2007 Chevrolet Corvette

The 2007 Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car known for its performance and iconic styling. It’s offered with two engine options: the base 6.0L LS2 V8 producing 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, and the optional 7.0L LS7 V8 found in the Z06 model, which cranks out 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Owners appreciate the Corvette’s powerful engines, sharp handling, and relatively affordable price point for the performance it offers. Some common dislikes include the somewhat dated interior materials and occasional reliability concerns.

Engine

6.0L LS2 V8

• Valve Spring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, misfires, loss of power, and potential for catastrophic engine damage if the valve spring breaks completely.
  • Solution: Replace the valve springs with upgraded aftermarket springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Oil Pressure Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erroneous oil pressure readings on the dashboard gauge, check engine light, and potential for engine damage if the problem is ignored.
  • Solution: Replace the oil pressure sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300

7.0L LS7 V8

• Valve Guide Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, blue smoke from the exhaust (especially on startup or deceleration), and excessive oil consumption. This is a well-known issue with the LS7.
  • Solution: Remove the cylinder heads and replace the valve guides with properly sized bronze guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears, and clutch pedal sticking.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throwout bearing. Consider replacing the master and slave cylinders as well.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
• Synchronizer Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding when shifting into certain gears (typically 2nd and 3rd), especially at higher RPMs.
  • Solution: Rebuild the transmission with new synchronizers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+

6-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, slipping during gear changes, and potential for complete transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, and potential for the transmission to get stuck in a particular gear.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Cracking (Specifically Composite Leaf Springs)
  • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or creaking noises from the rear suspension, sagging rear end, and compromised handling.
  • Solution: Replace the rear leaf spring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Shocks Failure (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking shocks, reduced damping, rough ride, and diagnostic trouble codes related to the MRC system.
  • Solution: Replace the affected MRC shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,000+ per shock

Electrical

• Column Lock Issue
  • Description/Symptoms: “Service Column Lock” message on the DIC (Driver Information Center), difficulty starting the car, and potential for the steering column to lock up completely. This is a well-documented problem on C6 Corvettes.
  • Solution: Bypass the column lock system or replace the column lock module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery going dead overnight or after a short period of inactivity.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair parasitic drain by locating the source of excessive current draw. Common culprits include the radio, OnStar module, and door lock actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+

Exterior

• Headlight Motor Gear Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: One or both headlights failing to open or close properly.
  • Solution: Replace the headlight motor gear with an aftermarket metal gear.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ per headlight

Interior

• HUD (Heads Up Display) Dimming or Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The HUD image becoming dim, distorted, or completely disappearing.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the HUD unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,500

Recalls:

• 2005-2007 Corvette - Windshield Wiper Motor Failure (NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V294000)
• 2005-2007 Corvette - Low Beam Headlight Module Malfunction (NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V044000)
• 2005-2007 Corvette - Fuel Leakage Due to Fuel Tank Assembly (NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V587000)

Summary

The 2007 Chevrolet Corvette, while an excellent performance car, can suffer from several notable issues. Some of the most serious, such as the LS7 valve guide wear and column lock issues, can be costly to repair. Other problems, like the valve spring failures on the LS2 or the clutch failure with the manual transmission, are more standard maintenance items but still require attention. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and budget accordingly, or seek out a car where these problems have already been addressed. The severity of these problems range from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, and the associated costs reflect that range.