Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 70/100 (GOOD)

2018 Chevrolet Corvette Reliability Report

Name: 2018 Chevrolet Corvette
Brand: Chevrolet

The 2018 Chevrolet Corvette scores 70/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 51 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

27.1per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$737

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,650–$4,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity60/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity87/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

WHEELS (43)
SERVICE BRAKES (2)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2018 is 3 years after the 2015 model year refresh.

Year 5 in the Seventh generation (C7) (2014–2019).
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
7th generation Corvette (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2014: Seventh generation (C7) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2015: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is 3 years after the 2015 model year refresh.

Should You Buy the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette?

At 70/100, the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2018 is 3 years after the 2015 model year refresh.

Its complaint rate of 27.1 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the Coupe segment average of 16.9. The most common reports involve wheels and wheels (43).

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to wheels and wheels (43). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette, which scored 7 points lower.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Low recall count

Cons

−Above-average repair costs for its class
−Above-average complaint rate for Coupe
−WHEELS complaints dominate (84%)

Compare 2018 Chevrolet Corvette With

2018 Ford Mustang

Reliability: 65/100

Good

2018 Tesla Model 3

Reliability: 46/100

Mixed

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK

WHEELS (43)
SERVICE BRAKES (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recall on record

The 2018 Chevrolet Corvette carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

27.1

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 16.9

LowAvgHigh

Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Chevrolet Corvette Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V1750002025-03-20

STEERING

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Cadillac CTS, 2017-2018 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The electric power steering (EPS) assist may fail.

Consequence

A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2025. Owners may contact Cadilac customer service at 1-800-333-4223 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252497020.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Corvette? Check its history first

Every 2018 Chevrolet Corvette has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2018 Chevrolet Corvette NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head/Torso Combo (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Chevrolet CorvetteRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$737

vs $526 avg for midsize cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

22%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Corvette

$737

Category Avg

$526

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

16–19 MPG

Running cost: $4,400–$5,050/yr

Fuel + repair

13–16 city / 22–25 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Corvette 6.2L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Manual 7-spd	16	25	19	$3,650
Corvette 6.2L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	15	25	18	$3,850
Corvette 6.2L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Manual 7-spd	15	22	18	$3,850
Corvette 6.2L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	13	23	16	$4,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Chevrolet Corvette.

Inspect wheels for cracks or bends, especially inner rims
Check tire pressure sensors for frequent alerts
Test drive to detect any vibrations at highway speeds
Verify if wheels have been replaced or repaired frequently
Check for any signs of brake pedal issues or unusual braking behavior
Ensure no visible rust or wear on brake rotors

2018 Chevrolet Corvette Common Problems by Component

51 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

WHEELS (43)SERVICE BRAKES (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)TIRES (1)STEERING (1)POWER TRAIN (1)STRUCTURE (1)

WHEELS

43 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette frequently report issues with cracked and bent wheels, often leading to air pressure loss. Symptoms typically include slow tire leaks and noticeable vibrations while driving, with many complaints occurring at mileage ranges between 2,800 and 25,000 miles. These issues often result in the need for costly wheel replacements, as repairs are generally ineffective. Several owners express concerns about potential safety risks, such as losing control due to sudden tire deflation. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring wheel problems and the associated expenses.

43 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette report issues with the service brakes, including brake failure and rotor rusting. One complaint describes the brakes failing to stop the vehicle, with symptoms such as a hard pedal, a pulsating feel, and the pedal going to the floor, resulting in a rear-end collision. Another complaint mentions permanent rust bands on brake rotors that do not wear off, causing scoring and grooving of brake pads, and leading to the rotors fusing with the pads when wet. This issue is noted from the vehicle's initial use and is described as a safety concern due to the potential for wheel locking. Both issues involve significant safety implications, including loss of control and the need for expensive repairs.

2 complaints total1 crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2024-01-01

Multiple rim cracks due to manufacturing error. General Motors had acknowledged this but not made reimbursement possible nor provided information if defective rims are still being produced. My car was inspected and rim was repaired by a Chevy dealer and confirmed to have a cracked rim in several spots deemed not due to road damage or driver error. Wheel issues can pose an extreme safety threat as a crack in the rim could make the tire unstable thus creating unsafe driving conditions … cracks in rims can be hard to see at all as well

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

2019-11-04

I JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 11-04-2019. THE TRUNK POPS OPEN WHEN I GET IN THE CAR AND SIT DOWN. THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM WHEN BACKING UP TO PULL OFF AND TURNING TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT, THE CAR WILL START JERKING AND THERE'S A POPPING SOUND.

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint

2019-10-22

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET CORVETTE EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN PILOT SUPERSPORT TIRES, SIZE: P285/30Z/R19 94Y (NA) FOR THE FRONT (DOT NUMBER: 4MLW) AND SIZE: 335/25Z 20 (NA) FOR THE REAR (DOT NUMBER: 4M2R). WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THERE WAS A VIOLENT VIBRATION IN ALL FOUR TIRES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE THREAD WAS SEPARATING FROM EACH TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROGER DEAN CHEVROLET (101 SW PINE ISLAND RD, CAPE CORAL, FL 33991, (239) 574-3326) TWO DAYS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND AT THAT TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,748.

STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaint

2019-06-25

I ATTENDED A TWO-DAY NCM TRACK EVENT AT VIR IN JUNE 2019. DURING THE SECOND SESSION ON DAY TWO MY 2018 Z06 HAD A POWER STEERING ISSUE. WITHOUT ANY WARNING, I FELT AND HEARD A LOUD THUMP THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AS I APPROACHED TURN 3 FROM NO-NAME, I HAD VERY LITTLE STEERING ABILITY THAT REQUIRED HEAVY HANDED INPUT ON THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING ME TO LIFT AND BRAKE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM RUNNING OFF THE TRACK. THEN I RECEIVED A DIC MESSAGE ON THE DASH TO 'SERVICE POWER STEERING GEAR.' I COME IN TO LET THE CAR COOL DOWN AND WENT BACK OUT LATER WITH NO ISSUES BUT WAS NOT RUNNING HAS HARD AS BEFORE. THIS POWER STEERING OVERHEATING ISSUE IS VERY CONCERNING WHEN ON THE TRACK APPROACHING A TURN GOING 70 TO 80 MPH. THE OUTSIDE TEMP WAS 90 DEGREES AND THE COOLING SYSTEM WAS RUNNING AROUND 240 DEGREES. THERE IS A GM PRELIMINARY INFORMATION ABOUT REDUCTION IN STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIVING ON THE TRACK DURING HOT DAYS. BULLETIN NO.: PI1535B DATE: NOV-2017 THAT REQUIRES TO INSTALL A NEW POWER STEERING GEAR COOLING DUCT FOR 2014-2018 CHEVROLET CORVETTE.

POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

2019-05-05

8-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 'BUCKS' AND 'CLUNKS' DURING ACCELERATION OR DURING UP SHIFTING. IT DOES THIS EITHER IN FULL AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL SHIFTING MODE.

STRUCTURE (1 complaints)

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

2018-06-01

WHEELS CRACKED AND BENT AT LESS THAN 3500 MILES. KNOWN PROBLEM WITHIN CORVETTE COMMUNITY. GM WONT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. FRONT BUMPER PAINT PEELING OFF, WHERE THE BUMPER MEETS FENDERS. THIS IS A KNOWN FACTORY DEFECT.

When Do 2018 Chevrolet Corvette Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

2,800–25,000 milesWheel cracks and bends

Best & Worst Chevrolet Corvette Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Chevrolet Corvette Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best Chevrolet Corvette year is 2025 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (73/100) and 2024 (71/100).

Top Pick

Good

Chevrolet Corvette Years to Avoid

The worst Chevrolet Corvette year is 2019 with a score of 63/100, primarily due to wheels (121) issues.

Good

2019

1Recalls

145Complaints

See full Chevrolet Corvette years-to-avoid analysis

Chevrolet Corvette Reliability Score Trend

Chevrolet Corvette reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 73/100 compared to 67/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Chevrolet Corvette reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	70/100	Good
2019	63/100	Good
2020	67/100	Good
2021	71/100	Good
2023	73/100	Good
2024	71/100	Good
2025	78/100	Good

Chevrolet Corvette Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	74/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	0	0
2025	78/100	+7	Good	0	0
2024	71/100	-2	Good	2	18
2023	73/100	+2	Good	1	20
2021	71/100	+4	Good	2	11
2020	67/100	+4	Good	4	31
2019	63/100	-7	Good	1	145
2018(selected)	70/100	—	Good	1	51

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?

The 2018 Chevrolet Corvette has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 70/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 51 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette include: WHEELS (43 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints), TIRES (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette have?

The 2018 Chevrolet Corvette has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette expensive to maintain?

The 2018 Chevrolet Corvette has estimated annual repair costs of $737/year, which is $211 more than the midsize cars average of $526. With a reliability score of 70/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2018 Chevrolet Corvette without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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