General Motors has announced a recall of every 2023–2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and 2025–2026 Corvette ZR1 in North America due to a potential fire hazard caused by fuel spillage during refueling. While the situation has been reported only in rare circumstances, the safety concern is significant enough for GM to take immediate action.
Why The Recall Was Issued
According to GM’s recall notice, excess gasoline can spill into the Corvette’s fuel-filler pocket during refueling. If this fuel reaches an ignition source, the risk of fire increases. Chevrolet explained that faulty or damaged pumps at gas stations are partly to blame, along with owners attempting to add more fuel after the pump’s automatic shutoff activates.
What makes the Z06 and ZR1 more susceptible than other Corvettes is their unique cooling system. Both models feature a left-side radiator and fan combination. Engineers believe the fan can continue operating after the engine is turned off, which may blow fuel or vapors toward hot components and create a fire risk.
Stop-Sale And Repair Process
To prevent further issues, GM has issued a stop-sale order on all unsold 2025 and 2026 Corvettes currently at dealerships. These vehicles cannot be delivered until the repair is performed, ensuring buyers do not buy a potentially unsafe car.
The fix involves installing a protective insert or shield that redirects any spilled fuel away from sensitive components. Authorized dealerships will complete the work at no cost to owners, and Chevrolet has confirmed that all affected customers will be contacted directly. The repair itself is expected to be straightforward and not require extended downtime.
Which Models Are Impacted
The recall only covers Corvette Z06 and ZR1 models, both of which share the left-side cooling setup. The upcoming ZR1X will feature a similar design, but it is not yet included, as production has not begun. Other Corvette models remain unaffected.
Chevrolet emphasized that the recall is voluntary and precautionary, but it highlights the company’s focus on safety. Although the conditions that lead to fuel spillage are relatively uncommon, GM decided that the potential fire risk warranted immediate attention.
Until repairs are made, Corvette Z06 and ZR1 owners are advised to avoid topping off their tanks after the pump clicks off and to follow safe refueling practices. With repairs being offered at no cost, GM is confident that this solution will address the concern without long-term impact on the ownership experience.