All Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles are now recalled.
General Motors is expanding the current Chevrolet Bolt EV recall to cover the remaining 2019 and all 2020-2022 model year vehicles, including the Bolt EUV. With this expansion, all Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles are now recalled due to the risk of the high-voltage battery pack catching fire.
“In rare circumstances, the batteries supplied to GM for these vehicles may have two manufacturing defects – a torn anode tab and folded separator – present in the same battery cell, which increases the risk of fire,” GM said in a statement. GM will replace defective battery modules in Chevrolet Bolt EVs and EUVs with new modules, with an expected additional cost of approximately $1 billion. (AutoInformed – NHTSA – Urgent Fire Recall Again on 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolts)
“After further investigation into the manufacturing processes at LG and disassembling battery packs, GM discovered manufacturing defects in certain battery cells produced at LG manufacturing facilities beyond the Ochang, Korea, plant. GM and LG are working to rectify the cause of these defects. In the meantime, GM is pursuing commitments from LG for reimbursement of this field action,” said Doug Parks, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain.
This new recall population includes:
- 9,335 (6,989 in the U.S. and 1,212 in Canada) – 2019 model year Bolt EVs that were not included in the previous recall
- 63,683 (52,403 in the U.S. and 9,019 in Canada) – 2020–2022 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs and EUVs
To provide customers “peace of mind,” batteries with these new modules will come with an 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty (or 8-year/160,000 km limited warranty in Canada). GM is working with LG to increase production as soon as possible. GM will notify customers when replacement parts are ready. GM told dealers it would keep the Orion plant down the weeks of Aug. 30 and Sept. 6 as a result of a battery pack shortage from the Bolt EV/EUV recall. The plant is also down the week of Aug. 23 because of the semiconductor shortage.
Until customers in the new recall population receive replacement modules, they should:
- Set their vehicle to a 90 percent state of charge limitation using Target Charge Level mode. Instructions on how to do this are available on chevy.com/boltevrecall. If customers are unable to successfully make these changes, or do not feel comfortable making these changes, GM is asking them to visit their dealer to have these adjustments completed.
- Charge their vehicle more frequently and avoid depleting their battery below approximately 70 miles (113 kilometers) of remaining range, where possible.
- Park their vehicles outside immediately after charging and should not leave their vehicles charging indoors overnight.
Customers can visit www.chevy.com/boltevrecall or contact the Chevrolet EV Concierge 1-833-EVCHEVY (available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–midnight ET; Saturday and Sunday from noon–9 p.m. ET) or contact their preferred Chevrolet EV dealer. Canadian customers can visit the Chevrolet Owner’s Centre or contact their preferred dealer.
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