General Motors has announced a voluntary recall of over 23,500 Corvette Z06 and ZR1 models in the U.S. due to a potential fire risk during refueling. This affects 2023–2025 Corvette Z06s and 2025–2026 Corvette ZR1s.
Why the recall matters
Fuel spillage can ignite fire: The nature of the problem involves excess fuel spilling into the gas‑filler area and leaking onto hot components near the left-side radiator/fan assembly — a setup unique to Z06 and ZR1 models.
Multiple fire reports confirmed: Four potential fire incidents have been linked to this issue. In at least two cases, malfunctioning fuel pumps appear to have contributed to the spill. Dealerships cannot deliver affected Corvettes: A stop-sale order is in place until the issue is resolved.
Fix in progress: GM is developing a dealer-installed shield designed to redirect spilled fuel away from hot surfaces and ignition sources.
NHTSA Static
A rare occurrence—yet serious: The issue affects an estimated 0.1% of the covered vehicles — small in percentage, but significant when legacy builds are involved.
Reuters
What owners should do now
While the fix is still in development, GM provides these interim safety steps:
- Always turn off the engine before refueling.
- Make sure the fuel nozzle is fully inserted before starting.
- Never overfill — stop once the pump clicks off.
- Avoid using malfunctioning or damaged fuel pumps at stations.
Why this matters emotionally
Many Corvette owners remember the roar of the engine, the smooth lines at daylight, and the proud legacy of American muscle. This recall — while necessary — brings home how even icons can face modern vulnerabilities.
Safety first—even for legends: The Corvette isn’t just a car; it’s part of American automotive history. Keeping it safe means preserving that legacy.
Nostalgia meets the real world: Older car lovers recall simpler times before recalls and tech added complication. This story highlights how passion still matters — but so does protection.
Final Thoughts
Corvettes delivered power, style, and prestige. Now, a safety recall reminds us they live under the same laws of physics as any other vehicle. It’s a rare flaw with real implications—but it doesn’t dull the legend, it just pauses it for the right fix.
