2017 Chevrolet Corvette
2017 Chevrolet Corvette
Overview
The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette, a performance icon, generally exhibits strong reliability, particularly given its high-performance nature. Owners often praise its exhilarating driving dynamics and sophisticated engineering. While no vehicle is entirely immune to issues, the Corvette’s primary concerns tend to be concentrated in areas related to its powerful powertrain and advanced electronic systems. Routine maintenance is crucial for preserving its performance, but widespread, recurring mechanical failures are uncommon for this model year. This analysis focuses on documented technical issues beyond standard wear and tear, providing insights into potential areas of concern for owners and prospective buyers.
Engine
6.2L V8 LT1
Oil Cooler Leaks
- Symptoms: Visible oil leaks around the oil cooler lines, potential for oil smell.
- Solution: Replacement of leaking oil cooler lines or fittings.
- Cost: $300 - $600
Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Issues
- Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, ticking noises from the engine, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of faulty lifters, often requiring cylinder deactivation system disabling.
- Cost: $1,500 - $3,000
Transmission
7-Speed Manual Tremec TR-6070
Clutch Actuator Issues
- Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, stiff clutch pedal, potential for clutch not disengaging.
- Solution: Replacement of the clutch master or slave cylinder.
- Cost: $400 - $800
8-Speed Automatic 8L90
Torque Converter Shudder
- Symptoms: Vibration or shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds.
- Solution: Software update for transmission control module, or torque converter replacement.
- Cost: $800 - $2,000
Suspension
Magnetic Ride Control (Z51 Performance Package)
Sensor Failures
- Symptoms: Stiff ride, suspension warning light illuminated, inconsistent damping.
- Solution: Replacement of faulty suspension sensors or control module.
- Cost: $500 - $1,200
Standard Suspension
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Electrical
Infotainment System
Screen Freezing/Unresponsiveness
- Symptoms: Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, system freezes or reboots randomly.
- Solution: Software updates, or replacement of the infotainment unit.
- Cost: $500 - $1,500
Battery Drain
Parasitic Battery Drain
- Symptoms: Battery dies unexpectedly, difficulty starting the vehicle.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of faulty modules or circuits causing drain.
- Cost: $200 - $700
Exterior
Body Panels & Paint
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Interior
Seat Bolster Wear
Accelerated Wear on Seat Bolsters
- Symptoms: Premature wear and tear on the side bolsters of the driver’s seat, especially with frequent ingress/egress.
- Solution: Seat cover replacement or repair.
- Cost: $300 - $800
Trim Pieces
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
Summary Verdict
The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette is a highly capable sports car with a generally good reliability record. The most frequently cited issues revolve around the powerful 6.2L V8 engine’s Active Fuel Management system and potential leaks from the oil cooler. Transmission issues, particularly torque converter shudder in the automatic and clutch actuator problems in the manual, are also noted. Electrical gremlins, such as infotainment system glitches and parasitic battery drain, can occur. While interior wear on seat bolsters is a common observation for performance seats, major structural or widespread component failures are rare. With diligent maintenance and addressing specific known issues, the 2017 Corvette can provide a thrilling and dependable ownership experience.