1966 Chevrolet Corvette problems

General information about Chevrolet-Corvette
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Chevrolet Corvette is a line of American two-door, two-seater sports cars, manufactured and marketed by General Motors, under the Chevrolet marque, since 1953.

Over the course of eight generations, indicated sequentially as C1 to C8, the Corvette is noted for its performance, distinctive styling, lightweight fiberglass or composite bodywork, and competitive pricing. Since the cessation of Ford and Chrysler's competitors, the Corvette is the only two-seat sports car produced by a major United States auto manufacturer and serves as Chevrolet's halo car.

Since its introduction in 1953, the two-seater has steadily moved upmarket. Originally a relatively modest, lightweight 6‑cylinder convertible, subsequent introductions of V8 engines, competitive chassis innovations, and rear mid-engined layout have positioned the Corvette in the supercar class. The first three Corvette generations (1953–1983) employed body-on-frame construction, and since the C4 generation, introduced in 1983 as an early 1984 model, Corvettes have used GM's unibody Y‑body platform. All Corvettes used front mid-engine configuration for seven generations, through 2019, and transitioned to a rear mid-engined layout with the C8 generation.

In 1953, GM executives accepted a suggestion by Myron Scott, then the assistant director of the Public Relations department, to name the company's new sports car after the corvette, a small maneuverable warship. The first model, a convertible, was introduced at the 1953 GM Motorama as a concept car; production models went on sale later that year. In 1963, the second generation was introduced in coupe and convertible styles. Originally manufactured in Flint, Michigan, and St. Louis, Missouri, the Corvette has been produced in Bowling Green, Kentucky, since 1981, which is also the location of the National Corvette Museum.

The Corvette has become widely known as "America's Sports Car." Automotive News wrote that after being featured in the early 1960s television show Route 66, "the Corvette became synonymous with freedom and adventure," ultimately becoming both "the most successful concept car in history and the most popular sports car in history."

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Common 1966 Chevrolet Corvette problems

Based on the information provided in the search results, here is a list of common problems with the 1966 Chevrolet Corvette as reported by owners:

Headlight Motor Assembly Issues:
- The headlight motor assembly in the 1966 Corvette is prone to problems. Common issues include slow opening of the headlight assemblies or only one headlight motor opening. This can lead to reduced functionality of the headlights, affecting visibility and safety.
Radio Static Due to Resistive Spark Plugs:
- The use of resistive spark plugs in the second-generation Corvettes, including the 1966 model, caused degraded engine performance. These spark plugs, combined with shielded plug wiring to reduce radio static, were problematic due to the lack of electrical shielding in the fiberglass body of the Corvette.
Chassis Rust and Corrosion:
- The chassis of the 1966 Corvette is susceptible to rust, particularly in areas like the mainframe rails, rear kick-up behind the cabin, rear trailing/control arms, inner door frames, and radiator supports. This rusting can lead to structural weaknesses, affecting the overall integrity of the vehicle.
Door Seal Leaks:
- Owners commonly report issues with door seal leaks in the 1966 Corvette, especially in the top portion of the door seal. These leaks can result in water ingress, leading to interior damage and potential electrical issues over time.
Sagging Floorboards:
- Many 1963-1967 Corvettes, including the 1966 model, are known to experience sagging floorboards due to age or excessive wear. This problem can be addressed by lifting the sagging floorboard and installing rubber spacers to provide support and prevent further sagging.
Turn Signal Cam Assembly Failure:
- Within the steering column of the 1966 Corvette, there is a turn signal cam assembly that can fail over time. When this happens, the turn signal lever may not return to its neutral position, leading to continuous signaling even after completing a turn. Replacement of this assembly is necessary to restore proper turn signal functionality.

These common problems highlight various mechanical and structural issues that owners of the 1966 Chevrolet Corvette may encounter. Addressing these issues promptly through maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the continued performance and safety of this classic car.

What year was the bad Corvette?

What is the worse Corvette of all time? 1975. The body was degraded from the original 1968 shark design with energy-absorbing boat anchors on each end. The engine was a sluggish 350 with only 165 hp, hardly enough to run the quarter in 16.1 seconds at 87.4 mph.

What are the problem years for Corvette?

Years to Avoid

1997 – A Rocky Start. The inaugural year of the C5 Corvette was plagued with issues, including seven recalls. ...
1998 – High Complaints and Steering Issues. ...
2001 – A Mixed Bag. ...
2004 – Fuel System Woes.

What is the most reliable year for the Corvette?

The 1963 Corvette is widely regarded as the most reliable Corvette of all time. Much of the reliability comes down to its reuse of the transmission offerings from the 1962 Corvette, which were already well known for their dependability, especially in regards to the 4-speed manual.

Are old Corvettes hard to maintain?

Corvettes have high maintenance because they are older vehicles that often suffer from wear and tear on the road. They may have underlying issues that you will have to deal with — however, the same situation can arise for any vehicle you buy outside a dealership.

What year was the bad Corvette?

What are the problem years for Corvette?

Years to Avoid

1997 – A Rocky Start. The inaugural year of the C5 Corvette was plagued with issues, including seven recalls. ...
1998 – High Complaints and Steering Issues. ...
2001 – A Mixed Bag. ...
2004 – Fuel System Woes.

What are some facts about the 1966 Corvette?

The 1966 Corvettes also offered a new eggcrate grille design. Other features included chrome-plated exhaust bezels, spoked wheel covers, power steering, power brakes, leather seats and tinted and electric windows.

Are old Corvettes hard to maintain?

1966 Chevrolet Corvette car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Corvette problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Wheels problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1966 Chevrolet Corvette vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1966 Chevrolet Corvette complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1966 Chevrolet Corvette.

1996-07-26

WHEELS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-07-26
Crash: 1
Components: WHEELS
Summary: RIGHT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) *DH

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1966 Chevrolet Corvette recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1966 Chevrolet Corvette.

2003-05-12

Manufacturer: CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER
Summary: REMANUFACTURERD REAR BRAKE CALIPERS, PART NOS. 18-7019, 18-7020, 16-7019, AND 16-7020, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2002, TO APRIL, 25, 2003., AND FOR USE ON 1965 THRU 1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTES. THE SUBJECT BRAKE CALIPERS WERE MANUFACTURED USING IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED PISTON SEALS. THESE SEALS ARE INTENDED TO PREVENT FLUID LEAKAGE BETWEEN THE CALIPER HOUSING AND THE PISTONS. THESE BRAKE CALIPERS ARE FOR USE ONLY ON 1965 THRU 1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE VEHICLES. THIS RECALL DOES NOT INVOLVE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION OR ANY OF ITS PRODUCTS.
Consequence: UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE OPERATOR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND ALL UNSOLD INVENTORY WILL BE REPURCHASED AND WILL PROVIDE A FULL REFUND TO CUSTOMERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CARDONE AT 215-912-3000.