5 Minutes
Recall and Stop-Sale Summary
General Motors has issued a stop-sale order and safety recall affecting 2023–2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 models and their twin-turbocharged ZR1 sibling after finding a potential fire risk. According to the automaker, excess gasoline that spills into the fuel-filler pocket can migrate and reach an ignition source. The spilled fuel can be drawn toward hot components such as a brake caliper or exhaust manifold by the left-side radiator fan, which GM says may operate even when the vehicle is turned off. Although the upcoming ZR1X hybrid uses a similar left-side radiator/fan layout, it has not entered series production.
What Dealers and Owners Should Do
Dealers received notification of the stop-sale on August 21, 2025. GM's campaign number is N252514930 and the NHTSA reference is 25V536; customer notification letters are expected to arrive in the weeks following dealer notification. In the interim, Corvette dealers have been instructed not to deliver affected Z06 and ZR1 vehicles to customers.
GM also reiterated routine fueling safety steps owners should follow immediately: always confirm the fuel nozzle is fully inserted into the filler pipe, do not attempt to overfill the tank or top up after the pump's first automatic shut-off click, and switch off the engine while refueling—especially important for high-performance 5.5L DOHC V8 engines.
Remedy and Scope
The manufacturer plans to install a shield that redirects spilled fuel away from hot components. GM did not provide an exact count of recalled vehicles at the time of the announcement, but cumulative production for model years 2023–2026 suggests the total could exceed 25,000 Corvettes. As of reporting, the shielding parts are not yet available at dealerships.
Design, Engineering and Safety Context
The C8-generation Z06, introduced for the 2023 model year, marked Corvette's return to a DOHC flat-plane-crank V8 in a production model. That LT6 engine is a high-revving 5.5-liter V8 distinguished from the LT2 small-block found in the Stingray and E-Ray. The LT6 is rated at approximately 670 horsepower at 8,400 rpm and has an 8,600 rpm redline, reflecting its track-focused, naturally aspirated character.
Historically, the C4 ZR1 used a DOHC LT5 developed with Lotus, initially rated at 375 hp and later upgraded to 405 hp, so the heritage of high-tech V8s runs deep in Corvette lore.
ZR1 and ZR1X: Forced Induction and Electrification
The ZR1 elevates the performance envelope with a twin-turbocharged LT7 powertrain that uses some of the largest production turbos ever fitted to a road car. BorgWarner turbochargers on the LT7 feature 76-mm forged, milled compressor wheels and 67-mm turbine wheels inside mono-scroll housings; output is rated at around 1,064 horsepower. The ZR1X hybrid variant pairs the LT7 with a front-mounted electric drive unit, with GM estimating package output near 1,250 hp and prodigious peak torque—Chevrolet markets it as an electrified hypercar capable of sub-9.0-second quarter-mile times and a sub-2.0-second 0–60 mph sprint to the 97 km/h mark.
Performance, Specs and Comparisons
Key specifications at a glance:
- Z06: LT6 naturally aspirated 5.5L DOHC V8, ~670 hp, 8,600 rpm redline.
- Z R1: LT7 twin-turbo V8, ~1,064 hp with large BorgWarner turbos.
- Z R1X (concept/limited): Hybridized setup with front electric drive, ~1,250 hp estimated.
Market positioning places the Z06 as a naturally aspirated, high-revving track weapon that competes with established track-focused supercars and high-performance models from Europe—think Porsche 911 GT3 RS and other mid-engine rivals when it comes to handling and lap times. The ZR1 pushes Corvette into hypercar territory with forced induction power figures that rival supercars costing far more. The ZR1X moves into electrified hypercar territory, blending huge internal combustion power with electric torque for extreme straight-line performance.
Owner Advice and Next Steps
Owners of affected Z06 or ZR1 models should await direct communication from GM and avoid taking delivery of newly purchased vehicles until dealers complete the remedy. Follow fueling instructions in the owner's manual and take these precautions now: ensure the nozzle is fully inserted, stop refueling at the pump's first automatic shut-off, and power down the engine while filling the tank. If you suspect fuel spillage or notice the left-side radiator fan operating unexpectedly after refueling, contact your Chevrolet dealer immediately.
Timeline and Further Information
GM's recall documents had not yet been posted to the federal recall database at the time of reporting. Dealers were briefed on August 21, 2025; owners should expect mailed notification soon. Keep an eye on NHTSA recall 25V536 and GM recall N252514930 for updates on remedy part availability and scheduling.
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