The Chevrolet C6 spans 1981–2009 with 8 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. It delivers up to 22 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Chevrolet C6 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 2009 across multiple generations.
How to read a Chevrolet C6 VIN — every digit explained
Every Chevrolet C6 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Chevrolet and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this C6.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your C6, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet C6 have?
The Chevrolet C6 has 8 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2009. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1995 Chevrolet C6 recalls 2
Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights
What's wrong. THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A TRANSMISSION REVERSE SIGNAL SWITCH THAT COULD LEAK CAUSING LOSS OF ELECTRICAL CONTACT WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS IN REVERSE. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THIS CONDITION CAN PREVENT THE BACKUP WARNING SYSTEM (LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE ALARMS) FROM OPERATING PROPERLY, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REVERSE SIGNAL PRESSURE SWITCH.
Seats
What's wrong. THE SEATS OF THESE VEHICLES CAN HAVE INCOMPLETE WELDED LEFT SIDE SEAT BACK FRAME EXTENDER ARM WELDS. VEHICLES WITH AFFECTED SEATS DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."
Risk. COSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT TO COLLAPSE DURING A VEHICLE ACCIDENT AND WOULD NOT PROPERLY PROTECT THE OCCUPANT.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LEFT SIDE SEAT BACK EXTENDER ARMS OF THE SEATS FOR MISSING WELDS. WELDS SHOULD BE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE SEAT BACK EXTENDER ARM. IF A WELD IS MISSING, THE AFFECTED SEAT BACK FRAME ASSEMBLY(IES) WILL BE REPLACED.
1993 Chevrolet C6 recalls 1
Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)
What's wrong. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WAS ASSEMBLED WITH LOOSE OR MISSING UPPER AND LOWER PINCH BOLTS WHICH MAY CAUSE SEPARATION OF THE SHAFT.
Risk. SEPARATION OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT RESULTS IN TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. DEALERS WILL PROPERLY TORQUE LOOSE PINCH BOLTS AND INSTALL PINCH BOLTS WHERE NECESSARY.
1985 Chevrolet C6 recalls 2
Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. THE FRONT AIR BRAKE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE INNER FENDER ON THE LEFT AND/OR RIGHT SIDES OF SOME TRUCKS. IN SOME INSTANCES, THE BRAKE HOSE MAY RUB THROUGH, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE UPON BRAKE APPLICATION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: BRAKE HOSE MAY RUB THROUGH CAUSING AIR PRESSURE LOSS WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY. A REDUCTION OF BRAKING ABILITY AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix. INSTALL NEW BRAKE CHAMBER SUPPORT BRACKETS, BRAKE LINE ELBOWS, AND AIR BRAKE HOSES, AS NECESSARY.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
What's wrong. THE FUEL RETURN HOSE BETWEEN THE SWITCHING VALVE AND THE FUEL TANK SENDING UNITS MAY BE INCORRECTLY CONNECTED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: FUEL SUPPLIED BY ONE TANK IS RETURNED TO THE OTHER TANK WHICH COULD OVERFILL AND LEAK. FUEL COULD IGNITE AND CAUSE A FIRE.
Fix. REPOSITION FUEL RETURN HOSES AND REPLACE FUEL VAPOR CANISTER.
1984 Chevrolet C6 recalls 1
Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. THE FRONT AIR BRAKE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE INNER FENDER ON THE LEFT AND/OR RIGHT SIDES OF SOME TRUCKS. IN SOME INSTANCES, THE BRAKE HOSE MAY RUB THROUGH, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE UPON BRAKE APPLICATION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: BRAKE HOSE MAY RUB THROUGH CAUSING AIR PRESSURE LOSS WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY. A REDUCTION OF BRAKING ABILITY AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix. INSTALL NEW BRAKE CHAMBER SUPPORT BRACKETS, BRAKE LINE ELBOWS, AND AIR BRAKE HOSES, AS NECESSARY.
1983 Chevrolet C6 recalls 2
Service Brakes, Air:supply:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. THE FRONT AIR BRAKE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE INNER FENDER ON THE LEFT AND/OR RIGHT SIDES OF SOME TRUCKS. IN SOME INSTANCES, THE BRAKE HOSE MAY RUB THROUGH, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE UPON BRAKE APPLICATION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: BRAKE HOSE MAY RUB THROUGH CAUSING AIR PRESSURE LOSS WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY. A REDUCTION OF BRAKING ABILITY AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix. INSTALL NEW BRAKE CHAMBER SUPPORT BRACKETS, BRAKE LINE ELBOWS, AND AIR BRAKE HOSES, AS NECESSARY.
Service Brakes, Air:supply:check Valve
What's wrong. THE DUAL AIR RESERVOIRS OF SOME TRUCKS WERE EQUIPPED WITH CARBON STEEL SPRINGS INSTEAD OF STAINLESS STEEL SPRINGS, AS INTENDED. THE CARBON STEEL SPRING IS MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO RUSTING THAN THE STAINLESS STEEL SPRING. THIS RUSTING COULD CAUSE THE CHECK VALVE TO FAIL, CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF FRONT AND REAR BRAKES.
Fix. THE AIR TANK WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR VALVE WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE CONTAINING A STAINLESS STEEL SPRING.
Best and worst years for the Chevrolet C6
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Chevrolet C6 — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Chevrolet C6 problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Chevrolet C6 — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Chevrolet C6 specifications & dimensions
The 1988 Chevrolet C6 measures 202″ long on a 125″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 5,538 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Chevrolet C6 window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 202″ | 80″ | 82″ | 125″ | 5,538 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Chevrolet C6 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the C6 holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Chevrolet C6 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Chevrolet C6 get?
The Chevrolet C6 returns up to 22 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,850/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2005 Chevrolet C6 (4.3L 6-cyl) gets 17 mpg combined and costs about $3,650/yr to fuel, emitting 523 g/mi CO₂ — about $7,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 C6 | 15 | 20 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 2004 C6 | 14 | 19 | $3,900 | 555 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 2003 C6 | 15 | 21 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 2002 C6 | 15 | 20 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 2001 C6 | 15 | 20 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 2000 C6 | 15 | 20 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1999 C6 | 14 | 19 | $3,900 | 555 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1998 C6 | 14 | 20 | $3,900 | 555 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1997 C6 | 15 | 21 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1996 C6 | 15 | 20 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1995 C6 | 15 | 20 | $4,550 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1994 C6 | 15 | 20 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1993 C6 | 15 | 21 | $4,550 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1992 C6 | 15 | 20 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1991 C6 | 15 | 20 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1990 C6 | 15 | 20 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1989 C6 | 15 | 22 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1988 C6 | 15 | 22 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1987 C6 | 15 | 22 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1986 C6 | 16 | 20 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1985 C6 | 16 | 23 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1984 C6 | 15 | 19 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4.1L 6-cyl |
The 2009 Chevrolet C6 (5.3L 8-cyl) gets 16 mpg combined and costs about $3,900/yr to fuel, emitting 555 g/mi CO₂ (smog 6/10) — about $8,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 C6 | 14 | 20 | $3,900 | 555 | 6/10 | 5.3L 8-cyl | |
| 2008 C6 | 14 | 20 | $3,900 | 555 | 6/10 | 5.3L 8-cyl | |
| 2007 C6 | 14 | 19 | $3,900 | 555 | 6/10 | 5.3L 8-cyl | |
| 2006 C6 | 13 | 17 | $4,450 | 635 | — | 5.3L 8-cyl | |
| 1984 C6 | 18 | 22 | $3,900 | 509 | — | 6.2L 8-cyl |
The 1990 Chevrolet C6 (2.5L 4-cyl) gets 20 mpg combined and costs about $3,100/yr to fuel, emitting 444 g/mi CO₂ — about $4,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 C6 | 18 | 24 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1989 C6 | 18 | 24 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 C6 | 19 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 C6 | 19 | 24 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 C6 | 20 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 C6 | 19 | 26 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 2.5L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the C6 stacks up against the most fuel-efficient cars, or calculate this C6's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Chevrolet C6 have? Power & range
The Chevrolet C6 is offered with 3 powertrains — 4.3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 4.3L · 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | RWD | Regular |
| V8 | 5.3L · 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | RWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 2.5L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | RWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Chevrolet C6 cost to own?
A Chevrolet C6 holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this C6 loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $14,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the C6 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Chevrolet C6 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the C6 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Chevrolet C6 last?
A well-maintained Chevrolet C6 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Chevrolet C6’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this C6’s VIN free →All Chevrolet C6 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Chevrolet C6 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 2008 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 2007 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 2006 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 2005 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 2004 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 2003 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 2002 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 2001 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 2000 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 1999 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 1998 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 1997 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 1996 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 1995 C6 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1994 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 1993 C6 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1992 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 1991 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 1990 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 1989 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 1988 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 1987 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 1986 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 1985 C6 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1984 C6 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1983 C6 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1982 C6 | 0 | — | |
| 1981 C6 | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the C6?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Chevrolet C6.
How many recalls does the C6 have?
8 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2009. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Chevrolet recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the C6 get?
Up to 22 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a C6 last?
A well-maintained C6 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the C6 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the C6 is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Chevrolet C6 warranty?
New Chevrolet models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Chevrolet dealer.
Where is the Chevrolet C6 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your C6's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Chevrolet may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the C6 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.