Corvette Named One of the Top 10 Least Reliable Cars by Consumer Reports

Though it doesn’t go into specifics, the consumer organization ranks the Corvette midway down its least reliable cars list.

Throughout history, with a few exceptions, most of us probably think of the Corvette as a pretty reliable vehicle. Certainly more so than some of the other models that have come and gone over the several decades since the Corvette first arrived on this planet. However, that apparently isn’t the case with the C8, at least according to Consumer Reports, which has placed the latest version of America’s sports car on its 10 Least Reliable Cars list.

Consumer Reports comes up with its 10 Least Reliable Cars list after determining a predicted reliability score for each model. That score is calculated from data gathered from its member surveys, which asks owners to reveal any problems they’ve experienced with those vehicles over the past year.

The survey covers 17 different problem areas – ranging from paint and interior quality to drivetrain and mechanical components – and those results are then weighted based on severity to determine a predicted reliability score of between 1 and 100, with the lower end representing more unreliable vehicles and the high end dedicated to more reliable models. Only vehicles that have been around in their current form for at least two model years are eligible for these scores, however.

When all the latest data was crunched, the Corvette ranked as the fifth least reliable car on sale today with a score of just 13 out of 100. The Mercedes GLE ranked “first” with a score of 5, followed by the Ford Explorer (8), Ford Mustang (9), and Chevrolet Silverado (11). The Corvette was beaten out by the Volvo XC90 (17), Volkswagen Tiguan (17), Tesla Model Y (18), Chrysler Pacifica (18), and Subaru Ascent (18).

It’s truly a disappointing finish for the Corvette, though Consumer Reports didn’t provide any specific details regarding what sort of issues owners are facing, outside of identifying the problem areas of engine, transmission, drive system, paint, and trim. The most serious issue we’ve seen in recent months are a small number of engine failures caused by broken valve springs, while others have complained about the radiators located near the front of the car, which can catch various road debris in their cooling vents, though GM says that is purely a cosmetic issue.

Chipping paint and transmission leaks have plagued a handful of owners as well, but none of these problems have proven to be terribly widespread. Regardless, it appears that they’re common enough to land the Corvette on a rather undesirable list.

Photos: Chevrolet

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