the same type that has already failed. eventually one of these cars IS going to explode or catch fire an I guess that only then will the manufacturer and the government do something about it. I have attached the service report where the dealership acknowledged the smell and the notice from chevrolet. something needs to be done about this before there are injuries or deaths because of this.
- Fuel/propulsion system
When fuel tank IS full there isavery strong smell of fuel. so far no leak on ground. smell so bad can be notied four cars away.
- Engine · Service brakes · Steering
Vehicle IS completely stock with only 18,000 miles on it. it has never been on a track or used for anything other than a weekend toy. complete engine failure as a result of a valve breaking off inside the engine while driving casually at 50 mph. as a result the engine stopped running taking with…
Vehicle IS completely stock with only 18,000 miles on it. it has never been on a track or used for anything other than a weekend toy. complete engine failure as a result of a valve breaking off inside the engine while driving casually at 50 mph. as a result the engine stopped running taking with it the power steering and power assisted brakes. I was on a country road approximately 45 miles from the nearest gas station or service facility of any kind. there was also no cell phone service and was left stranded. I have since had a brand new engine put in at a total cost of over $ 16,000.
- Electrical system · Engine · Exterior lighting
Recently my low beam headlights would randomly stop working. At first they would go off and come back on after a couple minutes but now I'l be lucky if they turn on at all. The problem comes from the fuse box located under the hood. In the beginning I would get out of my car and play around with…
Recently my low beam headlights would randomly stop working. At first they would go off and come back on after a couple minutes but now I'l be lucky if they turn on at all. The problem comes from the fuse box located under the hood. In the beginning I would get out of my car and play around with the low beam relay until the lights came on and stayed on but now that does not even help. Its obviously a problem due to the fuse box. I know there are many other corvette owners who have the same issue. I hope gm will fix this problem.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Car has 20,000 miles and has developed a gas smell while parked in a garage. it seems to be from the right rear of the car. when the system IS below 1/2 full the smell IS less apparent.. there IS no visible leak in the fuel tank area. I have replaced the cross over pipe seals and fuel pump "o"…
Car has 20,000 miles and has developed a gas smell while parked in a garage. it seems to be from the right rear of the car. when the system IS below 1/2 full the smell IS less apparent.. there IS no visible leak in the fuel tank area. I have replaced the cross over pipe seals and fuel pump "o" rings. problem IS still present. was not aware of history of possible defective plastic on the fuel pump fittings. I will run tank below 1/2 to see if smell goes away. will most likely remove again or address with my extended warranty as with more research this seems to be a quite common problem and potentially serious. I must let car sit outside for awhile and allow fuel fumes to diminish before I feel comfortable putting car in garage. this smell can be very heavy when left in a closed area right after driving. I can still smell fuel fumes while driving.
- Engine
Engine valves noisy and showed excessive wear at 17,000 miles. Concerns that the engine could fail while the vehicle IS in motion, rendering power steering and power brakes inoperable, risking a crash. Had cylinder heads replaced as a precaution to prevent a potential dropped valve.
- Engine
Had to have the heads reworked because of bad guides at 13,500 miles. car out of warranty gm does nothing and claims there isn't a problem. stock 2008 Z06 with 13,500 miles all (8) exhaust out of spec, (3) intake out of spec (5) intake only in spec by .0001-.0004 measurement done by katech/wcch can provide data if needed
- Engine
Valve guides on heads were out of sepcification and wiggled visibly with slight side pressure, even when loaded. heads r&r'd at a cost of $2500
- Engine
Engine dropped exhaust valve while the engine was turning 6800 rpm in third gear at 118 mph. The engine stopped right at the time I went to shift to 4TH gear and the tach dropped to zero. I pulled the car into a run off area and got out of the car because I thought it might be on fire due to all of the smoke.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009461This service bulletin provides information on Characteristics of Wide Low Aspect Ratio Tires, Vehicle Pulls Left or Right, Wanders, Follows Depressions in Road Surface, Tramlining.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004727This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001325This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information to cover GMs policy on performing GM covered vehicle services and maintenance on vehicles originating/sold in Canada.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 11000160This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 11000119This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10254240Information on COAX Repair Kit Availability.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10253632Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250505This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10250347This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
- 10250013High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249535This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or E6961).
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248493Bluetooth Stays Connected After RAP Is Canceled.
Every Chevrolet Corvette Z06 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.