2021 Chevrolet Corvette

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Chevrolet Corvette
Pictured: 2021 Chevrolet Corvette C8. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Two Seaters
Body styles
Stingray Convertible, Stingray Coupe
Engines
6.2L 8-cyl
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Seats
2
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
19 combined · 15 city / 27 hwy
Length
182.3 in
Curb weight
3,373–3,475 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 2021 Chevrolet Corvette is a two seaters offered with a 6.2L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 182 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,475 lb (Stingray Convertible).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (15 city / 27 highway), 1% worse than the 2021 two seaters average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 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 13 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Corvette — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Corvette →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–6.2L 8-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveRWD
Seating2 seats · 1 rows

Trims

Preferred 2LTStandard 1LTPremium 3LT

Safety & driver-assist features

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Bowling Green, Kentucky

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2021 Corvette configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Stingray Convertible182.3 in76 in48.4 in107.1 in65 / 62.2 in3,475 lb40/60
Stingray Coupe182.3 in76 in48.4 in107.1 in65 / 62.2 in3,373 lb40/60

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Corvette6.2L 8-cylAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive15 / 27 / 19-1%$4,350467
3/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
3/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $9,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.1 MPG2021 Two Seaters average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette.

Similar 2021 two seaterss

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Chevrolet Corvette (this car)19 MPGNot rated2
2021 Ford GT14 MPGNot rated0
2021 Toyota GR Supra28 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (2)

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Feb 17, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V091000 · 22 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The rear half-shaft assemblies may be missing one or more ball bearings, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Risk
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the left or right rear half-shaft assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 4, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212351320.
Air Bags › Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light · Jun 10, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V421000 · 285,622 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
Risk
The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. 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 N212338110.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Chevrolet Corvette is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

13Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
12,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train5
Electrical System4
Air Bags1
Wheels › Rim1
Service Brakes1
Power Train › Manual Transmission › Seals/Gaskets1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)1
Unknown Or Other1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/11: 221/12: 123/04: 123/05: 124/01: 124/02: 124/04: 125/05: 125/09: 125/12: 126/08: 126/09: 121/1123/0424/0124/0425/0926/08max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Chevrolet Corvette buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 12,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Corvette years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Corvette18–Not rated01
2026 Corvette19184.3 inNot rated33
2025 Corvette19184.3 inNot rated311
2024 Corvette19184.3 inNot rated221
2023 Corvette19182.3 inNot rated127
2022 Corvette19182.3 inNot rated121
2020 Corvette19182.3 inNot rated434
2019 Corvette19176.8 inNot rated1148
2018 Corvette19176.8 inNot rated151
2017 Corvette19176.8 inNot rated4257
2016 Corvette21176.8 inNot rated2104
2015 Corvette21176.8 inNot rated564

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →