Tag: Common Car Issues

2018-2022 Chevy Corvette Problems

Written by Cali Lemon Lawyers on December 2, 2022. Posted in Chevy Lemon Law, Lemon Law Information, Recalls.

The Chevy Corvette is arguably the most popular American sports car in history. Since 1953, the Corvette has been synonymous with American muscle car, power, fun, and excitement.

Since its inception, the Corvette has had eight major revisions, with the latest model arriving in 2020. While still one of the most popular luxury sports cars, the Chevrolet Corvette is known to have its share of problems.

In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common Chevy Corvette problems, and whether or not the car is an overall good buy.

If you leased or purchased a defective Chevy Corvette it is very likely that you are entitled to compensation. Contact Cali Lemon Lawyers for a free case evaluation.

Common Chevy Corvette Problems

With over 50 years of design changes and improvements, there have been many different problems associated with the Corvette. The most common problems associated with seventh (C7) and eighth-generation (C8) Corvettes are included below, followed by the model years where these problems are found.

Overheating Problems

Overheating is a common problem with many modern Corvettes. While you should never speed, driving some Corvette models like a sports car can cause the car to overheat.

GM solved the issue after redesigning the hood and installing a different supercharger. If you are planning on purchasing a used Corvette, you should verify these updates occurred on the vehicle.

Automatic Transmission Issues

Many owners have complained about stiff or jerky gear shifts with the automatic transmission. The automatic transmission can cause the vehicle to buck or surge in traffic. Severe vibrations are also common due to the automatic transmission issues in some Corvettes.

While no recall occurred, GM issued over sixty technical service bulletins concerning the 8-speed automatic transmission available in many Corvettes.

Steering Column Locked

Some owners reported the service steering column lock message would display during operation. A fault in the anti-theft system causes the problem. Owners that experience this issue should have their anti-lock system or steering column serviced.

Coolant Leaks

Coolant from the water pump is known to leak. This can cause overheating and damage to the engine. You should have this issue repaired as soon as possible to reduce the risk of damage to your drivetrain.

2018 Chevy Corvette Problems

The 2018 Chevy Corvette is part of the seventh-generation Corvette originally released in 2014. Other than the release of the Carbon 65 edition, little changed for the Corvette during 2018. But, new manufacturing problems appeared that are unique to the 2018 model year.

Electric Power Steering System Recall

GM recalled almost 2 million vehicles due to a power steering problem between 2016 and 2018. The power steering can fail during car operation. Drivers need to steer with more effort, and this can lead to a crash.

Infotainment Screen Problems

Large display screens are more common than ever in cars. Unfortunately, they tend to have more problems than they’re worth.

Many C7 and C8 Corvette owners have complained about dead display screens. Chevy had to replace the displays on many 2018 models. Others had wiring issues.

2019 Chevy Corvette Problems

2019 marked the last year for the seventh-generation Corvette. The 2019 Corvette is prone to the same 2018 problems, and the common problems mentioned above. But, it also had its share of unique problems.

Hairline Cracks on the Rims.

Corvette rims have to perform under pressure and look great doing it. Unfortunately, owners of the 2019 Corvette found the OEM rims could crack due to low tire pressure. Hairline cracks on the rims can lead to other issues, including wheel failure.

Steering Problems

2019 Corvette owners experienced many steering-related issues. Some 2019 models fell under the 2018 electric power steering system recall. The recall concerned the sudden failure of the power steering system in the car. This causes a loss of control, and drivers need to steer with more effort.

2020 Chevy Corvette Problems

The 2020 model year saw the latest version of the Corvette hit the market. This model featured Corvette’s first mid-engine design. Along with the redesign, Corvette came with new issues and recalls.

Inside Trunk Release Button Recall

Corvettes have an emergency release button in the trunk compartment to prevent a person from climbing in the front trunk and getting locked in. On certain models, the release button malfunctioned.

The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) forced a recall to comply with its standards. Owners of a 2020 Corvette can receive a software update to rectify the problem.

Unlatched Hood Problem

Certain 2020 Corvettes let drivers operate their cars even with the front trunk lid unlatched. The car still shows warning lights, but the driver can still drive the car. An unlatched hood can obstruct the driver’s view.

Software updates corrected the problem and won’t let drivers operate the car above a certain speed.

Electrical Issues Due to New Electrical Architecture

The 2020 Corvette release was the first to use GM’s Global B architecture. The earlier models that used the platform were prone to vulnerabilities and bugs. This caused coordination issues with Corvette’s computer area network.

Firmware updates resolved many of the issues, and the Global B architecture in future models did not have these issues.

Driver’s Side Seat Belt Recall

Some cars had faulty seat belt retractors on the driver’s side. The seatbelt won’t lock as intended during a crash causing severe injury or death.

Recalls for this safety hazard began in November 2020.

Brake-By-Wire System Malfunction

The C8 Corvette may have a problem with sensors used in the brake-by-wire system. The malfunctioning sensors fail to communicate with the braking system causing the brakes to fail. Along with the 2020 Corvette, GM had to recall other models, including the Cadillac CT4, Buick Encore, and Chevy Trailblazer.

The recall also affected 2021 and 2022 Corvettes.

2021-2022 Chevy Corvette Problems

The 2021 and 2022 models follow in the same footsteps as the 2020 models. Expect to find similar issues as we noted above. 2021 and 2022 Corvette owners also found themselves at the repair shop due to safety recalls.

Air Bag System Recall

Chevrolet and GM had a recall concerning airbags on many of their vehicles, including the Corvette.

Communications between the communications gateway module and the sensing diagnostic module cause the airbag malfunction indicator light to illuminate. This means your airbag might malfunction, but the car won’t inform you.

Loss of Power From Power Train

In April 2022, Chevy issued a recall for the 2022 Corvette. The recall involved the left or right rear half-shaft assemblies. The system may be missing ball bearings. This can result in the vehicle losing drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

Wheel Assembly Recall

Some C8 Corvettes experience a loss of propulsion. The cause of the problem may be the rear half shaft. The shaft was missing two of six ball bearings. This issue can cause the car to lose propulsion and increases the chance of a crash.

While only twenty-two vehicles had this issue, the National Highway Traffic Administration forced GM to recall the 2021 and 2022 model years.

Transmission Leaks

The 8-speed Tremec transmission may leak. Commonly, gasket failure caused the leak. Clogged transmission filters are also a known cause of the leaks.

Chevy Corvette Problems, FAQ

If you love the Corvette, you don’t need to let these problems stop you from owning one of the most influential cars in history. It’s just important that you’re aware they exits.

Here are some of the most common questions people ask about seventh and eighth-generation Corvettes.

Is the Chevy Corvette reliable?

The Chevy Corvette is a popular sports car and can fetch hefty used car prices. But, the Corvette does not have the best reliability rating. Over the years, many owners gave the Corvette a poor rating for reliability. In 2022, Consumer Reports put the Chevy Corvette on the least reliable cars of 2022 list.

Recently, customer reviews point to major improvements in the Chevy Corvette. Even with these improvements, the Corvette can be a difficult car to own if you’re not a mechanic

Is the Chevy Corvette a good buy?

The Corvette is an expensive vehicle, and you’ll want to get the best value if you purchase one. Even with the problems, the Corvette is still an excellent value. With an MSRP starting at $59,000, no other high-end sports car can match the price per performance a Corvette offers.

What are the best and worst model years of the Chevy Corvette?

Excluding earlier generations, we found the 2020 and 2019 model years are the best newer models available.

You should avoid buying 2008, 2015, and 2017 Corvette model years. These years had too many issues.

What are the best alternatives to the C7 or C8 Corvette?

The Corvette is an amazing deal for its price. Few other vehicle in the United States combine premium handling, acceleration, and speed at a competitive price. Still, there are some cheaper alternatives for the Corvette if you don’t mind a drop in performance.

Ford Mustang GT offers 460 horsepower and a top speed of 155MPH for under $40,000.
Chevy Camaro SS accelerates from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds.
Dodge Challenger R/T features a V-8 Hemi engine that pumps out 375 horsepower.

Chevy Corvette Final Thoughts

The seventh and eighth-generation Corvettes are a wonder of design, functionality, and performance. They are one of the most affordable ways to own a supercar in the United States.

Corvette’s reliability is constantly changing. Over fifty years, Chevy released classic Corvettes and ones plagued with issues. The modern Corvette solved many problems associated with its predecessors. But, it created its own set of problems.

Do you own a C7 or C8 Corvette? Have you enjoyed your experience with the car? If you had to repair your 2018-2022 Chevrolet Corvette, we’d love to hear about it. Don’t forget, cars with continual issues may fall under lemon laws in your state, and you can contact a lawyer to help resolve these problems.

what does the check fuel fill inlet light mean

Check Fuel Fill Inlet – What it Means and How to Resolve It

Written by Cali Lemon Lawyers on July 14, 2022. Posted in Lemon Law Information.

Warning lights on your car’s dashboard are essential to understand and look out for. They’re meant to notify drivers when attention to an issue is needed. While some warnings can be extremely serious, others are subtle and call for a simple fix.

Some widely known warning lights include the check engine light, seatbelt, low fuel, tire pressure, and washers. However, many drivers don’t know what check fuel fill inlet means on their Fords. In this post, we’ll review what the fuel fill inlet is, possible causes for the “check fuel inlet” warning sign, and how to fix it.

If you’ve purchased or leased a defective Ford, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Cali Lemon Lawyers for a free case consultation today.

What is Fuel Fill Inlet?

Fuel fill inlets are the openings where fuel is poured into your Ford’s gas tank. For example, when you’re filling up at a gas station, this is where you’ll put the nozzle of your gas pump and fill your tank with gasoline. It comprises the gas cap cover and an inlet pipe that enters the car’s gas tank.

What does Check Fuel Fill Inlet mean?

Check fuel fill inlet means either a low or empty gas tank or poor gas flow from the fuel pump to the gas tank. When this happens, the check engine light will flash on your car’s dashboard, indicating an issue with your car’s fuel system. The check fuel fill inlet warning sign has been a cause for concern for multiple Ford cars including Mustangs, Fusions, F150s, Explorers and others.

What Are The Possible Causes of Check Fuel Fill Inlet?

Here are some of the culprits of the check fuel fill inlet.

1. Loose fuel cap

A loose fuel cap or missing cap is the most common culprit of a fuel inlet warning light. The fuel cap is an essential component of the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system, and for good reason.

For starters, a gas cap prevents fuel leakage and dirt or debris from entering your fuel tank.
A vacuum pressure seal is formed when the cap is properly secured to the inlet, allowing pressurized fuel to flow smoothly through the system.
Furthermore, the fuel cap ensures that dangerous gases and pollutants are contained within the tank, preventing their release into the environment.
The fuel cap also traps fuel vapor that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, allowing your car to reuse them.
As such, when the cap is not tightened correctly or damaged, it can cause gas leaks and low gas mileage.

2. Over Tightening

If you overtighten the fuel intake cap, you risk damaging the rubber seals, allowing gasses from the tank to escape through the fuel cap. This will also cause the instrument cluster to check the fuel tank fill inlet error message.

3. Dirt and Debris

Dirt is also a primary culprit in checking fuel inlet lights, especially in vehicles with capless seals. Smudge build-up and debris can get caught between the spring-loaded lid and the walls, causing an EVAP leak.

With newer models, this issue was addressed by adding a flap at the beginning of the inlet, but as the fuel door, it is also prone to losing tension and allowing debris to enter. Fixing this problem is as simple as cleaning the seal and getting a replacement when damage is detected on the fuel cap or tank inlet.

Detecting Gas Cap Issues

Generally, there are two ways in which you can detect gas cap issues; not tightening and fuel smells.

Fuel Cap not Tightening

A built-in mechanism makes a click when the fuel caps are adequately tightened on the fuel fill inlets. If it does not click when tightened, it is likely worn or damaged. In this case, a replacement is preferable.

Fuel Smell

When the fuel fill inlet cap has compromised sealing, fuel vapors will escape into the surrounding area. The vapors release a stronger petroleum odor as you approach the gas door. In other cases, the smells may be because of a missing fuel cap. In this case, however, you will know when the dashboard fuel filler cap light illuminates.

Vacuum Pressure Leak

For the fuel pump and engine to receive enough fuel, a constant pressure inside the fuel tank is required. If there is a vacuum pressure leak in your car’s fuel system from the fuel cap, piping, or tank, the check fuel fill inlet light on your dashboard will illuminate.

Loose Fuel Door

The fuel door mechanism is spring-tensioned to keep it flush with the body of the car. However, tension can decrease with time, and the fuel door can begin to sit loosely.

This would not be an issue with a standard system, but there are vehicles with Ford’s Easy Fuel capless fuel filler system, which relies on the tight seal to keep the vapors contained. When the fuel door doesn’t shut tight, the car’s sensor will report an EVAP leak or the check fuel inlet error code.

EVAP leaking

A leaking or faulty component in the EVAP system can cause the check fuel fill inlet on your car’s dashboard. If this is the case, the check engine light will appear on the dashboard alongside the fuel filler error warning light.

A minor issue, such as an improperly covered fuel tank, could be the culprit. However, a more severe problem, such as damaged or broken evaporative emission control system components like the pressure sensor, could also be to blame.

Faulty Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor

The FTP sensor, as the name implies, measures the gas pressure in the fuel system. It is a vital component of the evaporative emission control system (EVAP). This allows you to determine if a fuel system leak came about by evaporation.

This can result in engine stalling, poor acceleration, poor gas mileage, and difficult starting. The solution to this problem is to get a certified mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem.

How Do I Check My Car’s Fuel tank Fill Inlet?

Here’s a quick guide to inspecting your car’s fuel fill inlet.

1. Inspect the Gas Cap and Seal

Start by ensuring that the fuel fill inlet is sealed properly. Park your car and turn off the engine. Open the fuel door using the provided button or latch. The fuel fill inlet on your vehicle is on the right or left side, towards the back. Examine the area around the fuel fill inlet for any signs of leakage.

If any are visible, open the fuel door, unscrew the gas cap, and inspect it for damage. Inspect the seals; they should be intact, not worn or cracked, and ensure that the fuel cap is in excellent condition. Keep in mind that even the slightest crack can allow gases from the tank to escape.

2. Examine Fuel Fill Inlet

Examine every component in and out. Use light to illuminate dark areas. Look for issues like rips, wear, and cracks. As aforementioned, a seemingly minor tear can result in extensive damage in the long run.

3. Use a Diagnostics Tool

If the fuel fill inlet and the gas caps are okay, the only way to figure out the problem is by using an OBD11 scan tool. This tool diagnoses your vehicle and retrieves registered codes that identify errors with your car. For example, if you have a P0457 code, it means an error on the EVAP system. You can also check your car’s user manual.

Following the visual inspection of your fuel filler cap and the system, you should repair or replace damaged parts as soon as possible. Only use original parts designed for your vehicle to avoid any potential issues leading to a shortened life of your car’s fuel fill inlet.

You can get directions on the manufacturer’s recommended parts from the user manual. After repairs and replacement, check to see if the light has gone off.

Clean the Cap and Fuel Fill Inlet Regularly

If you discover that the fuel inlet is dirty, you should clean it before proceeding with the rest of the problem-solving steps. To begin, gather a cleaning agent, a funnel, and a can of compressed air. This seems to be a commonly preferred method for cleaning the fuel filler and resolving the check fuel fill inlet message.

Here are the steps to take to resolve the issues.

Open the fuel door and use compressed air to remove dirt and debris
Inject and remove the fuel filler funnel several times.
After closing the spring-loaded lid, spray the cleaning solution on it.
Using the fuel filler funnel, the solution extends into and out of the filler.
Repeat the previous two steps multiple times.
Then, to finish the job, spray some canned air.

FAQs About Check Fuel Fill Inlet Light

Here are commonly asked questions that will help you understand the Check Fuel Fill Inlet warning light.

How can I reset my car’s check fuel fill inlet?

Start by cleaning, repairing, and replacing the broken fuel cap in your fuel fill inlet or gas cap. This should solve the check fuel inlet issue. If this does not work, you may need to scan the computer system of your vehicle to obtain the fault codes.

Many certified mechanics provide their customers with scanning services. Look for a competent mechanic to help you perform and understand the results of the scans. You may also get a vehicle diagnostics device and use it to check and remove error codes.

How much does it cost to fix a fuel fill inlet?

The price to repair a check fuel fill inlet varies based on the damage’s extent and the car’s make and model. For instance, a simple repair on a plastic fuel fill inlet for a small car would only run you a few hundred dollars, and close to $1,000 for a metal inlet for larger vehicles. On the other hand, the prices could amount to thousands if the whole fuel fill system needs replacing.

Can I drive with a check fuel fill inlet?

The simple answer is yes, but it will cost you a lot in gas. Also, driving while cognizant of check fuel fill inlet warning could significantly harm the car and potentially cause an accident. If you must drive, go slowly and avoid abrupt acceleration or deceleration. If possible, try to locate a secure location to stop, turn off the engine, and wait for assistance.

Where is the fuel fill inlet located?

It is the opening where you insert the gas nozzle to refuel your car. In most vehicles, this fuel inlet is hidden by your gas door, which you must open to access the cap. The inlet is connected to the fuel tank via a pipe hidden inside your car’s chassis.

What is EVAP?

The Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) System seals ensure no pollutants escape from the fuel tank and fuel system into the environment. The importance of this system cannot be emphasized enough since fuel vapors contain a diverse range of hydrocarbons.

Smog is created when hydrocarbons come into contact with sun and air. Because gasoline evaporates quickly, a vehicle with its fuel system exposed to the atmosphere can emit unwanted gasses throughout the day, even when not used. These uncontrolled pollutants contribute significantly in a vehicle’s pollution rating.

What is a fuel inlet restrictor?

A fuel inlet restrictor is a plate that prevents leaded fuel from being poured into an unleaded-powered vehicle. When both forms of fuel are still used in the vehicle, an inlet restrictor is installed. However, leaded fuel was later banned by regulators making this tool unnecessary, and manufacturers phased it out after a while. This means that it cannot be the cause of your problems.

The capless fuel system and fuel fill inlet; are they the same?

These two expressions have the same meaning. Despite being “capless,” the system still employs caps and flaps to prevent fuel leakage. The only difference is that it opens up when pushed with the fuel nozzle, while the cap system needs you to unscrew or twist the gas lid. As a result, the terms “check fuel fill inlet” (capless and non-capless) refer to the same fuel leakage problem.

Final Thoughts

By now hopefully you have a better understanding of your car’s check fuel fill inlet light. If your check fuel fill inlet light is on, your car’s fuel fill system is compromised. With visual inspections and diagnostics devices and the steps outlined above, you can detect the cause of the problem and solve it.