(LEGAFI) -- General Motors has issued a recall of nearly 6,000 Chevy Corvette coupes in the U.S. and Canada due to potentially faulty hatch hinges that could break loose in a crash and cause the hatch to come off, putting occupants at risk for ejection and injury.

 

In a report dated October 3 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, GM said the rear hinges in 2011-2012 Corvettes are not strong enough to meet the federal safety standard for door locks and door-retention components. One of the goals of this standard is to reduce the chance of an unbelted occupant being thrown from the vehicle during a crash.

 

The Chevy Corvette hatch recall was prompted after a supplier discovered the faulty rear hatch during testing for a European safety standard. GM investigated the issue and found the defective Corvette hatch hinges all came from a single roll of heat-treated steel.

 

GM said it was not aware of any crashes, injuries or complaints resulting from the problem, but has issued the 2011-2012 Corvette recall proactively.

 

The 2011-2012 Corvette coupe recall began October 7 and requires Corvette owners to bring their vehicle to a local dealer to have the hatch hinges inspected and replaced for free if necessary. 

 

Owners with questions about the Corvette coupe recall can contact Chevrolet at (800) 630-2438 or the NHSTA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.