Z06 and ZR1 Faces C8 Corvette Recall Over Potential Fire Risk

Caecey Killian August 23, 2025 2 min read 0

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Owners of the latest Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and upcoming ZR1 models are facing a serious safety concern. General Motors has issued a voluntary C8 Corvette recall after discovering that under certain conditions, spilled gasoline could ignite while refueling.

The issue comes down to the car’s design: if fuel spills into the filler pocket, the left-side cooling fan may push vapors toward the engine bay, creating the potential for a fire. GM has confirmed the recall, while enthusiasts on Corvette forums report that a stop-sale order has already gone out to dealers.

The C8 Corvette recall affects 2023–2026 Corvette Z06s and 2025–2026 Corvette ZR1s in North America. Plugging a random Z06 VIN into GM’s recall site confirmed the notice (N252514930) issued August 21, 2025:

“General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety may exist in certain 2023 – 2026 model year Chevrolet Corvette vehicles equipped with a left-side radiator/fan combination. In these vehicles, excess fuel spilled into the vehicle fuel-filler pocket during refueling may leak onto an ignition source.”

The notice warns: “If fuel contacts an ignition source, there is increased risk of a fire. To reduce the risk of the condition occurring, owners should always follow the fueling instructions in their owner’s manual.” It also repeats a few fueling safety basics in all caps:

“ALWAYS CONFIRM THAT THE FUEL NOZZLE IS COMPLETELY INSERTED INTO THE VEHICLE’S FUEL PIPE BEFORE FUELING. NEVER OVERFILL THE TANK OR ATTEMPT TO FILL AFTER THE FUEL PUMP’S AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF CLICKS ONCE. ALWAYS TURN OFF THE VEHICLE’S ENGINE DURING REFUELING.”

As a general rule, that “extra click” at the pump isn’t worth it. Topping off can cause overflow, spill fuel into unintended areas, or damage evaporative emissions systems.

The official fix is still in the works. Dealers will eventually install “an insert/shield to divert spilled fuel,” though parts are not yet available. In the meantime, Corvette owners are advised to be cautious when refueling, especially with fans cycling near the filler.

It’s worth noting that standard C8 Stingrays and E-Rays are not included in this C8 Corvette recall. While Z51-package cars also use fans near the filler neck, this issue only affects the Z06 and ZR1’s unique radiator/fan combination.

AboutCaecey Killian

Caecey Killian covers builds, installs, and product features for Car Junkie Magazine. He has spent years on the floor of the garage chasing horsepower across SBC, LS, and modern muscle platforms, and that shop time runs through every article he writes. His current CJM project is Project Street Reaper, a 1976 Camaro built around a fresh SBC 350. He is also known for Project Mighty Mouse, a 1977 Chevy Nova running a 1962 small-journal 327 SBC, with build coverage published across multiple online automotive magazines. His media background spans long-form build documentation, install coverage, and product features across the magazine and the Car Junkie Magazine YouTube channel. He writes the way he wrenches: specific, honest about the mistakes, and grounded in real garage work.