Could a corrupted `node_modules` directory cause this error on Vercel?

Yes, a corrupted `node_modules` directory can definitely lead to this error. Vercel's build environment is clean, so it doesn't inherit any potentially corrupted files from your local machine. However, if your `package-lock.json` or `yarn.lock` file is inconsistent with the actual installed packages, it can cause issues during installation. Try deleting your `node_modules` directory and `package-lock.json` (or `yarn.lock`) locally, then running `npm install` (or `yarn install`) and committing the updated lockfile.