Chevrolet Corvette owners have faced a troubling safety issue that turns routine refueling into a potential fire hazard. Reports of fires igniting during or shortly after filling up at gas stations have raised serious concerns about a gas pump defect Corvette models may experience.
This hazard has affected thousands of vehicles and prompted investigations into the root cause of these frightening incidents. If you or someone you know has experienced a vehicle fire or injury related to this defect, consult with an experienced LawtonCates auto accident lawyer to understand your legal options for seeking compensation.
Understanding the Corvette Gas Pump Defect
The gas pump defect Corvette owners have reported involves fuel spills while pumping gas, caused by the vehicle’s design that allows excess fuel to leak from the filler neck into nearby hot components. General Motors (GM), which owns Chevrolet, issued a recall (NHTSA 25V-536). The recall notice explains that spilled fuel or fuel vapors can be drawn into the engine bay by the left-side radiator fan, which runs after the engine shuts down. Once inside, the fuel can come into contact with ignition sources, such as the hot exhaust or radiator, creating a fire risk.
This issue occurs when the nozzle fails to shut off properly due to overfilling or a faulty pump. This causes back-spray or overflow from the filler neck. At least four confirmed incidents, including a GM test vehicle, demonstrate that fires can start this way, with two cases resulting in minor burns.
The design flaw stems from the filler neck’s poor spill containment and its proximity to the radiator fan. GM’s solution is a shield to redirect spills, while owners are advised not to overfill. Because fuel can spray unexpectedly during routine refueling, fires can ignite quickly, leaving little time to react and potentially causing severe burns, vehicle loss, or property damage.
Which Corvette Models Are Affected?
The Corvette models affected by this recall are the C8-generation Z06 (2023–2026) and ZR1 (2025–2026) models. These high-performance supercars are among the fastest Chevrolet has ever made, and the recall impacts over 23,000 vehicles.
Has My Corvette Been Recalled?
General Motors has issued recalls for certain Corvette models due to concerns about the fuel system. However, owners should verify whether their specific vehicle is included in recall campaigns by checking their Vehicle Identification Number through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website or by contacting a Chevrolet dealer directly.
Recall remedies typically involve a fuel-diverting shield to redirect spills away from the cooling fan and hot surfaces, not a replacement or modification of the filler neck itself.
Even if your vehicle has been recalled and repaired, you may still have grounds for a gas pump malfunction lawsuit if you suffered losses or if the recall remedy proves inadequate.
Why This Issue Is So Dangerous
The Corvette gas pump defect is particularly hazardous because it combines flammable materials with ignition sources. Two incidents involved minor burn injuries.
These fires also destroy expensive vehicles and can cause significant property damage to gas stations. At least two incidents resulted in total vehicle loss. Anyone affected should consult an attorney right away about a possible claim.
Contact Our Auto Accident Attorneys Today to Learn More
If you have been affected by a fire caused by a gas pump defect in your Corvette, the dedicated auto accident lawyers at LawtonCates are here to guide you through the legal process.
We can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Reach out to our firm today by calling 608-456-8399 or contacting us online to schedule a consultation and discuss your case in detail.
