NHTSA Complaint #11661069 — 2016 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

My vehicle is covered by GM Special Warranty 17469 which relates to cracks and fuel leaks at the primary fuel pump module flange. It caught fire while driving at a high performance driver’s education event at Barber Motorsports Park and was denied coverage due to it having modifications. GM case number 9-15085163081. There were no warning messages displayed at any time during the incident. GM had the vehicle inspected by a “neutral” third party which turned out to be a retired GM service center instructor. None of the modifications on the vehicle affect the fuel pump module flange. This is in violation of the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act. The basic facts regarding the incident are as follows: the fire was a fuel fire, the vehicle had normal fuel pressure until I shut the engine off 2 minutes into the incident, the fuel line fittings are melted in the normal seated position, the fuel tank flange is cracked and fire damaged, the most significant fire damage is at the top of the driver’s side fuel tank (the location of the warrantied and currently cracked flange), the fire was not from any of the pressurized fuel lines. I have video from the vehicle of the incident prior to engine shutdown, pictures during and after the incident of all affected areas and components, and data logs of all vehicle parameters up to engine shutdown. These facts point strongly to the initial source of the fuel fire coming from the affected flange at the top of the driver’s side fuel tank. It is completely unacceptable that GM issued an extended warranty (and then denies coverage) for this known fire hazard vs issuing a recall. This is extremely unsafe and will lead to a loss of life if not corrected.