Last updated: 2026-04-20
2021 Chevrolet Corvette Reliability Report
The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 11 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
11
Complaint Rate
3.3per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$737
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,650
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (7)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- AIR BAGS (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 2 of the Eighth generation (C8).
- Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2023.
- 8th generation Corvette (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2020 (redesign year) vs 2021+ pricing and recalls.
2020: Eighth generation (C8) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 2 of the Eighth generation (C8).
2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette?
At 71/100, the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is year 2 of the Eighth generation (C8).
Owners log 11 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train and power train (7). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for Coupe
Cons
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −POWER TRAIN: Transmission and axle components (7 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Several electrical system issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette (3 complaints)
Compare 2021 Chevrolet Corvette With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
MODERATE- POWER TRAIN (7)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
3.3
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 11.6
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Chevrolet Corvette Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
POWER TRAIN
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The rear half-shaft assemblies may be missing one or more ball bearings, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Consequence
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left or right rear half-shaft assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 4, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212351320.
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
Consequence
The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. 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 N212338110.
Buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Corvette? Check its history first
Every 2021 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
2021 Chevrolet Corvette NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet CorvetteRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based 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
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
19 MPG
Running cost: $4,400/yr
Fuel + repair
15 city / 27 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 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corvette 6.2L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 15 | 27 | 19 | $3,650 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Chevrolet Corvette.
Inspect for transmission warning lights and test drive to check for gear shifting issues
Check for unusual noises from the rear axle area
Test the electrical door button for proper operation
Verify the functionality of the Rear Vision Camera when reversing
Ensure the alternator is charging correctly; consider a diagnostic check
Inspect tires and rims for any signs of damage or previous replacements
2021 Chevrolet Corvette Common Problems by Component
11 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
7 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette frequently report issues with the power train, particularly related to the transmission and axle components. Common symptoms include transmission warning lights, failure to shift gears, and unusual noises from the rear of the vehicle. Problems often arise at low mileages, with issues reported as early as 450 miles. Some owners describe serious safety implications, such as the vehicle lurching or losing motive power, which can lead to unpredictable driving behavior. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for used car buyers considering this model.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners report several electrical system issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. Commonly noted is the intermittent failure of the Rear Vision Camera, where the infotainment screen displays a black screen with red icons, impeding rear visibility when reversing. Another reported issue is the lack of a display alert for an underperforming alternator, which led one owner to replace a battery unnecessarily. Additionally, some owners experience problems with the electrical door button getting stuck, which can prevent the door from unlocking from the inside. These issues are reported across varying mileage, with one owner noting the door button problem at 4,783 miles. While no direct safety incidents are cited, the symptoms could potentially affect vehicle operation and convenience.
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that the warning message that the front tires were low displayed. The contact added air into the tires but the warning message that the tires were low continued to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer replaced the tires but the failure reoccurred several times and the tires were replaced several times. On another occasion, while the contact was driving 65 MPH the vehicle started shaking and the vehicle collapsed on the front driver's side, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle and the vehicle struck the wall. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was seriously injured and was taken to the hospital. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed, and the vehicle was diagnosed by the manufacturer, and the diagnosis was that the front driver-side rim fractured. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer diagnosed the vehicle but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 35,000.
When Do 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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 scoreThe 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).
Chevrolet Corvette Years to Avoid
The worst Chevrolet Corvette year is 2019 with a score of 63/100, primarily due to wheels (121) issues.
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.
| 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette?
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette have?
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Chevrolet Corvette without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Chevrolet Corvette.
No spam. Only data updates for this model.
Browse More Chevrolet Models
Chevrolet Blazer
Score: 77/100
Chevrolet Bolt
Score: 64/100
Chevrolet Camaro
Score: 77/100
Chevrolet Colorado
Score: 83/100
Chevrolet Equinox
Score: 72/100
Chevrolet Equinox-EV
Score: 64/100
Browse More 2021 Vehicles
2021 Lexus ES
Score: 88/100
2021 KIA Sedona
Score: 88/100
2021 Honda HR-V
Score: 86/100
2021 Lexus RX
Score: 86/100
2021 Nissan Frontier
Score: 84/100
2021 Mazda CX-5
Score: 83/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue