GM Issues Recall for C8 Corvette Because Front Trunk Won’t Always Open
GM Issues Recall for C8 Corvette Because Front Trunk Won’t Always Open
GM issues a recall for the C8 Corvette’s frunk, but it isn’t related to the opening problem some have experienced.
Recently, the C8 Corvette has been in the news for a lot of reasons. Mainly because it’s so great, of course. But also because like a lot of brand-new vehicles, it’s experiencing a teething problem or two. Some Corvette Forum members have reported that their front trunk (or frunk) has been opening at speed, which is a bit disconcerting. And now, General Motors has issued its first recall for the new C8. It also happens to be frunk-related, though it has nothing to do with the lid opening while cruising along down the road.
The recall states that the new Corvette fails to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 401, which requires vehicles to have an interior trunk release in case someone gets trapped inside. Problem is, the C8 is designed to enter a low-power “sleep” mode ten minutes after powering off. The trunk lid release button located inside the front trunk compartment may not function while the vehicle is in this sleep mode, as required by FMVSS 401.
This may not sound like a big deal, but if someone was to climb in the frunk and close the lid while the car is in sleep mode, they might get stuck in there. And while that seems unlikely, you never know what a small, curious child might do when they’re looking to play an elaborate game of hide and seek.
Luckily, there’s an easy fix for this potentially serious issue. GM is able to update the software in the Corvette’s Body Control Module (BCM) to lower the voltage required to wake the vehicle from the low power sleep mode. This will allow the interior trunk release button to function while the vehicle is in that mode.
Even better, C8 owners won’t even have to bring their cars to the dealership for this update. All they have to do is accept the applicable terms and conditions to receive wireless over-the-air (OTA) updates. Once that’s completed, the car will basically fix itself. Or, for those who don’t like the idea of big brother updating their car for them, cars can be brought in to the dealership for the software update.
As far as the frunk opening issue goes, GM has changed its tone a bit after initially blaming it on operator error.
“The engineering team is investigating the potential issue and will be working to prevent them moving forward,” the automaker said in a statement. “We have not been able to identify any mechanical issues related to this situation. We’re looking at ways we can improve warnings of the hood being open by increasing the volume of warning chimes and changing the messaging that appears in the DIC. Vehicles already in the field would receive these changes through over-the-air updates.”
In the meantime, we’ll be sure and pass along any updates as soon as they’re available.
Photos: Chevrolet
