The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray coupe is certainly a show stopper, but car enthusiasts occasionally find out the hard way that looks are often only skin deep.
Indeed, even hard-core Vette enthusiasts are airing complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray coupe . Whether it’s the front trunk randomly popping open while driving, to brake issues and leaky transmissions. Indeed, there are often some glitches after a new model comes out for any automaker.
Launched in 2020 by General Motors (GM), the 2020 Corvette C8 is considered a budget supercar selling for between $60,000 to $105,000 fully loaded compared to the higher-end Ferrari or McLaren that are double the price. While Corvettes have been on the road for six decades, this is the first mid-engine model supercar for the automaker, other than the short-lived, Pontiac Fiero.
The Corvette C8 enters a competitive field among mid-engine supercars led by much pricier veterans such as the BMW i8, the Ferrari F8 Turbito and SF90 Stradale, Bugatti Chiron, and the Lamborghini Aventador,
Just one year after its release, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports there has been four recalls, a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) and 20 official complaints for the American sportscar.
Recalls Listed on NTHSA
- Seat belt retractor may not lock
- Front truck/hood may inadvertently open
- Sensor contamination in electric brake boost
- Front truck release may not work
- TSB: Minor software glitch with the transmission control module (TCM).
The “somewhat affordable” sportscar does have a basic 3-year warranty or 36,000 miles. Additionally, there is a five-year or 60,000 mile drivetrain warranty on the Corvette.
Frunk pops open
Several Corvette owners complained last year that the front trunk or “frunk” may inadvertently pop open while driving. This is a huge safety issue whether the car is traveling at high speed or low speed. Indeed, if the trunk opens, it will block a driver’s view. Also, the truck cannot be closed until the driver is able to pull over and stop.
Some causes could be the “frunk” latch might be loose, however, the vehicle is equipped with an red interior warning light and an audible alert if that happens. Also, some have discussed the idea that the contents of the truck may shift and inadvertently hit the release latch. However, the car is equipped with a secondary latch that should alert the driver and prevent the truck from opening. Meanwhile, owners of the 2020 Corvette C8 also complain such incidents have damaged the vehicle. It turns out, a driver’s key fob may have caused this issue and the automaker used an over-the-air update to fix the issue. There were two complaints on the NHTSA website last year on April 11 and 30.
Electronic brake boost system
Last fall, reports surfaced about the faulty electronic brake boost system used by the Chevrolet Corvette C8. Specifically, the automaker found there was some material contamination of a sensor. This is critical to the electronic brake boost assist’s function. Should the sensor be contaminated, there could be a communication loss between the module and the sensor. This could ultimately lead to a complete failure of the brake system. To fix the issue, the automaker must replace the electronic brake boost assist module in the vehicles.
Window glare, leaky transmissions and more
One Corvette C8 owner complained about glare on the windshield from the dashboard making driving on sunny days annoying. Another said their passenger window kept going up and down on its own while driving. After washing their Corvette C8, one driver pointed out water tends to pool up in the engine bay after. There is also a cosmetic issue in the C8’s front corner grills allows unsightly road debris to collect. Additionally, the design of this mid-engine model makes forward visibility difficult for anyone taller than 69.1 inches.
While most complaints were fairly minor, there are more serious issues raised by a few owners including one whose Corvette engine failed after just 57 miles. Also, others have experienced a serious braking issue.
Most people who purchase a 2020 Corvette C8 want a reliable sports car that is a showstopper as well as a functional vehicle. But if yours is not living up to expectations, it’s not repairable and has safety issues, it might be time to explore whether you may have grounds for a California lemon law claim.
California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson
California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson suggests getting an invoice every time your vehicle is taken to the dealership for repairs and recall visits. Should the vehicle experience repeated issues or become a safety risk, you may need these documents to support a Lemon Law Claim. Contact us for a free case review at 800-558-1087.
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