DecodedCars2016 Chevrolet Corvette
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Convertible Stingray/Z51, Convertible Z06, Coupe Stingray/Z51, Coupe Z06
- Engines
- 6.2L 8-cyl
- Transmission
- automatic, manual
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 17 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 176.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,300–3,580 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Chevrolet Corvette is a two seaters offered with a 6.2L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 177 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,362 lb (Convertible Stingray/Z51).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (17 city / 29 highway), 4% better than the 2016 two seaters average of 20.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 104 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the wheels.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Corvette — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Corvette →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Bowling Green, Kentucky
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Corvette configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Convertible Stingray/Z51 | 176.8 in | 74 in | 48.8 in | 106.7 in | 63 / 61.8 in | 3,362 lb | 49/51 |
| Convertible Z06 | 176.8 in | 77.2 in | 48.8 in | 106.7 in | 63 / 61.8 in | 3,580 lb | 50/50 |
| Coupe Stingray/Z51 | 176.8 in | 74 in | 48.8 in | 106.7 in | 63 / 61.8 in | 3,300 lb | 49/51 |
| Coupe Z06 | 176.8 in | 77.2 in | 48.8 in | 106.7 in | 63 / 61.8 in | 3,525 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corvette | 6.2L 8-cyl | Manual 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 28 / 21 | +4% | $3,900 | 426 |
| Corvette | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 29 / 20 | -1% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Corvette | 6.2L 8-cyl | Manual 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -11% | $4,550 | 499 |
| Corvette | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 23 / 16 | -21% | $5,150 | 539 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette.
Similar 2016 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Chevrolet Corvette (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Dodge Viper | 15 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Nissan 370z | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags › Frontal · Jul 10, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V437000 · 40,683 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Sep 8, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V651000 · 3,640,162 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Not every 2016 Chevrolet Corvette is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Chevrolet Corvette buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Wheels — 55 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 14 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Power Train — 10 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Corvette. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Corvette years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Corvette | 18 | – | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 Corvette | 19 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 3 |
| 2025 Corvette | 19 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 11 |
| 2024 Corvette | 19 | 184.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 21 |
| 2023 Corvette | 19 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 27 |
| 2022 Corvette | 19 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 21 |
| 2021 Corvette | 19 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 13 |
| 2020 Corvette | 19 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 34 |
| 2019 Corvette | 19 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 148 |
| 2018 Corvette | 19 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 51 |
| 2017 Corvette | 19 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 257 |
| 2015 Corvette | 21 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 5 | 64 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →