Community reports flag the LS2 crankshaft going out of balance, which can ruin the torque tube and harmonic balancer. This is a noted concern raised by experienced LS2 owners on CorvetteForum and is specific enough to warrant inspection before purchase.
Vibration through drivetrain
Unusual harmonic balancer wear
Torque tube noise or play
DIY: Hard
Electrical System Wiring & Fuse Box Issues€400-1,800 · 50,000-150,000 kmHIGH
NHTSA complaints document melted fuse boxes, flickering and inoperable headlights, and a formal GM recall covering 2005–2007 Corvette wiring. Electrical faults can cascade into other system failures.
Flickering or dead headlights
Melted fuse box
Smoke from under dash
No-start with single click
DIY: Moderate
Active Handling / Brake System Unintended Activation€300-1,500 · Any mileageHIGH
Multiple NHTSA complaints describe the active handling system deploying brakes without driver input, including at low-speed intersections. A related recall covers rear brake hydraulic lines that can contact exhaust heat and potentially fail.
CHECK ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM warning
Unexpected hard brake application
Brake lockup in normal driving
DIY: Hard
Power Steering Hose Failure€200-600 · 60,000-140,000 kmMODERATE
GM issued a recall for out-of-spec power steering hoses that can rupture under extreme steering maneuvers. Hose deterioration can also occur with age and heat cycles.
Power steering fluid leak
Loss of power steering assist
Fluid on garage floor
DIY: Moderate
Steering Column Defect (2005–2006 Models)€300-900 · Any mileageMODERATE
GM recalled 2005–2006 Corvettes for a steering column defect. Affected vehicles with tilt steering systems may have column integrity issues.
Steering column play or looseness
Difficulty adjusting column position
DIY: Hard
Removable Roof Panel Structural Issues€200-800 · Any mileageMODERATE
GM recalled 2005–2007 Corvettes with removable roofs for potential roof and pillar structural concerns. Latching or sealing failures may also develop with age.
Roof panel rattles
Water leaks from roof seals
Difficulty latching roof panel
DIY: Low
Valve Stem Seal Degradation (Modified or High-Mileage Engines)€400-1,200 · 100,000-200,000 kmMODERATE
Forum data notes valve stem seal issues on LS2 engines, particularly on modified or cammed units. Seals can pop off or harden over time, leading to oil consumption and blue smoke.
Blue smoke on startup
Oil consumption
Smoke under deceleration
DIY: Hard
Timing Chain Wear on High-Mileage or Built Engines€300-900 · 150,000-250,000 kmLOW
Timing chain replacement is discussed in the context of high-mileage or built LS2 engines. On stock engines the chain is generally durable, but worn examples should be inspected.
Rattling on cold start
Rough idle
Check engine light for cam/crank correlation codes
DIY: Hard
Advertisement
Buying Checklist
Run the VIN through NHTSA to confirm all 5 recalls (wiring, steering column, roof, brake lines, power steering hose) have been completed
Inspect the fuse box and wiring harness under the dash for any signs of heat damage, melting, or burnt smell
Start the engine cold and listen carefully for harmonic balancer vibration or drivetrain shudder — rev it and feel for unusual vibration
During the test drive, confirm the active handling system does not trigger unexpectedly at low speed or in normal cornering
Check oil level before purchase and monitor it over a short drive — blue smoke on cold start or deceleration indicates valve stem seal wear
On targa-top models, physically operate the roof panel latch mechanism and inspect seals for cracking or water ingress stains inside the cabin
Service Reality
Community oil interval8,000 km
Oil specificationDexos1 Gen2 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic
Est. ownership cost (2yr)€1,200–€3,500 per year including consumables, insurance, and typical repair frequency for a well-maintained example
The LS2-powered C6 Corvette is a genuinely reliable performance car when maintained correctly, but early 2005–2006 examples carry the highest recall exposure and should be verified as fully remediated before purchase. The harmonic balancer and wiring faults are the two items most likely to catch new owners off guard — neither is catastrophic if caught early, but both can become expensive if ignored. Prioritize examples with documented service history and confirmed recall completion over low-asking-price cars with unknown histories. A pre-purchase inspection by an LS-familiar independent shop is money well spent on any C6.
Parts People Buy
LS2 Harmonic BalancerLink unavailable
LS2 Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-30Link unavailable