Are Chevy Bolts catching fire?
A number of Chevy Bolt electric vehicles have experienced battery-related fires in the past, primarily tied to certain model years. GM has responded with recalls and battery-pack replacements to address the risk, and the situation has been largely mitigated for repaired vehicles. The risk is not universal across all Bolts, but owners of affected model years should follow recall guidance.
This explainer provides a concise overview of what happened, which models were affected, what actions GM took, and what Bolt owners should do today. It draws on official safety notices, regulatory filings, and GM communications to reflect the current status as of late 2024.
What happened and what GM did
To understand the issue, here is a concise timeline of events and actions.
- The initial recall and findings (late 2021): GM announced a recall for Bolt EVs produced in 2017–2019 due to a manufacturing defect in high-voltage battery modules that could short and ignite a fire. This affected a substantial number of vehicles and led to several parked-fire incidents before repairs were completed.
- Expansion and follow-up recalls (2021–2023): As investigations continued, GM expanded the recall scope to include additional model years and variants (notably some 2020–2022 Bolt EVs and Bolt EUV) to address similar battery-pack risks. The goal was to ensure any susceptible modules were replaced or repaired.
- Repair approach and safety measures: The core remedy has been battery-module or battery-pack replacement for affected vehicles, performed at no charge under the recall. In some cases, dealers provide inspections and related service to ensure the pack is safe to operate. Beyond hardware, owners were advised to follow dealer guidance during the replacement window.
- Regulatory and safety oversight: The recalls prompted reviews by regulatory bodies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States, with GM cooperating on investigations and safety actions.
The recalls targeted the underlying battery issue rather than the entire Bolt platform, and the repair program has been designed to restore battery reliability and reduce fire risk for affected vehicles. In practice, repaired Bolts have not shown new fire incidents linked to the recall work.
What Bolt owners should know today
Owners of Chevy Bolts should verify whether their vehicle is affected by recalls and, if so, take action to have the recall repaired promptly. The following steps help summarize current best practices for safety and compliance.
- Check recall status for your VIN: Use GM’s official recall lookup or the NHTSA VIN search to confirm whether your specific Bolt EV or Bolt EUV is affected and eligible for service.
- Schedule recall service with an authorized dealer: If your vehicle is identified as affected, arrange a repair appointment as soon as possible. The service typically involves battery-module or pack replacement and is performed at no cost to the owner.
- During the recall window: Follow the dealer’s instructions and avoid making changes to the battery system outside of approved service paths. If you notice unusual heat, smoke, or odors, evacuate and contact emergency services immediately.
- Post-repair steps: After service, keep documentation of the repair, confirm the correct completion of the battery work, and monitor official recall communications for any additional guidance.
- General safety reminders: Do not ignore recall notices, and treat the battery system with appropriate care, especially in older models that may have undergone module replacement as part of the recall program.
For affected owners, GM’s recall program is designed to restore safety and performance. Battery work is performed under warranty coverage and aims to eliminate the fire risk associated with the defective modules.
Current safety outlook
Overall risk related to the Bolt’s battery-fire issue has substantially decreased as repairs have progressed. The majority of recalled Bolts have undergone battery-module or pack replacement, reducing the likelihood of a fire arising from the previously identified defect. Regulators and GM continue to monitor safety outcomes and communicate any updates to owners and dealers.
While the fire risk is not present in repaired or non-affected Bolts, owners should remain aware of recall status and follow GM’s guidance. If you own a Bolt, it remains prudent to verify your VIN against recall lists and complete any required service to ensure your vehicle is fully up to date with safety fixes.
Bottom line
Yes, there have been fire incidents connected to Chevy Bolts in the past, especially among certain early model-year Bolts. However, comprehensive recalls and battery-pack repairs have significantly mitigated the risk for affected vehicles. The vast majority of Bolts on the road today are safe, provided owners have completed the required recall work and follow ongoing safety guidance.
Summary
Chevy Bolt fire incidents were tied to a battery-pack defect in specific model years. GM launched recalls starting in 2021, expanded coverage over time, and replaced defective modules/packs free of charge. Owners should verify recall status, seek prompt service if affected, and continue to follow official safety guidance. The current safety outlook is positive for repaired Bolts, with the fire risk greatly reduced once the recall work is completed.
Is it okay to leave a Chevy Bolt plugged in all the time?
Keep your vehicle plugged in at all times. Re-charging in winter takes longer. A cold battery offers less energy. Pre-heat the cabin using plugged-in power.
Why are Chevy bolts prohibited?
Chevy Bolts are prohibited in some areas due to a risk of the lithium-ion battery catching fire, which led to a massive recall by General Motors. This risk is why some parking facilities, like those run by SP+ or specific airport garages, have banned them, although many owners have already had their batteries replaced as part of the recall.
- Battery fire risk: The primary reason for bans is the risk of spontaneous lithium-ion battery fires. This issue prompted a widespread recall of all Chevy Bolts ever made, advises GM.
- Recall and warning: Following the recall, owners were advised to park their vehicles outside and away from homes and other structures, especially after charging.
- Parking bans: Because of the danger of a fire spreading inside a structure, some private parking garages, airport lots, and other facilities have prohibited Chevy Bolts from parking there to protect their property and other customers.
- Ongoing issues: While GM has undertaken a large-scale battery replacement program, some incidents of fire have been reported even after the recall fix. In late 2024, a separate, smaller recall was issued for a specific group of Bolts where the diagnostic software was incorrectly installed after the initial fix, which could prevent it from detecting battery defects.
Is the Chevy Bolt still a fire hazard?
Latest Chevrolet Bolt EV Recall: What's Happening? On November 7, 2024, General Motors issued a new recall affecting Chevrolet Bolt EVs from model years 2020–2022 due to a software defect that significantly increases the risk of battery fires when the vehicle is fully or nearly fully charged.
Which Chevy Bolts are being recalled?
GM announced in August of this year that all Chevy Bolts, from 2017-2022, have been recalled due to a fire problem when their batteries were fully or almost nearly charged. The Bolt is an all-electric vehicle that was launched in 2017.
