When Chevrolet introduced the Corvette to the market in 1953, the world witnessed a new era of street-legal performance cars. The iconic shark-shaped look of the C2 generation, along with its mind-boggling power output, turned the Corvette into an all-time classic American sports car. For over six continuous decades, the Corvette has remained one of the most popular performance cars among enthusiasts.

Although the best-selling model years of the Corvette belong to the C3 generation, the newer models are still some of the best track-ready cars money can buy. The C6 Chevy Corvette (2006-2013) is an eye-catching performance vehicle that’s affordable now but might soon turn into a collector’s property. The Chevy Corvette is one of the coolest modern American muscle cars out there.

But like any other car, the Corvette had its fair share of problems and headaches throughout the years. But there are certain black sheep in the Corvette timeline that is painful to live with than the rest. The 2006 C6 Corvette is one such model. Considering all the owner complaints, recalls, and investigations, the 2006 model is the least reliable C6 Corvette you can buy used.

Related: A Detailed Look At The C6 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's Supercharged 6.2-Liter LS9 V8 Engine

Major 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Problems As Per NHTSA Reports

2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 in yellow front third quarter hd wallpaper view
Chevrolet

With over 520 owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2006 model is one of the most problematic Chevy Corvettes of all time.

Over 90 of these reports pertain to various electrical problems with the 2006 Corvette. Several owners have mentioned the transmission intermittently gets stuck in the ‘PARK’ position. Moreover, 2006 Corvette drivers have complained about the Service Active Handling System alter showing up on the dashboard, making the steering wheel stiff, and shutting the engine off in the middle of the road. Unfortunately, most owners couldn’t find a permanent solution to either of these issues.

Another frequently reported electrical problem pertains to the 2006 Corvette’s exterior lighting. Owners have complained about different lights randomly going out. “When the car is completely warmed up, and I’m driving about 10 minutes further, first, the daylight running lights go out. Then, the turn signals in front don’t work. Then, the high beams don’t work. All work when the car is cold,” one owner said in their report on NHTSA.

Malfunctioning brakes are another problematic area of the 2006 Corvette. Some owners have mentioned that although the emergency brake was fully engaged, the car violently moved in reverse gear after cranking the engine. On the other hand, several owners have mentioned the brakes on the side suddenly engaging and veering the vehicle to one side of the road.

Last but not least, owners of the 2006 Corvette have complained about the airbag error light coming on and off. The problem is that if the car crashes when these alerts are illuminated, the airbags will not deploy and put the lives of the occupants in danger.

Related: Here’s What The Z51, Z06 and ZR1 Corvette Badges Really Mean

2006 Chevy Corvette Reliability Check With Six Recalls

2006 Chevrolet Corvette in Silver Rear View
Chevrolet

The manufacturer had to recall the 2006 Corvette six times over problems with the electrical system, exterior lighting, service brakes, steering, and structure.

Right after its release, Chevrolet recalled 5,225 units of its seasoned sports car for an issue with their hydraulic brake line. According to Chevrolet’s official report, if the brake fluid boils in the 2006 Corvette’s rear brake line, the brake fluid can leak out, and the brakes can lose their effectiveness. As for the remedy, dealers were instructed to inspect the left engine exhaust manifold clip for proper alignment and replacement on the body-mounted stud and adjust them if necessary.

A few months later, Chevrolet acknowledged that in over 120,000 different cars, the power steering hose might fracture and leak fluid during extreme maneuvers. Vehicles ousted for this recall can visit a dealership and have the power steering hose replaced with a proper one.

In 2006 and 2009, convertible Corvettes were recalled twice over defects that made the roofs detach entirely. Other than that, the manufacturer recalled the Corvette two more times over the steering wheel position sensor and loss of low beam headlights.

Related: C6 Corvette: The Best Model Years, Ranked

You Are Better Off Avoiding A Used 2006 Chevrolet Corvette

2006 Chevrolet Corvette in Silver
Chevrolet

If you’re looking for a reliable sports car without drilling a hole into your pocket, the C6 Corvette is one of the most valuable options on the used market. However, it is best to skip the first model year due to widespread problems.

Surprisingly, 2006 was a significantly less problematic year for the Corvette as compared to the 2007 and 2008 model years. These also have a high number of owner complaints on NHTSA and the Car Complaints website.

Regardless of the model you opt for, consult with a trusted mechanic before finalizing your purchase to ensure the engine and the transmission are in good shape. After all, when it comes to reliability, regular maintenance on these cars is a far more critical factor than anything else.

Sources: Chevrolet, NHTSA, IIHS, Car Complaints