Sunita Somvanshi
General Motors is pulling back more than 23,500 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles from American roads after discovering a dangerous fuel leak problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced this recall on Thursday, citing a serious fire risk that could put drivers in harm’s way.
The problem happens when drivers fill up their gas tanks. Fuel can spill into a small pocket around the gas cap area and then drip onto hot engine parts or exhaust components. This creates a perfect recipe for a fire to start right under the hood.
Four fires have already been linked to this defect, making this recall more than just a precaution. GM’s own investigation team found these incidents during their safety review. What makes this situation even more concerning is that faulty gas station pumps played a role in at least two of these fire cases.
The recall covers Corvette models made between 2023 and 2025, plus the Convertible and Coupe versions from 2026. Some reports suggest the problem specifically affects every C8 Corvette Z06 from 2023 through 2026 and the ZR1 models from 2025 and 2026.
The solution is relatively straightforward. Dealers will install a protective shield inside the fuel filler area. This shield will redirect any spilled fuel away from the hot engine components that could cause ignition. The repair won’t cost Corvette owners anything, and GM will handle all expenses through their authorized dealers.
Only about 0.1% of the recalled vehicles actually have this defect, which means the vast majority of these Corvettes are safe. However, GM isn’t taking any chances when it comes to fire safety. The company learned from past recalls that even small percentages can mean serious consequences for affected families.
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The company typically sends mail notices to affected owners within 60 days of announcing a recall. Owners can also call their local Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free repair once parts become available.
While waiting for repairs, drivers should be extra careful when refueling. Stop pumping gas as soon as the automatic shutoff kicks in at the pump. Don’t try to top off the tank or squeeze in extra fuel. If you see or smell any fuel spillage around the gas cap area, wipe it clean immediately and avoid starting the engine until you can get to a dealer.
Gas station pump malfunctions made this problem worse in some cases. When pumps don’t shut off properly or when people try to add more fuel after the automatic stop, extra gasoline can overflow into areas where it doesn’t belong. This overflow then becomes a fire hazard when it contacts hot metal surfaces under the hood.
The recall affects one of America’s most iconic sports cars, and GM is working quickly to protect its customers. Corvette buyers who were waiting for delivery of new 2025 or 2026 models will have to wait a bit longer until dealers can install the protective shields.
This recall highlights how modern safety systems catch problems before they become widespread disasters. The early detection of just four fires led to protecting more than 23,000 other vehicles from the same risk. GM’s quick response shows how automakers now prioritize safety over potential embarrassment or costs.
Owners experiencing any fuel-related problems should contact NHTSA directly and report their concerns. This helps safety investigators track patterns and make sure recalls address all related issues. The agency maintains a database where people can report problems and check recall status for any vehicle.
