Spilled gasoline plus high-performance cooling fans equals external combustion—that’s the stark reality facing owners of Chevrolet’s track-focused Corvette Z06 and ZR1 models. General Motors just issued a voluntary recall affecting 25,286 vehicles after determining that excess fuel during refueling can be blown toward hot engine components by the left-side radiator fan, potentially igniting outside the car. The automaker immediately placed all affected dealer inventory under a stop-sale order, meaning no new deliveries until a fix arrives.
The Fire Triangle Meets Supercar Engineering
Unique cooling system design creates dangerous fuel vapor pathway.
The problem stems from the Z06 and ZR1’s aggressive cooling requirements. Unlike standard Corvettes, these models use a specific left-side radiator and fan arrangement that can transport spilled gasoline vapor toward scorching exhaust components. When fuel overflows the filler pocket—whether from pump malfunctions or overfilling—the fan becomes an unwitting accomplice in creating fire conditions. Standard Stingray and E-Ray Corvettes dodge this issue entirely due to different cooling layouts.
Immediate Owner Actions Required
Safety precautions until permanent fix becomes available.
Current owners face strict refueling protocols while waiting for GM’s solution:
- Never top off after the pump’s automatic shutoff clicks
- Ensure the nozzle seats completely before pumping
- Keep the engine off throughout refueling—no exceptions
- Wait for official GM notification before contacting dealers
GM emphasizes these aren’t permanent workarounds but critical interim measures. The company plans to install physical shields or inserts that redirect any spilled fuel away from ignition sources, though parts and service instructions remain under development.
Market Impact and Timeline Reality
Stop-sale creates immediate disruption for buyers and dealers.
The recall encompasses 2023-2026 Z06 models and 2025-2026 ZR1s exclusively, leaving thousands of potential buyers in limbo. GM calls the fire scenario “a rare occurrence” while acknowledging that malfunctioning gas pumps contribute to the risk. Yet the company’s immediate stop-sale suggests this risk carries serious weight.
“The safety of our customers is the highest priority for the entire GM team, and we’re working to remedy this matter as quickly as possible,” a GM spokesperson stated.
Until then, filling up these American supercars requires extraordinary caution—a sobering reminder that even cutting-edge engineering can create unexpected hazards.
