Chevy Recalls 13,000 Corvettes Over Faulty Seat Belt Retractors

Jun 13, 2024 03:12 AM EDT

CAR CORVETTE CHEVROLET AUTOMOBILE — (Photo : PIXABAY/SHRAVANKUMAR)

General Motors has started a recall for the Chevrolet Corvette because of possible problems with seatbelt usability, raising worries about safety. This recall focuses on seat belt retractors that may unexpectedly lock up in their stored position, rendering them inoperable for car occupants. It especially targets select models of the 2024 and 2025 Corvettes.

Recall Due to Seatbelt Retractor Issue

According to a Motor1.com article, General Motors has identified an issue with the seatbelt retractor in the driver's and passenger's seats. It is found that two internal components are subpar, which hinders occupant use.

It is preventing the seatbelt from latching in the extended position when the belt is fully stretched. This recall affects a total of 13,464 2024-2025 Corvette models.

General Motors started its investigation into in late February following an engineer's observation of a seatbelt lock-up in a 2024 Corvette. Subsequently, on April 9, the GM launched a formal inquiry after noting 56 complaints possibly linked to the problem filed between October 13, 2023, and May 21, 2024.

When a crash happens, individuals neglecting to fasten their seatbelt risk sustaining injuries or facing penalties for non-compliance with regulations. General Motors decided on May 30 to announce a recall in response to this safety concern. As of now, there have been no reported incidents or injuries linked to this issue.

The Solution

According to a report by Road & Track, General Motors has taken definitive steps to address the seatbelt retraction issue. In response, GM has directed its dealers to halt the delivery of both new and pre-owned 2024 and 2025 Corvettes, including certified pre-owned units.

Restrictions have been placed on selling these vehicles at auctions or transferring them between dealerships. Moreover, GM has prohibited the use of these cars for any dealer demonstrations until necessary repairs have been completed.

Additionally, all certified pre-owned models within the brand's inventory system are slated for decertification as part of the corrective measures.

General Motors dealers are planning to fix the defective seat belt retractors in impacted Chevy Corvettes, according to GM Authority. Under the terms of the car's warranty, ZF Group of Livonia, Michigan, will swap out these retractors for the owners at no additional cost.

2025 Chevy Corvette

MotorTrend referred to the C8-generation referred to the C8-generation Chevrolet Corvette as an American sports automobile with a new design. This Corvette raises the bar with its notable move from a front-engine to a mid-engine setup. The C8 distinguishes itself further by being the first version of Chevrolet's sports car to include all-wheel drive and hybrid technology.

An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission comes standard on every 2025 Corvette, guaranteeing a smooth and thrilling driving experience. The flat-plane crank V-8 engine of the high-performance Z06 model, in particular, makes it stand out and makes it a contender in the sports car market.

For audio, a base setup includes a 10-speaker sound system developed by Bose, while drivers have the option to upgrade to a premium 14-speaker configuration for an enhanced listening experience. With ample storage capacity, the trunk of the vehicle easily accommodates golf clubs and other sizable items.

The combined cargo space, encompassing both the trunk and front trunk, measures a total of 12.6 cubic feet, providing practical storage solutions for various needs and ensuring convenience for drivers and passengers alike.