The safety issue stems from a design flaw unique to these mid-engine sports cars. Fuel can leak into the driver-side radiator area during refueling, where the cooling fans can blow this spilled fuel toward ignition sources, increasing the risk of fire. Several incidents, including one caught on video at a gas station, brought the problem to light.
GM’s remedy involves installing a protective insert or shield designed to divert any spilled gasoline away from hot components. Dealers will eventually retrofit affected vehicles at no charge once parts become available.
Until the fix is installed, many affected vehicles remain under a stop-sale order at dealerships, delaying deliveries to customers. Approximately 1,630 Corvettes are estimated to be awaiting repairs at dealer lots. Owners who already have these cars are urged to follow safety precautions such as never overfilling the tank, fully inserting the fuel nozzle, turning off the engine during refueling, and avoiding fueling at damaged pumps.
GM has assured owners they will be notified as soon as the fix parts reach dealers and repair appointments can be scheduled. Meanwhile, the automaker continues to prioritize customer safety and work toward producing the remedy as quickly as possible.
This recall highlights the challenges automakers face in balancing advanced engineering with real-world usability and safety, especially in high-performance vehicles. Though costly and inconvenient, GM’s proactive approach aims to maintain trust and protect Corvette owners from dangerous incidents in the future.
