Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Chevrolet Corvette owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Approximately 2 months ago I noticed a faint gasoline odor when I entered our garage. I thought that it might be due to a recent re-call on my Honda Gold Wing which involved the fuel system. The motorcycle was repaired by the dealer, returned and I never rode it until yesterday. The smell went away. I filled the Corvette, probably 3 weeks ago and the odor returned. We parked my wife's Mazda outside but the odor continued with the Corvette inside, in its normal space. I checked the floor under each vehicle, diligently, and thankfully no liquid fuel was apparent. Parking the Corvette outside, the odor went away and perhaps the same day, when leaving an evening event, I placed some folding chairs in the "trunk" of the Corvette and noticed the odor. …
The vehicle in question was 14 years old with 20,950 original miles on it. This safety issue was the direct result of a faulty part from the factory [leaking fuel pump flange assembly] that manifested itself in a very strong fuel smell, both in the vehicle while driving, as well as in my garage. It was caused by raw gasoline leaking out of the primary fuel pump that was cracked and leaked out of the fitting on the top of the fuel tank. [NOTE: GM had previously acknowledged the problem in a service advisory bulletin on Jan 17, 2017 #N150682 but was not subject to a recall]. I believe this problem should have resulted in a recall, not just a Service Advisory Bulletin. …
A strong fuel odor persists around the driver's side fuel tank/fuel filler neck. This odor is stronger when the tank exceeds 5/8ths full. A Special Coverage Adjustment was issued by Chevrolet, ref #N150682, GWM #2015682 in January 2017 which extended the factory warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles. I purchased this vehicle in July 2020 which exceeds that extended warranty. The fuel odor is a major problem as the vehicle is parked inside a closed garage and the vapors are strong enough to enter the house. Also the fuel odor is present inside the cabin as the vehicle is being driven. Chevrolet has not issued a recall on the dangerous problem and is unwilling to work with me on what will end up being an extremely expensive repair. …
Special Coverage Adjustment 15682 Primary Tank Module Flange Fuel and Vapor Leaks The above Special Coverage Adjustment was issued by General Motors regarding fuel leakage problem in certain Corvette and Cadillac vehicles. General Motors established a date certain for the vapor and/or fuel leakage involving a failing plastic located on the left side top of the fuel cell. Unfortunately, the condition of the platic part failing is not predicable and might not be detected within the date range GM set. My 2009 Corvette is now experiencing the issue--vapor detection which means there is a small but maybe unnoticed amount of fuel actually leaking at the top of the fuel cell. Fuel leaking in area immediately above the exhaust might well result in a fire while being driven and garaged. GM should have made repairs regardless of the Company date range. …
Gas is leaking/spraying from a defective high pressure fitting on top of left side fuel tank fuel pump. My garage was full of gas fumes and a strong odor was seeping into my home. Car had to be removed from garage for fear of explosion. This is a known and very common problem with C6 Corvette fuel pumps. GM will only fix if less than 10 years old and less than 120,000 miles. Dealer first said my car would be covered and not to worry, but after disassembling and confirming this common issue, they then tell me I'm not covered and must pay out of pocket. My car is in pieces and they are waiting for a back ordered pump. My car has 45000 miles but is more than 10 years old so I must now pay $2,700. to correct a potentially deadly and well documented fuel system defect. Why is there no recall for this extremely hazardous defect?
warning light came on checked code p0442 came up stating a small vapor leak in fuel system. replaced fuel cap , smoke test and found that the evap vent solenoid was leaking. Remove and replace fuel tank vent valve program module. Still smelled fuel. Took vette to a dealership had them do a multipoint inspection they pinpointed and diagnose the problem as the left side fuel tank module and all necessary gaskets and seals needed to be replace at a out of this world price. I believe this to be a safety risk.
Fuel leak issue. I have a fuel leak coming from a faulty fuel pump on the driver'side. Very dangerous. Leaking down on side of tank. Could possibly leak down onto exhaust.GM said there was nothing they could do. I have taken it to Landers Mclarty Chevrolet in Huntsville, AL for replacement. Cost is $1963.02. There should have been a recall instead of a special advisory since they admitted it was a faulty plastic that causes the problem.
When the gas tanks are more than 1/2 full the inside of the car fills with gas fumes the only way to prevent is to keep the Tanks less than half full...... worried the fumes will ignite under the right conditions........ supposedly this is a well documented problem with the C-6 corvettes
Strong fuel smell from defective part on fuel assembly. I was told this is a $4000 fix for a part that was knowingly bad and GM did nothing about it. This is a fire hazard and could burn my house down the gas smell in my garage is overwhelming
when you fill the fuel tank over half full if you park in garage by morning the garage smells of gas fumes. Also can smell while driving. car only has 39,968 miles, and no accidents. worried that this could catch fire!
Fuel System complaints in other Corvette years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette?
NHTSA has 82 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette, 54% of the model year's 151 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Chevrolet Corvette fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Chevrolet Corvette fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.