2009 Chevrolet Corvette zr1 problems
Social links
Common 2009 Chevrolet Corvette zr1 problems
The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a high-performance sports car that has been praised for its power and speed.
One common issue with the 2009 ZR1 is related to its engine. The car's supercharged LS9 V8 engine has been reported to exhibit undesirable characteristics like vapor lock in hot weather, and it doesn't like to idle below 1,500 rpm. This can make the car difficult to drive in traffic or in stop-and-go situations.
Another issue with the 2009 ZR1 is its seats. While the thrones are comfortable, they need more lateral support for a car with this kind of performance. This can make the car feel unstable or uncomfortable during high-speed cornering or aggressive driving.
There have also been reports of harmonic balancer problems in the C6 Corvette, which includes the 2009 ZR1. The harmonic balancer/damper is a component that helps to absorb the force of combustion and prevent it from causing damage to the engine. If the harmonic balancer fails, it can cause oil to leak into the combustion chamber, which can lead to misfires, spark plug fouling, and even catalytic converter damage.
In addition to these issues, some 2009 ZR1 owners have reported problems with the car's alternator, which can fail due to engine heat or age. This can lead to battery problems and other electrical issues.
While the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a high-performance sports car that offers impressive speed and power, it is not without its share of common problems. Owners have reported issues with the car's engine, seats, harmonic balancer, and alternator, among other things. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase.
Are C6 ZR1 reliable?
Its sturdy frame, well-designed chassis, and reliable engine have contributed to its enduring reputation. Owners and enthusiasts often praise the C6 for its resilience, as many models have aged gracefully with proper maintenance and care.
Was 2009 a good year for the Corvette?
Edmunds says. For the money, you're not going to get a better all-around sports car than the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette.
How many 2009 Corvette ZR1 were made?
The ZR1 made up 8.4% of total production with a total of 1,415 units produced.
How rare is a C6 ZR1?
A: The C6 ZR1 is powered by a supercharged LS9 engine, making it the most powerful production Corvette of its time. Plus, with only 4,684 units produced, it's a rare sight on the roads.
Was 2009 a good year for the Corvette?
Edmunds says. For the money, you're not going to get a better all-around sports car than the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette.
Are C6 ZR1 reliable?
Its sturdy frame, well-designed chassis, and reliable engine have contributed to its enduring reputation. Owners and enthusiasts often praise the C6 for its resilience, as many models have aged gracefully with proper maintenance and care.
How many 2009 Corvette ZR1 were made?
The ZR1 made up 8.4% of total production with a total of 1,415 units produced.
What is so special about the Corvette ZR1?
Cutting-Edge Race Tech in a Street Car!
The ZR1 featured massive carbon-ceramic brakes and race car-level aerodynamics—aero so serious that the optional large rear wing is said to produce 950 pounds of downforce at higher speeds!
2009 Chevrolet Corvette zr1 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Corvette zr1 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Engine problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Chevrolet Corvette zr1 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2009 Chevrolet Corvette zr1
The NHTSA has received 146 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette zr1. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2009 Chevrolet Corvette zr1 vehicles.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-18
- VIN: 1G1YY26W495
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: warning light came on checked code p0442 came up stating a small vapor leak in fuel system. replaced fuel cap , smoke test and found that the evap vent solenoid was leaking. Remove and replace fuel tank vent valve program module. Still smelled fuel. Took vette to a dealership had them do a multipoint inspection they pinpointed and diagnose the problem as the left side fuel tank module and all necessary gaskets and seals needed to be replace at a out of this world price. I believe this to be a safety risk.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-23
- VIN: 1G1YY26WX95
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Strong fuel smell from defective part on fuel assembly. I was told this is a $4000 fix for a part that was knowingly bad and GM did nothing about it. This is a fire hazard and could burn my house down the gas smell in my garage is overwhelming
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-01
- VIN: 1G1YY26W995
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The vehicle in question was 14 years old with 20,950 original miles on it. This safety issue was the direct result of a faulty part from the factory [leaking fuel pump flange assembly] that manifested itself in a very strong fuel smell, both in the vehicle while driving, as well as in my garage. It was caused by raw gasoline leaking out of the primary fuel pump that was cracked and leaked out of the fitting on the top of the fuel tank. [NOTE: GM had previously acknowledged the problem in a service advisory bulletin on Jan 17, 2017 #N150682 but was not subject to a recall]. I believe this problem should have resulted in a recall, not just a Service Advisory Bulletin. This vehicle could have very easily caught fire, while driving down the highway or idling in traffic; not to mention the fact that a buildup of gasoline fumes in the confined space of a garage could have caused an explosion and / or fire. Either or both situations could have resulted in loss of life to the driver, passengers or other innocent bystanders as well as the destruction of property. There were no warning messages on the Driver Information System of the car.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-13
- VIN: 1G1YY26W395
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Doors will not open inside or outside on push button on arm rest. Emergency personnel will not be able to extricate you from vehicle if an accident happens. From inside there is an emergency handle to let you out but during a wreck you may be disabled and not remember the emergency handle. The palm handle push button does not work from outside.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-22
- VIN: 1G1YY25W895
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Leaking fuel around defective fuel pump. Serious fire/fume hazard.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-14
- VIN: 1G1YY36W295
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Special Coverage Adjustment 15682 Primary Tank Module Flange Fuel and Vapor Leaks The above Special Coverage Adjustment was issued by General Motors regarding fuel leakage problem in certain Corvette and Cadillac vehicles. General Motors established a date certain for the vapor and/or fuel leakage involving a failing plastic located on the left side top of the fuel cell. Unfortunately, the condition of the platic part failing is not predicable and might not be detected within the date range GM set. My 2009 Corvette is now experiencing the issue--vapor detection which means there is a small but maybe unnoticed amount of fuel actually leaking at the top of the fuel cell. Fuel leaking in area immediately above the exhaust might well result in a fire while being driven and garaged. GM should have made repairs regardless of the Company date range. GM should make repairs regardless of when the vehicle might demonstrate a hazard situation do to a part failure.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-16
- VIN: 1G1YZ26E295
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fuel pump / Fuel tank Cracks due to bad plastic use by GM
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-11
- VIN: 1G1YY25W695
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Gasoline smell when sitting in in closed garage!
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-03
- VIN: 1G1YY26W395
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: when you fill the fuel tank over half full if you park in garage by morning the garage smells of gas fumes. Also can smell while driving. car only has 39,968 miles, and no accidents. worried that this could catch fire!
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-16
- VIN: 1g1yz26e195
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Leaking fuel from faulty gas tank/fuel pump
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-28
- VIN: 1g1yy36wx95
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Traction control alarm and goes into active handling very difficult to steer our control usually happens when going through Corner. Chevy does know this happens there is a number here for their investigation or problem EA09-002
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-27
- VIN: 1G1YY36W995
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Gas is leaking/spraying from a defective high pressure fitting on top of left side fuel tank fuel pump. My garage was full of gas fumes and a strong odor was seeping into my home. Car had to be removed from garage for fear of explosion. This is a known and very common problem with C6 Corvette fuel pumps. GM will only fix if less than 10 years old and less than 120,000 miles. Dealer first said my car would be covered and not to worry, but after disassembling and confirming this common issue, they then tell me I'm not covered and must pay out of pocket. My car is in pieces and they are waiting for a back ordered pump. My car has 45000 miles but is more than 10 years old so I must now pay $2,700. to correct a potentially deadly and well documented fuel system defect. Why is there no recall for this extremely hazardous defect?
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-09
- VIN: 1g1yy25w295
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: A strong fuel odor persists around the driver's side fuel tank/fuel filler neck. This odor is stronger when the tank exceeds 5/8ths full. A Special Coverage Adjustment was issued by Chevrolet, ref #N150682, GWM #2015682 in January 2017 which extended the factory warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles. I purchased this vehicle in July 2020 which exceeds that extended warranty. The fuel odor is a major problem as the vehicle is parked inside a closed garage and the vapors are strong enough to enter the house. Also the fuel odor is present inside the cabin as the vehicle is being driven. Chevrolet has not issued a recall on the dangerous problem and is unwilling to work with me on what will end up being an extremely expensive repair. Their best estimate is that the plastic OEM fitting on the downstream side of the fuel pump has a minor fracture causing fuel to spew out on top of the fuel tank where it eventually evaporates, leaving no evidence of fuel leaks under the car. This problem has been acknowledged by GM as the factory warranty was extended to cover repairs of a known factory issue causing the fuel leaks.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-04
- VIN: 1g1yy25w395
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: my car and lots of other peoples corvettes are locking in park unable to shift into gear.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-20
- VIN: 1G1YY25W295
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL LEAK APPROXIMATELY 6" INSIDE LEFT REAR TIRE LOCATION..
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-19
- VIN: 1G1YY26W595
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL AND VAPOR LEAK. FIRE HAZARD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-01
- VIN: 1G1YY25W395
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: MY 2009 CORVETTE HAS AN INCREASING FUEL SMELL EMANATING FROM MY CORVETTE'S DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL. THE FUEL VAPOR SMELL IS SO STRONG THAT CAN CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN THE CAR IS PARK IN THE GARAGE WHERE MY GAS HOT WATER HEATER IS LOCATED. AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE, I'VE COME ACROSS NUMEROUS REPORTS OF COVETTE C6 OWNERS REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE. THE CONSENSUS SEEMS TO BE THAT HAIRLINE CRACKS DEVELOP ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANKS CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK ON AND DOWN THE SIDE OF THE TANK. OBVIOUSLY THIS COULD LEAD TO A SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD IF IT WERE TO LEAK ON TO THE VEHICLES EXHAUST. WITH THE AMOUNT OF C6 OWNERS REPORTING THIS SAME ISSUE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR EXTREME FIRE HAZARD, I FEEL THAT GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD ADDRESS THE ISSUE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OFTHE CAR AND NEVER BEEN INFORMED BY GENERAL MOTORS ABOUT A RECALL OR A REPAIR TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I HOPE THAT FILING THIS REPORT WILL HELP GETTING THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-08
- VIN: 1G1YY25W995
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL SMELL AFTER FILLING UP GAS TANK. APPARENTLY THE GAS PUMP ON DRIVERS SIDE MADE OF PLASTIC HAS TENDENCY TO CRACK. GM HAD PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR THIS REPAIR BUT LIMITED COVERAGE TO 10 YRS AND/OR 120 THOUSAND MILES. BOUGHT NEW TO ME 2009 VETTE WITH 132K MILES, DELAER NOW WANTING TO CHARGE $3300 FOR PARTS/LABOR. CANNOT PARK IN GARAGE DUE TO GAS FUMES, ALSO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-23
- VIN: 1G1YY26WX95
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: STRONG FUEL SMELL AND LEAK ON DRIVER SIDE NOTICED AFTER FUELING ONLY TO AROUND 3/4 TANK HAS BEEN THIS WAY SINCE 19800MI WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR I SMELT GAS BUT ONLY ON 11/23/20 HAVE I SEEN FUEL ON THE GROUND
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-12
- VIN: 1G1YY26W395
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: PROBLEM WITH STRONG FUEL SMELL AND IT IS COMING FROM BEHIND THE DRIVER SEAT.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-11
- VIN: 1G1YZ26E795
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: SMELL OF FUEL IN CABIN WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-05
- VIN: 1G1YY25W095
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I BOUGHT THIS CAR LAST YEAR ON SEPTEMBER, THE CAR FOR JUST 3500 MILES, ON NOVEMBER THAT YEAR I PUT MY CAR IN STORAGE, I PICKED MY CAR UP THIS YEAR ON MARCH. TWO MONTHS AGO, I REALIZED THAT AFTER FUELING MY CAR A REALLY STRONG SMELL LIKE GAS WAS PRESENT, I CHECKED UNDERNEATH BOTH I COULDN'T SEE ANY LEAKAGE, BUT I CHECKED THE DRIVER'S SIDE GAS TANK AND IT WAS KIND OF WET, I SAW TRACES OF GAS DROPLETS. I FOUND ONLINE THAT GMC POSTED A BULLETIN TO GET FIXED THIS ISSUE ON LOTS OF C6 CORVETTES, I TOOK THAT BULLETIN TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE TIME FOR THAT BULLETIN EXPIRED LAST YEAR ON JUNE, I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT I GOT THE CAR ON SEPTEMBER AND ALSO MY CAR JUST HAD 3500 MILES, BUT THE SAID THAT IF I WANT MY CAR TO GET FIXED I HAVE TO PAY. I TOLD ME THAT IT'S NOT FAIR BECAUSE THIS ISSUE IS GMC FAULT. THIS IS WHY I'M FILLING THIS COMPLAIN WITH YOU. I WAS ABLE JUST TO UPLOAD ONE PIC BUT I HAVE MORE, SHOWING THE GAS TANK WET.*DT*JB
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-22
- VIN: 1G1YY25W595
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL LEAKING REAR DRIVERS SIDE POSSIBLE FUEL PUMP ASKED ABOUT RECALL WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT A RECALL ITEM THEN FOUND MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME ISSUE AND SAME MODEL CAR HAS LESS THAN 40,000 MILES. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-16
- VIN: 1G1YY36W595
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS IS HAPPENING INTERMITTENTLY, BUT FREQUENTLY: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER STAYS LOCKED IN PARK, DESPITE ENGINE RUNNING AND FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. CAN'T SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THIS HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS PARKED, STARTING IT UP AND TRYING TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE. THE PROBLEM HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE ELECTRONIC/MECHANICAL INTERLOCK OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THERE IS AN ELECTRONIC SWITCH OR SOLENOID THAT IS MALFUNCTIONING, THE PREVENTS THE MECHANICAL TRANSMISSION LOCK FROM DISENGAGING. TO WORKAROUND THE PROBLEM, YOU CAN TRY TO: - TURN THE CAR OFF, AND RESTART IT. AFTER MULTIPLE TRIES, IF YOU ARE LUCKY THE TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK MAY RELEASE SUCCESSFULLY. - THERE IS AN EMERGENCY WORKAROUND PROCEDURE WHERE BY PUTTING THE CAR IN ACCESSORY MODE BEFORE STARTING IT, YOU CAN BYPASS THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM. - THE CHEVROLET DEALERS I HAVE HEARD FROM RECOMMEND REPLACING THE ENTIRE SHIFTER SYSTEM FOR $700-$1000. BUT THE NEW SHIFTERS HAVE THE VERY SAME DESIGN PROBLEM! SO NEW SHIFTERS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE SAME FAILURES IN THE FUTURE! WHEN GOOGLING THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET FORUMS, IT APPEARS THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM AFFECTING "6TH-GENERATION" CORVETTES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 2005 AND 2013. (I HAVE A 2009 MODEL.) APPARENTLY GM HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS, BUT HAS NOT INVESTED IN ANY RECALL. AS A RESULT, IT APPEARS MANY OWNERS ARE CHOOSING TO DISABLE THE TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK SINCE IT IS UNRELIABLE. I WOULD LIKE TO URGE GM TO ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
STEERING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-02
- VIN: 1G1YZ25E895
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE
- Summary: I HAD A VALVE DROP AND THREW A ROD THRU MY ENGINE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. I LOST ENGINE POWER, POWER STEERING, AND SPILLED OIL AND OTHER CHEMICALS ONTO THE ROADWAY. A THICK CLOUD OF SMOKE BILLOWED FROM UNDERNEATH AND OUT THE BACK OF THE CAR MAKING IT UNSAFE FOR CARS TRAVELING BEHIND ME. THE DEALER WHO HAS SINCE INSPECTED MY CAR HAS STATED IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THE "LIFTERS ARE WEAK". AFTER QUITE A BIT OF READING, IT APPEARS MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME CAR HAVE EXPERIENCED A MULTITUDE OF ISSUES WITH VALVES, LIFTERS, HEADS, ETC. GM IS AWARE OF FAULTY PARTS BUT I CANNOT FIND ANY NOTICE OF RECALLS. MAKE/MODEL: 2009 CORVETTE Z06; ENGINE: LS7. *TR
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2009 Chevrolet Corvette zr1 problems:
ZR1 Info on 2009 ZR1 known issues please. - CorvetteForum ...
Apr 15, 2015 ... well with my 09 ZR1 the known issue is a huge **** eating grin when drop it a gear and pin the accelerator to the floor. This caused by the ...
Corvette ZR1 vs ZO6 Reliability/Maintenance Differences ...
May 23, 2012 ... Many vette guys will argue there are no inherent issues found within the Z06 but I call BS, the failures are certainly above average. IF you ...
ZR1 Biggest ZR1 ISSUES/PROBLEMS..RECALLS ...
Jun 14, 2012 ... C6 Corvette ZR1 & Z06 - Biggest ZR1 ISSUES/PROBLEMS..RECALLS????? - I ... CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion ... I went in 2009 ...
Traction System/Reduced Engine Power | Corvette Forum ...
Jan 6, 2008 ... However, in the past three weeks the problem has become much more frequent. My initial thought was moisture in a sensor somewhere that may be ...
C6 Z06 Common Issues - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette ...
Apr 29, 2019 ... C6 Corvette ZR1 & Z06 - C6 Z06 Common Issues - Recently sold my C5 and have been looking at different C6 Z06's. Is there a thread with the ...
Other years of Chevrolet Corvette zr1
Are you having problems with your 2009 Chevrolet Corvette zr1?
Leave your review of 2009 Chevrolet Corvette zr1