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2012 Chevrolet Corvette

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Corvette.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is a passenger car that uses a 5.5‑quart oil capacity engine lubricated with 5W‑30 viscosity. It recorded 56 total owner complaints and one recall, placing its reliability above the 8 complaints of the 1992 model year but well below the 588 complaints peak in 2008, within the broader 1990‑2025 complaint history. The most frequent problems are concentrated in the fuel and propulsion system, underscoring the need for attentive maintenance.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192012

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30OEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 90 · 590 CCA battery, OE oil filter 12694692. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 90 · 590 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeFRONT P245/40ZR18; REAR P285/35ZR19OEM · verified
Wheel / rim8.5, 10 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter12694692 alt 12690386
Engine air filter25940997
Spark plug12571165 alt 12680072
Front wiper blades10306887 alt 10306888
Serpentine belt12636226 alt 12636224
Thermostat89018168 alt 12587397
Cabin air filter22862632

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length174.8 in
Overall width72.4 in
Overall height49.2 in
Wheelbase105.9 in
Curb weight3221 lb
Track (front / rear)61.8 / 61 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)52/48

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Corvette of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

3.4–4.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 3.40 sec — 2012 ZR1 Coupe
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2012ZR1 Coupe 6.2L Supercharger V83.40 sec11.40 sec638 hpRWD
2012Z06 Coupe 7.0L V83.50 sec11.60 sec505 hpRWD
2012ZR1 Centennial Edition Coupe 6.2L Supercharger V83.50 sec11.80 sec638 hpRWD
2012ZR1 Coupe 6.2L Supercharger V83.50 sec11.50 sec638 hpRWD
2012Z06 Centennial Edition Coupe 7.0L V83.80 sec11.90 sec505 hpRWD
2012Grand Sport Coupe 6.2L V84.10 sec12.50 sec430 hpRWD
2011ZR1 Coupe 6.2L Supercharger V83.50 sec11.50 sec638 hpRWD
2011Z06 Coupe 7.0L V83.60 sec11.90 sec505 hpRWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.5 qt of 5W-30 engine oil, ONLY USE DEXRON in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 18.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6.7
Brake FluidDOT 3
Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear OilONLY USE DEXRON
Differential Gear Oil Capacity5.5 qt
Engine CoolantDEX-COOL OR EQUIVALENT
Engine Oil5W-30

Engine torques

Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts9.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub184 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3
Spark Plug ManufacturerAC Delco
Spark Plug Gap0.040 in
Spark Plug Torque11.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerAC Delco
Spark Plug Gap0.037-0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque15.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.10 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity5.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number90
Standard BCI Cranking Performance590 cca
Standard BCI Group Number90

Service checks

Pressure Test18, Pressure should not exceed 20 psi.
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature188-206 °F
Pressure Test20 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief20 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature188-206 °F
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)55-62
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)55-62

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH RPO J57 / WITH STANDARD
Torque Caliper to Bracket22 ft-lbs / 23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle129 ft-lbs
Brake ApplicationWITH STANDARD
Torque Caliper to Bracket23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle129 ft-lbs
Brake ApplicationWITH RPO J57 / WITH STANDARD
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0008 in / 0.001 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1installation, 111 ft. lbs, step 2: 360 degrees, step 3: 59 ft. lbs., step 4: 200111 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1installation, 111 ft. lbs, step 2: 360 degrees, step 3: 59 ft. lbs., step 4: 200111 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not allow oil on cylinder head or head bolt bosses · M11 Bolts:

122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
370 degrees; M8 Bolts:70 degrees
122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.7 ft. lbs., step 2: 7.43.7 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., step 2: 1811 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.7 ft. lbs., step 2: 7.43.7 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., step 2: 1811 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.6 ft. lbs., step 2: 7.43.6 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
111 ft. lbs., step 2: 1811 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 97,500 mi; coolant every 7,500 mi. The big-interval services (every 7,500 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miAccelerator Pedal (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 22,500 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 45,000 miFuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect)
Every 97,500 miSpark Plug Wires (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
At 150,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Intercooler (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2012 Corvette sits toward the end of a long decline in complaints and recalls that began in the early 1990s; complaints fell from a peak of 407 in 1998 to 56 in 2012, while recalls dropped from 6 in 2005 to just 1 that year. 2012’s 56 complaints and single recall represent the lowest complaint count since 2000, indicating a strong improvement in reliability. The year‑by‑year trend shows a gradual recovery after the 2005–2008 spike, and 2012’s position near the bottom of the arc implies fewer owner‑reported issues than the surrounding years. The top complaint areas—Fuel/Propulsion System (26), Air Bags (9), Electrical System (3), and Exterior Lighting (3)—are all within the low‑ten percent range of total complaints, and there were no fire or crash complaints reported. Overall, the 2012 Corvette’s record suggests it is a solid choice, with minimal recall history and a low complaint rate relative to its peers.

1
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
1380
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
56
Owner complaints
2 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’90’91’92’93’94’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 56 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Fuel/Propulsion System26
Air Bags9
Electrical System3
Exterior Lighting3
Steering,Suspension,Service Brakes1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Power Train,Electrical System,Engine1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

11V491000Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate:Hinge And AttachmentsReported 03/10/2011

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… Remedy: 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.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 1380 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
PIT3271Q2026-04-01Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel…
PIP61042026-03-09Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and…
PIP4902V2026-03-09Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into…
PIP4902U2026-01-08Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into…
PIT5214G2025-11-20Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Corvette. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 90 batteryVehicles taking 5.5 qtEngine oil filter 12694692Engine air filter 25940997Spark plug 12571165Front wiper blades 10306887

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2012 Corvette take?

5.5 qt of 5W-30 MEETING GM DEXOS 1 SPECIFICATION, per the factory manual.

Does the 2012 Corvette have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.