This one actually hits quite close to home for me, as I have been very seriously considering purchasing a C7 Corvette for use as a daily driver. That said, I can’t help but to take my time trying to figure out which model year(s) to avoid.
In all of the research I’ve done so far, it has become obvious that not all model years were created equal. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Best and Worst Years to Buy
- Best Year: 2018
- Worst Years: 2015 and 2014
The fact that the 2014 and 2015 models are the worst doesn’t surprise me. After all, the C7 came out in 2014, and it’s never been a good idea to buy the first generation of any new vehicle.
But the 2018? The C7 was produced all the way through 2019, so I was naturally expecting the final model year to be the best. It isn’t.
2014
- Overview: The 2014 Corvette was the first model year of this generation. It came in both coupe and convertible form.
- Common Issues:
- Drivetrain Problems: Many owners reported issues with the drivetrain (all kinds of stuff). They are simply too many issues to list, which is why I don’t recommend the 2014 model at all.
- Electronic Problems: Electrical issues were also common, impacting features like the infotainment system.
- Recalls: There were five recalls for the 2014 model, but these were mostly for less severe issues compared to later years.
2015
- Overview: The 2015 model is arguably the worst year for the C7. For what it’s worth, I drove a rental 2015 C7 all the way from San Diego to Washington DC once. There were no issues at all. Despite being an abused rental car, it performed flawlessly.
- Common Issues:
- Overheating: The car was known to overheat when driven at high speeds for extended periods. Again, I never experienced this.
- Power Steering Failures: Many owners experienced issues with the power steering system.
- Drivetrain Issues: Similar to the 2014 model, the drivetrain continued to be a problem.
- Recalls: Like the previous year, the 2015 model also had five recalls, but the volume of complaints was much higher. It’s a year to avoid if you want a reliable Corvette.
2016
- Overview: The 2016 model showed some improvements over the 2015 version but still had its share of issues.
- Common Issues:
- Engine Overheating: While it wasn’t as severe as in 2015, overheating remained a concern.
- Power Steering Failures: The power steering system continued to be problematic.
- Recalls: GM addressed the power steering issues with recalls, but many owners still reported concerns.
2017
- Overview: The 2017 model faced controversy due to wheel problems.
- Common Issues:
- Weak Wheels: The lightweight wheels were prone to warping and cracking, leading to costly replacements.
- Electronics Issues: Owners reported electrical glitches of all kinds. None all that serious though.
- Overheating Fixes: Fortunately, GM managed to fix the overheating issues that plagued earlier models.
- Recalls: There were several recalls for different problems, but the wheel issues were particularly concerning for many owners.
2018
- Overview: As noted, the 2018 Corvette is widely regarded as the best year of this generation. While it still had some issues, it performed better than its predecessors.
- Common Issues:
- Wheels: The stock wheels were still made of a weak material, causing some owners to replace them within the first year.
- Recalls: The 2018 model impressively had zero recalls (hence the reasoning for declaring it the best).
2019
- Overview: 2019 was the final year of production. While it had its problems, it was generally considered reliable.
- Common Issues:
- Airbag Failures: The most significant issue was with the airbags, which failed to deploy in some crashes.
- Recalls: GM recalled 498 vehicles to replace the faulty airbag systems.
Summary of Issues by Year
- 2014: Drivetrain and electronic problems.
- 2015: Overheating and power steering failures.
- 2016: Overheating and power steering failures.
- 2017: Wheel problems and electronic system failures.
- 2018: Best overall, fewer issues and no recalls.
- 2019: Airbag concerns, but generally reliable.
Reliability of C7 Corvettes
In general, the C7 Corvette is a very well-built a vehicle. It was GM’s flagship vehicle at the time, and in my opinion (based on all my years of working on other GM vehicles of that generation), it was very well-built.
Honestly? I don’t see many C7s roll through my local auto repair shop. And anytime that I do, it’s always for minor repairs. It’s never serious.
I do realize that my personal experience is anecdotal. That said, I’ve never met anyone who complained about the reliability the 7th generation Corvette.
A note on Recalls
The 2015 C7 Corvette holds the record for the most recalls, with five separate recalls issued. Other years also had recalls, but the 2015 model had a higher volume of complaints. For detailed information on recalls, check out the NHTSA website.
Final Thoughts on Buying a C7 Corvette
If you’re in the market for a C7 Corvette (like I am!), here are a few tips:
- Aim for the 2018 model for a better experience and fewer problems.
- Avoid the 2015 and 2014 models due to their numerous issues.
- Have it inspected by a reputable mechanic. Corvettes are secondary cars for many owners, and they don’t get driven all that often. Cars that sit for long periods of time between drives tend to be more problematic in the long run.
