DecodedCars2012 Chevrolet Corvette
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible RWD, Coupe 2dr RWD, Grandsport Conv 2dr RWD, Grandsport Coupe 2dr RWD
- Engines
- 6.2L 8-cyl, 7.0L 8-cyl
- Transmission
- automatic, manual
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 174.8–176 in
- Curb weight
- 3,175–3,333 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (6.2L 8-cyl and 7.0L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,221 lb (2dr Convertible RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 25 highway), 8% worse than the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Corvette — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Corvette →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Bowling Green, Kentucky
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible RWD | 174.8 in | 72.4 in | 49.2 in | 105.9 in | 61.8 / 61 in | 3,221 lb | 52/48 |
| Coupe 2dr RWD | 174.8 in | 72.4 in | 49.2 in | 105.9 in | 61.8 / 61 in | 3,208 lb | 52/48 |
| Grandsport Conv 2dr RWD | 175.6 in | 76 in | 49.2 in | 105.9 in | 63.8 / 63.4 in | 3,289 lb | 51/49 |
| Grandsport Coupe 2dr RWD | 175.6 in | 76 in | 49.2 in | 105.9 in | 63.8 / 63.4 in | 3,333 lb | 51/49 |
| Z06 Coupe 2dr RWD | 175.6 in | 76 in | 49.2 in | 105.9 in | 63.8 / 63.4 in | 3,175 lb | 50/50 |
| Zr1 Coupe 2dr RWD | 176 in | 76 in | 48.8 in | 105.9 in | 63.8 / 63.4 in | 3,333 lb | 51/49 |
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 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -8% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Corvette | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -13% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Corvette | 7.0L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -13% | $4,550 | 494 |
| Corvette | 6.2L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | -18% | $4,850 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette.
Similar 2012 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Nissan 370z | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge And Attachments · Oct 3, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V491000 · 5,755 vehicles
- Problem
- GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET CORVETTE COUPE VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 24, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS". THE REAR HATCH HINGES MAY NOT MEET THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN THE SAFETY STANDARD.
- Risk
- THE REAR HATCH COULD SEPARATE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
- Fix
- GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR HATCH HINGES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 14, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Not every 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Chevrolet Corvette buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 28 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.
- Air Bags — 6 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 5 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,019 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 2012 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 |
| 2016 Corvette | 21 | 176.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 104 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →