EV SHORTCOMINGS

GM issues another Chevy Bolt recall over defect that increases risk of vehicle fires

Owners are advised to take precautions until replacement parts are ready

Sarah D. Young

Reporter and Editor

Photo (c) felixmizioznikov - Getty Images

General Motors (GM) issued another recall for its 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs on Friday. The automaker said at least two more of the vehicles caught fire, despite having previously gotten a software fix for the battery defect identified in recent months. 

The company said it has identified a second “rare manufacturing defect” in the vehicles that increases the vehicles’ risk of catching fire. Although officials didn’t say exactly what the defects are, it said the problem stems from the cells that make up the Bolt’s battery pack. 

About 69,000 of the vehicles are affected globally, and nearly 51,000 of those cars are in the U.S.

GM is still preparing the recall. In the meantime, owners are being advised to take precautions until the company is able to complete the new recall fix. Those precautions include not charging the vehicle to more than 90% or letting it drop below 70 miles (or about 27%). Owners are also advised to charge their vehicle after each use. 

Free replacement parts coming

As it did in the previous recall, GM said owners shouldn’t park their vehicles inside or near their homes. Owners also shouldn’t leave their vehicle charging overnight. Company officials said the automaker will be replacing defective battery modules in the vehicles at no cost and that customers will be notified when replacement parts are ready. 

“We’re working with our supplier and manufacturing teams to determine how to best expedite battery capacity for module replacement under the recall,” said GM spokesman Dan Flores. “These teams are working around the clock on this issue.”

More information is available on the company's recall website. Owners with questions can also contact their preferred Chevrolet EV dealer or GM’s EV helpline at 1-833-EVCHEVY.