General Motors (GM) has issued a stop-sale order for approximately 3,324 Chevrolet Corvette models from the 2025 and 2026 model years. The action follows the discovery of a software defect in the rear brake light outage detection system.
Highlights
- The recall affects 2,886 vehicles from the 2025 model year and 438 vehicles from 2026.
- System failure prevents driver notification if a rear turn signal or brake lamp malfunctions.
- The defect violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108.
- 2026 models are eligible for an Over-the-Air (OTA) fix; 2025 models currently require a dealer visit.
Industry Context
The NHTSA notice 26V213 underscores the increasing regulatory scrutiny on software-defined vehicle safety systems. Under FMVSS 108, manufacturers must ensure vehicles provide active alerts for lighting failures. This stop-sale highlights how even minor software non-compliance can halt deliveries for high-demand performance platforms like the C8 Corvette.
Technical Details and Remedy
The technical issue originates within the exterior lighting control module. Specifically, the software fails to trigger a dashboard warning if the rear turn signal lamp circuit experiences a fault or bulb failure.
Model Year Variance
The remediation path differs significantly between the two affected model years:
- 2026 Model Year: These vehicles can receive a software calibration update via OTA technology. Owners who have accepted GM’s terms and conditions can perform the update remotely.
- 2025 Model Year: According to internal GM program number N252541250, these units currently require a physical dealership visit for a manual software flash.
Compliance and Safety
While GM has not issued a “stop-driving” order for vehicles already in customer hands, the stop-sale prevents dealers from delivering new inventory. The company stated it is working to finalize the software patch for the 2025 model year to resume sales.
Owners can verify their vehicle status by entering their VIN at the NHTSA Recall website.
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