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2007 Chevrolet Corvette Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Chevrolet Corvette has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel tank leak with gasoline odor.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel tank leak with gasoline odor

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

94 NHTSA complaints · 2016-02 → 2026-03

“After filling the tank with fuel, I was immediately aware of a strong smell of gas. I am always extremely careful not to overfill causing any fuel to escape”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658490
“CORVETTE HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH FUEL SMELL COMING FROM THE CAR AFTER YOU FILL THE TANK.THIS ISSUE IS VERY SERIOUS. FUEL LEAKS OUT THE TOP OF THE TANKS, AND WILL THEN DRIP DOWN THE BACK SIDE ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11292148
“I HAVE A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN AND AROUND MU 2007 CORVETTE C6. IT IS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE PLASTIC FUEL PUMP WHERE THE FUEL LINE EXITS THE TOP OF THE PUMP ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. IT ALWAYS CRACKS AND LEAKS FUEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10860900

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dropped exhaust valve causing engine failure

ENGINE

20 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2022-09

“2007 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZOS WITH LS7 ENGINE - EXCESSIVE ENGINE VALVE GUIDE WEAR - PER THE GM VALVE WIGGLE TEST MY CAR WAS FOUND TO HAVE UP TO 3 TIMES THE ACCEPTABLE ENGINE VALVE TO GUIDE CLEARANCE AT 24,139 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11318547
“AT 65MPH, DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR MADE A HORRENDOUS LOUD CLATTERING SOUND AND THE MOTOR LOCKED UP. PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO SEE OIL POURING OUT THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE BLOCK, WHERE THE VALVE WAS SPIT OUT - CAUSING A HUGE HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE MOTOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11016375
“WHILE PASSING A LARGE TRUCK ON A RURAL HIGHWAY (FM 2004) THE ENGINE DROPPED A VALVE WHICH AS I HAVE BEEN INFORMED IS A KNOWN ISSUE ON THESE CARS WITH THE Z06 LS7 ENGINE HAVING PREMATURE VALVE GUIDE WEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10966167

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Active handling and traction control system warning

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

11 NHTSA complaints · 2016-04 → 2020-09

“SERVICE VEHICLE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM WARNING IS ON IN VEHICLE. AFTER READING ONLINE THAT THE BRAKES CAN ACTIVATE ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11354465
“WHEN TURNING AT SLOW SPEEDS, THE ACTIVE SUSPENSION WILL EITHER ACTIVATE OR FORCE A DIC MESSAGE "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM."”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11217531
“CAR TRACSION CONTROL KEEPS TURNING OFF AND GIVES ERROR MESSAGE "SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING"”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10861339

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission fails to shift out of park

POWER TRAIN

33 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2026-08

“ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. IT IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND IT JUST BECOMES "FROZEN" IN PARK MODE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11025220
“I HAVE A 2007 CORVETTE, I WAS AT A RAILROAD CROSSING WAITING FOR THE TRAIN TO PASS SO I PUT MY SHIFTER INTO PARK. WHEN THE TRAIN PASSED I TRIED TO TAKE THE SHIFTER OUT OF PARK AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10897830
“A mismatched gear indicator where the dashboard shows "Park" but the transmission is actually in "Reverse" is dangerous that creates a severe rollaway risk”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11760522

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light illuminates intermittently

AIR BAGS

10 NHTSA complaints · 2016-07 → 2022-07

“Warning light that indicates an airbag system malfunction comes on intermittently for no reason”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11424489
“The airbag indicator light on the dash of the vehicle periodically lights up indicating a fault with the system. The car was checked by a dealer who could find no issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11476661
“DEPENDING ON THE POSITION OF THE DRIVERS SEAT THE AIRBAG INDICATOR ON THE DASH WILL INDICATE THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE DISABLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10994458

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlights shut off or activate unexpectedly

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2022-11

“Headlights suddenly stopped working”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11493055
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10983740
“THE LAST 2 DAYS WHEN I DRIVE AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS (LOW BEAMS) SHUT OFF. I SWITCH TO THE HIGH BEAMS AND THEY WORK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11083914

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

On 4WD models, replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles — sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

51 crashes 1990–2024

How the 51 occupant deaths break down

45

driver deaths

6

passenger deaths

51

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Chevrolet Corvette reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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