2015 Chevrolet Corvette Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering frontal. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic transmission shudder and harsh shifting.” 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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5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #16V651000 · Aug 9, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #17V437000 · Oct 7, 2017

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #14V570000 · Sep 19, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles manufactured August 20, 2014, to August 27, 2014. In the event of a driver frontal air bag deployment, the driver air bag module back plate may fracture, allowing the driver air bag to separate from the steering wheel.

Risk: An air bag that separates from the steering wheel may increase the risk of injury to the driver in the event of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag, free of charge. The recall began on October 29, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14594.

PARKING BRAKE

Campaign #14V568000 · Sep 17, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles manufactured August 20, 2014, to September 4, 2014. In the affected vehicles, only one of the rear parking brake cables may be fully seated and engaged, resulting in the parking brake only operating on one of the rear park brake drums. Without the parking brake working on both rear wheels, the vehicle may roll away if parked on a steep gradient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: If the parking brake cable isn't fully seated and engaged on both of the rear park brake drums, the vehicle may roll away if parked on a steep gradient, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the park brake cable installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 31, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14620.

SUSPENSION

Campaign #15V031000 · Jan 26, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles manufactured September 26, 2014, to October 2, 2014. In the affected vehicles the toe link outer ball joint on the rear suspension may not have been properly tightened during the assembly process. The Toe link may loosen with the vehicle use and eventually separate.

Risk: A toe link separation can result in a reduction in vehicle stability and steering control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any damaged parts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14857.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette.

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic transmission shudder and harsh shifting

POWER TRAIN

18 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2025-04

“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced severe shuddering and vibration while accelerating from a stationary position and while driving at slower speeds. The cause of the failure has not yet been determined”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11655435
“8 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTS AT A STOP WITH SUCH FORCE IT FEELS AS YOU HAVE BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER CAR WHILE COMING TO A STOP. TRANSMISSION ALSO WILL NOT ALWAYS ENGAGE PROPERLY AND WILL OVER REV AND SLAM INTO GEAR POSSIBLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10786533
“8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ALWAYS SHIFTS ERRATICALLY WHEN STARTING OUT COLD (LAZY SHIFT, SLOW SHIFT, ETC.) AND OCCASIONALLY DOES NOT DOWNSHIFT WHEN CAR COMES TO A STOP, ONLY TO SLAM HARD INTO 1ST WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED TO RESUME TRAVEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10838783

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wheel rim cracking

WHEELS

11 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2024-11

“2015 Z06 CORVETTE CRACKED 3 REAR WHEELS (20" DIAMETER). ONE AT 24,000 MILES, ONE AT 30,000 MILES AND ONE AT 40,000 MILES. CAR IS ONLY DRIVEN TO WORK ON INTERSTATE QUALITY ROADS. NO IN TOWN DRIVING. ALL WHEEL CRACKED ON THE INSIDE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11363910
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS HAVING TIRES INSTALLED AT BILL STASEK CHEVROLET (700 W DUNDEE RD, WHEELING, IL), HE WAS INFORMED THAT ALL THE RIMS WERE CRACKED AND THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL WAS LEAKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11035178
“CRACKED REAR WHEELS ON BOTH SIDES. NOTICED BECAUSE OF AIR LEAK AFTER LONG TRIP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11219771

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield cracking without impact damage

VISIBILITY/WIPER

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2022-09

“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that he noticed a crack at the top of the front driver’s side windshield. The contact then stated that over time the crack expanded with several other cracks being formed on the passenger’s side of the windshield”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11484411
“WINDSHIELD IS DELAMINATING. DELAMINATION HAS CAUSED A STRESS CRACK TO DEVELOP. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF A STONE OR OTHER PROJECTILE IMPACTING THE WINDSHIELD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11130191
“THE WINDSHIELD IN THE C7 CORVETTES CRACK FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE, AND IT SEEMS THAT GM/CHEVROLET IS COMPLETELY IGNORING IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11416221

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Infotainment and instrument display failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-11 → 2023-06

“Infotainment screen intermittanly flickers or goes black during the backing of the vehicle. Rear backup camera shows object on screen when in reverse, then flickers or goes black”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11528259
“The entire dash went dark, there was no display of the odometer, symbols for system IE lights, oil pressure, tachometer, and no display on the screen where the radio or navigation selections are made”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11479010
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DIMMED. THE CONTACT COULD NOT SEE ANY OF THE INDICATORS, INCLUDING THE SPEEDOMETER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10789679

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel odor while parked in enclosed garage

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2025-08

“When C7 Stingray Corvette in the garage with the door closed, there is a strong smell of fuel coming from the vehicle, this problem started around July, 2025”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682447
“There is a strong gas smell when my vehicle is parked in the home garage. The smell is very strong on the rear tire area on the driver's side of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11543092
“A STRONG FUEL ODOR IS COMING FROM THE FUEL FILLER PIPE. THE FUEL ODOR FILLS THE GARAGE WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN THERE OVERNIGHT, AND COMPLETELY TURNED OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10910962

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine valve spring and lifter failure

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-06 → 2025-08

“Driving down interstate at 74 MPH when engine acted like it wasn't accelerating and I was able to get off on an exit when car died had to have it towed to a chevrolet dealership. Engine wouldn't turn over at all”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11680707
“There has been a lawsuit in reference to the lifters in alot of GM cars. Now my 2015 corvette has the same issue. The bad lifter”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11530125
“Bad valve springs across many GM vehicles. I am not the only one that has had broken valve springs. I am well under the miles for this issue to occur”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11419640

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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)

24 crashes 1990–2024

How the 24 occupant deaths break down

17

driver deaths

7

passenger deaths

24

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2015 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.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2015 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.