How many Chevy Bolt batteries have caught fire?
There is no single, publicly published tally of every Bolt battery fire. Public reporting identifies several fire incidents tied to Bolt battery packs over the years, but safety agencies and GM have focused on recalls that cover large numbers of vehicles rather than compiling a running total of fires.
Context and safety actions
The Chevrolet Bolt has faced multiple battery-related safety concerns linked to its lithium‑ion packs produced with supplier cells. In response, GM undertook several recalls to replace defective modules and, in some cases, entire battery packs. Regulatory bodies around the world have opened investigations and issued guidance to owners while these recalls were underway.
Key safety actions tied to Bolt battery fires and the ensuing recalls:
- 2020 recall addressing potential battery fire risk for Bolt EVs in the United States and Canada; publicly cited as involving tens of thousands of vehicles.
- Follow-on recalls and field campaigns through 2021–2023 to replace defective battery modules/packs across additional Bolt model years.
- Investigations and safety advisories from regulatory agencies (such as the U.S. NHTSA) with GM directing owners on charging practices during investigations.
- By the mid‑to‑late 2020s, GM reported that a large portion of affected Bolts had received battery module or pack replacements as part of the recall campaigns.
Concluding note: The public record confirms multiple fire incidents associated with Bolt batteries and a broad set of recalls, but there is no single published figure that sums all battery fires across markets.
What Bolt owners should know
Owners should check their vehicle identification number (VIN) against GM’s recall database to determine if their Bolt is affected. If recalled, follow GM’s instructions for repair or replacement, and adhere to any charging guidance issued during the recall period. Parking in well‑ventilated areas and avoiding prolonged charging to 100% have been common cautions during advisory periods.
Checking your Bolt’s recall status
Visit GM’s official recall page and enter the VIN, or contact your Chevrolet dealer for the latest information on whether your specific Bolt needs service.
Summary
The Chevy Bolt fire narrative is defined more by safety actions and regulatory oversight than by a precise, publicly published fire count. While several fire incidents have been reported and GM has conducted extensive recalls to replace defective battery modules and packs, there is no definitive total of how many Bolt batteries have caught fire. For the latest, owners should refer to GM recall notices and NHTSA records tied to their VIN.
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.
How many Chevy Bolts caught fire?
Those recalls were due to battery defects that could start a fire. Eighteen Bolts had caught fire while parked; GM confirmed 13 of them were caused by defective batteries.
Is a Chevy Bolt battery safe?
Bolt EV and Bolt EUV
As part of GM's commitment to safety, experts from GM and LG have identified the simultaneous presence of two rare manufacturing defects in the same battery cell as the root cause of battery fires in certain Chevrolet Bolt EVs.
Which Chevy Bolts had battery issues?
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.
