LT6 engine failures/problems
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 804
Likes: 747
You lost me at "all these LT6 failures". Please stop fear-mongering over a handful of cases. There have also been LT2 failures, Porsche engine failures, etc. The failure rate appears to be VERY low for the LT6, especially for such a complex engine achieving the title of most powerful V8 ever made.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,806
Likes: 5,869
At this point there are like 15,000 Z06’s on the road. Reading about maybe a couple dozen failures on a forum is nothing.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 12,759
Likes: 10,655
From: Prosper TX/Austin TX
2020 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
People still poo poo the LS7 failures & I'm sure some will still argue the LS1 issues were blown out of proportion as well. 
It's always those that don't have an issue downplaying the issue until it happens to them.
It's always those that don't have an issue downplaying the issue until it happens to them.
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,133
Likes: 603
From: NorCal San Jose
I don't think he's downplaying it at all - the vast majority of these Z's are running like a champ. Posts like the original "all these LT6 failures" blow the issue way out of proportion, like it's 30% of all the Z's produced. Yes, it would still suck if it happened to you, but the odds against it are quite good.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 12,759
Likes: 10,655
From: Prosper TX/Austin TX
2020 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
I don't think he's downplaying it at all - the vast majority of these Z's are running like a champ. Posts like the original "all these LT6 failures" blow the issue way out of proportion, like it's 30% of all the Z's produced. Yes, it would still suck if it happened to you, but the odds against it are quite good.
I mentioned above, I have a personal friend with a brand new ~$180k Z07 HTC having the engine pulled with only 1k mi on it. That's a heck of a lot more serious than $75k C6 Z06 needing an LS7 replaced or my $27k WS6 that needed an LS1 replaced back in the day.
The same loop has been happening on this forum and others for over 20 years. A problem arises, some are concerned, others chime in saying "forums blow things out of proportion, my car is problem free...".
I haven't read all 27 pages in this thread, but if there weren't issues I don't think there would be this many posts about them.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Update:
Just received a email from GM, they offered me 182,210.00 which is the base price of the car. Pretty bummed about that because I’m out 32,000$. 18,221.00 for sales tax, Xpel coating which was 9200.00, (Didn’t plan on loosing the engine, figured it would be the last car i would need), 3,000 for transport. Does anyone think there might be other options that I can explore with GM? I figured that the loss of driving it for it being in the shop for a month and also paying insurance on it. I’m sure it’s listed on carfax as far as engine replacement, there must be some devaluation there as well. Just doesn’t seem right, if anyone has any thoughts I would greatly appreciate it.I’m just sitting here fuming…..
Just received a email from GM, they offered me 182,210.00 which is the base price of the car. Pretty bummed about that because I’m out 32,000$. 18,221.00 for sales tax, Xpel coating which was 9200.00, (Didn’t plan on loosing the engine, figured it would be the last car i would need), 3,000 for transport. Does anyone think there might be other options that I can explore with GM? I figured that the loss of driving it for it being in the shop for a month and also paying insurance on it. I’m sure it’s listed on carfax as far as engine replacement, there must be some devaluation there as well. Just doesn’t seem right, if anyone has any thoughts I would greatly appreciate it.I’m just sitting here fuming…..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 508
Update:
Just received a email from GM, they offered me 182,210.00 which is the base price of the car. Pretty bummed about that because I’m out 32,000$. 18,221.00 for sales tax, Xpel coating which was 9200.00, (Didn’t plan on loosing the engine, figured it would be the last car i would need), 3,000 for transport. Does anyone think there might be other options that I can explore with GM? I figured that the loss of driving it for it being in the shop for a month and also paying insurance on it. I’m sure it’s listed on carfax as far as engine replacement, there must be some devaluation there as well. Just doesn’t seem right, if anyone has any thoughts I would greatly appreciate it.I’m just sitting here fuming…..
Just received a email from GM, they offered me 182,210.00 which is the base price of the car. Pretty bummed about that because I’m out 32,000$. 18,221.00 for sales tax, Xpel coating which was 9200.00, (Didn’t plan on loosing the engine, figured it would be the last car i would need), 3,000 for transport. Does anyone think there might be other options that I can explore with GM? I figured that the loss of driving it for it being in the shop for a month and also paying insurance on it. I’m sure it’s listed on carfax as far as engine replacement, there must be some devaluation there as well. Just doesn’t seem right, if anyone has any thoughts I would greatly appreciate it.I’m just sitting here fuming…..
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,702
Likes: 577
Update:
Just received a email from GM, they offered me 182,210.00 which is the base price of the car. Pretty bummed about that because I’m out 32,000$. 18,221.00 for sales tax, Xpel coating which was 9200.00, (Didn’t plan on loosing the engine, figured it would be the last car i would need), 3,000 for transport. Does anyone think there might be other options that I can explore with GM? I figured that the loss of driving it for it being in the shop for a month and also paying insurance on it. I’m sure it’s listed on carfax as far as engine replacement, there must be some devaluation there as well. Just doesn’t seem right, if anyone has any thoughts I would greatly appreciate it.I’m just sitting here fuming…..
Just received a email from GM, they offered me 182,210.00 which is the base price of the car. Pretty bummed about that because I’m out 32,000$. 18,221.00 for sales tax, Xpel coating which was 9200.00, (Didn’t plan on loosing the engine, figured it would be the last car i would need), 3,000 for transport. Does anyone think there might be other options that I can explore with GM? I figured that the loss of driving it for it being in the shop for a month and also paying insurance on it. I’m sure it’s listed on carfax as far as engine replacement, there must be some devaluation there as well. Just doesn’t seem right, if anyone has any thoughts I would greatly appreciate it.I’m just sitting here fuming…..
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4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Is this GM’s response to any proposal you may have submitted? If not, it would be reasonable to request monthly car note(if applicable) and insurance pmt., a depreciable amount for your mods and tax reimbursement( usually standard). But consider too the market is not good for this platform right now so I would suggest taking the offer even if GM declines to reimburse you for the listed items. Thanks for sharing your experience and keep us posted!
Pro
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 742
Likes: 473
Update:
Just received a email from GM, they offered me 182,210.00 which is the base price of the car. Pretty bummed about that because I’m out 32,000$. 18,221.00 for sales tax, Xpel coating which was 9200.00, (Didn’t plan on loosing the engine, figured it would be the last car i would need), 3,000 for transport. Does anyone think there might be other options that I can explore with GM? I figured that the loss of driving it for it being in the shop for a month and also paying insurance on it. I’m sure it’s listed on carfax as far as engine replacement, there must be some devaluation there as well. Just doesn’t seem right, if anyone has any thoughts I would greatly appreciate it.I’m just sitting here fuming…..
Just received a email from GM, they offered me 182,210.00 which is the base price of the car. Pretty bummed about that because I’m out 32,000$. 18,221.00 for sales tax, Xpel coating which was 9200.00, (Didn’t plan on loosing the engine, figured it would be the last car i would need), 3,000 for transport. Does anyone think there might be other options that I can explore with GM? I figured that the loss of driving it for it being in the shop for a month and also paying insurance on it. I’m sure it’s listed on carfax as far as engine replacement, there must be some devaluation there as well. Just doesn’t seem right, if anyone has any thoughts I would greatly appreciate it.I’m just sitting here fuming…..
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 22,598
Likes: 14,555
Why would GM pay you for the aftermarket mods(xpel) you did to the car? Thats on you unfortunately. Consider yourself lucky you got back what you did. They arent paying your insurance payment either. Your car had to be insured wether its driven or in storage. You might get lucky and get reimbursed a months car note, in the past, dodge had my jeep for almost 2 months, and i was reimbursed. Not sure if GM would do that.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 742
Likes: 473
I don't think he's downplaying it at all - the vast majority of these Z's are running like a champ. Posts like the original "all these LT6 failures" blow the issue way out of proportion, like it's 30% of all the Z's produced. Yes, it would still suck if it happened to you, but the odds against it are quite good.
Like the DCT issues that everyone downplayed in the beginning but persist... The fact is we shouldn't be surprised as the Corvette has had some issue with the engine going back to at least the C5. I think the problem with this Z06 is the significant cost of this car compared to past generations.
I mentioned above, I have a personal friend with a brand new ~$180k Z07 HTC having the engine pulled with only 1k mi on it. That's a heck of a lot more serious than $75k C6 Z06 needing an LS7 replaced or my $27k WS6 that needed an LS1 replaced back in the day.
The same loop has been happening on this forum and others for over 20 years. A problem arises, some are concerned, others chime in saying "forums blow things out of proportion, my car is problem free...".
I haven't read all 27 pages in this thread, but if there weren't issues I don't think there would be this many posts about them.
I mentioned above, I have a personal friend with a brand new ~$180k Z07 HTC having the engine pulled with only 1k mi on it. That's a heck of a lot more serious than $75k C6 Z06 needing an LS7 replaced or my $27k WS6 that needed an LS1 replaced back in the day.
The same loop has been happening on this forum and others for over 20 years. A problem arises, some are concerned, others chime in saying "forums blow things out of proportion, my car is problem free...".
I haven't read all 27 pages in this thread, but if there weren't issues I don't think there would be this many posts about them.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 20
Likes: 10
Why would GM pay you for the aftermarket mods(xpel) you did to the car? Thats on you unfortunately. Consider yourself lucky you got back what you did. Reimbursement on taxes differ from state to state. They arent paying your insurance payment either. Your car had to be insured wether its driven or in storage. You might get lucky and get reimbursed a months car note, in the past, dodge had my jeep for almost 2 months, and i was reimbursed. Not sure if GM would do that.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 898
Likes: 149
From: SE NY and SE FL
There are a number of companies that specialize in lemon law buy backs, Just google Lemon Law with your state. Speak to several of them and they will know exactly what you are entitled to. If they think GMs offer is all you can get, they will not offer to take your case, if they think you can get more, they will offer to take it on.
Last edited by GlennSullivan; May 6, 2025 at 10:23 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,288
Likes: 953
From: Carlsbad Ca
Update:
Just received a email from GM, they offered me 182,210.00 which is the base price of the car. Pretty bummed about that because I’m out 32,000$. 18,221.00 for sales tax, Xpel coating which was 9200.00, (Didn’t plan on loosing the engine, figured it would be the last car i would need), 3,000 for transport. Does anyone think there might be other options that I can explore with GM? I figured that the loss of driving it for it being in the shop for a month and also paying insurance on it. I’m sure it’s listed on carfax as far as engine replacement, there must be some devaluation there as well. Just doesn’t seem right, if anyone has any thoughts I would greatly appreciate it.I’m just sitting here fuming…..
Just received a email from GM, they offered me 182,210.00 which is the base price of the car. Pretty bummed about that because I’m out 32,000$. 18,221.00 for sales tax, Xpel coating which was 9200.00, (Didn’t plan on loosing the engine, figured it would be the last car i would need), 3,000 for transport. Does anyone think there might be other options that I can explore with GM? I figured that the loss of driving it for it being in the shop for a month and also paying insurance on it. I’m sure it’s listed on carfax as far as engine replacement, there must be some devaluation there as well. Just doesn’t seem right, if anyone has any thoughts I would greatly appreciate it.I’m just sitting here fuming…..
GM's next offer might be $150...then $125...
Check your State to see if you can get "diminished" value on your insurance policy, if you want.
Last edited by NORTY; May 10, 2025 at 08:01 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 163
Likes: 31
From: SW Ontario Canada
Extended warranty on replaced engine
Has anyone who had the engine or transmission replaced under warranty received any compensation i.e. free extended warranty, GMPP, prepaid service or anything at all?
Pro
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 722
Likes: 566
From: Northern Utah
I can't answer that question. However, I can tell you everything I've read on this site says GM will NOT make offers over and above the MSRP on the car. Why would they? That would set a precedent for others who would probably sue if they didn't get the same as "the other guy". If I'm wrong I'd like to hear the circumstances. Doesn't make much sense from a legal standpoint and that's what GM will always look at first.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,922
Likes: 38
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
We will never know. Only data from dealers showing service would indicate some on the road.
Surprising GM can't build an engine for consumers without us being their true R&D.
I thought LPE built a flat plane LS years ago. LPE is close to GM. Figured GM had something to learn from them and GMs racing dept.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 898
Likes: 149
From: SE NY and SE FL
In my mind, the buyback is akin to returning a defective product for a refund - which is exactly what it is. Whenever I have returned a defective product, the refund lists the purchase price and then the sales tax being refunded.
Sooo the purchaser should be able to receive a refund of the sales tax, or in the case where the purchaser is purchasing another vehicle from the same dealer, the purchase price refund should be treated as a trade and thereby negating the sales price on the replacement vehicle.
If current laws somehow prevent the sales tax from being refunded or transferred, then I would suggest this would be a great opportunity for an enterprising legal professional to fix it.
Sooo the purchaser should be able to receive a refund of the sales tax, or in the case where the purchaser is purchasing another vehicle from the same dealer, the purchase price refund should be treated as a trade and thereby negating the sales price on the replacement vehicle.
If current laws somehow prevent the sales tax from being refunded or transferred, then I would suggest this would be a great opportunity for an enterprising legal professional to fix it.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 3,971
Likes: 1,821
From: Western WI
Just read the lemon law rules for your state but most states are the same. Here is what you would be due in my state which includes refunding sales tax:
When you request a refund, the manufacturer must refund the full purchase price of the vehicle plus any sales tax, finance charge, amount paid by the consumer at the point of sale, and any collateral costs. The manufacturer is allowed to deduct from the refund a “reasonable allowance” for use of the vehicle. This “reasonable allowance” deduction cannot exceed the value obtained by taking the vehicle’s mileage reported at the first time the consumer notified the manufacturer or dealer of the defect(s) and dividing that number by 100,000 (or 20,000 in the case of motorcycles). Example. Vehicle A is a lemon. The purchase price of Vehicle A was $30,000. Vehicle A had 10,000 miles on it when it was first brought to the dealership for repair of the defect. 10,000 miles at first reporting of defect = 0.1 × $30,000 purchase price = $3,000 100,000 The manufacture could deduct up to $3,000 from the customer’s refund as a reasonable allowance for use of the vehicle. When the manufacturer provides a refund, you must return the lemon vehicle to the manufacturer and provide them the vehicle title, including all endorsements necessary to transfer the title to the manufacturer.
When you request a refund, the manufacturer must refund the full purchase price of the vehicle plus any sales tax, finance charge, amount paid by the consumer at the point of sale, and any collateral costs. The manufacturer is allowed to deduct from the refund a “reasonable allowance” for use of the vehicle. This “reasonable allowance” deduction cannot exceed the value obtained by taking the vehicle’s mileage reported at the first time the consumer notified the manufacturer or dealer of the defect(s) and dividing that number by 100,000 (or 20,000 in the case of motorcycles). Example. Vehicle A is a lemon. The purchase price of Vehicle A was $30,000. Vehicle A had 10,000 miles on it when it was first brought to the dealership for repair of the defect. 10,000 miles at first reporting of defect = 0.1 × $30,000 purchase price = $3,000 100,000 The manufacture could deduct up to $3,000 from the customer’s refund as a reasonable allowance for use of the vehicle. When the manufacturer provides a refund, you must return the lemon vehicle to the manufacturer and provide them the vehicle title, including all endorsements necessary to transfer the title to the manufacturer.