Just as the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette overcomes an issue with its key fob that caused several drivers to accidentally open their front trunks, or "frunks," while driving, another safety recall is being issued. This time, at least, the Corvette has some good company.
The issue in question has to do with the electronic brake boost system used by the Chevrolet Corvette C8, as well as the new Cadillac CT4 and CT5, the 2020 Cadillac XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-'21 Buick Encore GX. As first reported by Corvette Action Center, it has to do with some material contamination of a sensor critical to the electronic brake boost assist's function. That contaminating material can cause a loss of communications between the module and the sensor, leading to a complete failure of the system.
If you've ever driven a car with a faulty brake booster, you know that it takes several times the usual amount of pedal effort to slow the car. That's essentially what would happen to a customer were they to experience this failure mode, accompanied by a warning light and a message on the dash. Top speed of the vehicle might also be limited.
How the issue originated isn't yet known, but the fix will be to replace the electronic brake boost assist module in each of the affected vehicles. That sort of action isn't cheap, and the availability of replacement parts might be a concern.
In addition to the impending safety recall, GM has issued a stop-sale order to dealers for the affected cars, marking just the latest in a string of setbacks in the Corvette's fraught launch. Production of the car was delayed last year as the United Auto Workers union staged a nationwide strike lasting 40 days, only to come screeching to a halt just after getting going as the novel coronavirus shuttered manufacturing plants across North America.
Following the restart of production, it was discovered that the Corvette had a penchant for popping open its frunk while it was moving, which is obviously dangerous. That issue has since been fixed, although a temporary stop-sale was issued as GM sorted out the issue. So, yeah, it's had a rough go.