How many Chevy Bolt fires were there?

The short answer is that no single, publicly published tally exists for all Chevy Bolt fire incidents worldwide. Public reports describe several fire events, but the clearest, most comprehensive figures come from safety recalls that address a battery defect and affect roughly 140,000 Bolt EVs and Bolt EUVs globally.

Context: The fires and the recall saga

The Bolt’s fire history centers on lithium‑ion battery packs supplied by LG Energy Solution. Investigations linked a defect in certain battery cells to an elevated risk of short circuits and thermal events, prompting GM to issue safety recalls and to replace affected modules or packs. This has driven the dominant public accounting of the issue, rather than a centralized Fire count.

Before outlining the key recall milestones, note that the figures below reflect the scope of GM’s recalls rather than a formal, universal fire tally.



• Initial recall efforts around 2021 targeted about 68,000 Bolt EVs and Bolt EUVs to address the battery defect and reduce fire risk.


• Subsequent recall expansions pushed the total affected vehicles higher, with figures commonly cited around 140,000 Bolts globally having been recalled for battery module/pack replacement or remediation.


• Publicly reported fires have occurred in Bolt vehicles over the years, including incidents during charging or while parked, but there is no single, definitive global count published by regulators or the manufacturer.

In short, the fire incidents are tied to the battery defect that prompted recalls; the recalls themselves form the most reliable public accounting of the scope of the issue.

Public incident counts and official data

There isn’t a centralized, authoritative global tally of Bolt fires published in a single place. Safety agencies and the manufacturer focus public communication on recall numbers and remediation steps rather than a running total of fire incidents by model.

To illustrate how the numbers are tracked and reported, consider these points:



• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records safety campaigns and recalls, not a simple fire incident count by vehicle model. Fire incidents may be noted within safety investigations, but they are not published as a standalone global fire tally.


• GM has publicly stated that all affected Bolts are eligible for battery replacement or repair as part of the recall program, with dealers implementing the fixes where applicable.


• Media coverage and safety advocacy groups have documented numerous fire events associated with Bolt batteries, but the total number varies by source and time, and no single figure is universally accepted or updated in real time.

The upshot is that the most reliable public figures relate to how many Bolts were recalled and fixed, rather than a precise, widely published fire count.

What this means for Bolt owners and buyers

For current Bolt owners and prospective buyers, the practical takeaway is to verify recall status and act promptly if a vehicle is affected. Recall information is vehicle-specific and can depend on VIN, production date, and servicing history.

Before taking action, here’s what to know:



• Check GM’s official recall portal or contact a GM dealer to determine if your Bolt is included in any battery recall using your VIN.


• If your vehicle is affected, arrange service to replace or repair the battery module/pack as directed by GM or the dealership. Delays can extend risk exposure.


• When charging, follow GM’s safety guidelines and local authority recommendations. If you notice abnormal heat, smells, smoke, or fire, evacuate and call emergency services.

Always rely on official notices and your dealership for the most current guidance and remediation steps.

Summary

There is no single public tally of Chevy Bolt fire incidents. The most reliable public data revolve around safety recalls affecting roughly 140,000 Bolts worldwide to address battery-related fire risk. While publicly reported fires have occurred, they are not aggregated into a universal count by regulators or GM. The best current practice for owners is to verify recall status and pursue the mandated battery remediation, while following charging safety guidelines and staying informed through official GM communications.

Which car catches fire the most?

Hybrid vehicles, as a category, have the highest fire rate per 100,000 vehicles sold, driven by battery issues. While specific models like the Ford Pinto and certain Kia/Hyundai models have historical reputations for fires, the overall data points to hybrids as the most fire-prone vehicle type currently.
 
By vehicle type

• Hybrids: Have the most fires per 100,000 vehicles sold, largely due to problems with their batteries. 
• Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles: Have a lower fire rate than hybrids, but a higher rate than EVs, with fires often caused by issues like fuel leaks and electrical shorts. 
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Have the lowest fire rate per 100,000 vehicles sold, though fires are difficult to extinguish due to the lithium-ion batteries. 

Specific car models with high fire risk

• Ford Pinto: Infamous for catching fire after a rear-end collision, leading to a high number of deaths and lawsuits. 
• Kia and Hyundai: Models have been recalled for fire risks related to non-crash incidents, with some lawsuits settling over the issue. 
• Jaguar I-Pace: Has been cited as the most fire-prone EV, with a history of recalls for battery overheating issues. 
• Lamborghini Aventador/Veneno: Recalls have been issued for models that can catch fire, and the Veneno is particularly prone due to gasoline coming into contact with the exhaust system. 
• Ferrari 458 Italia: Recalled for a glue issue in the wheel arch, which was a fire risk. 
• Fisker Karma: Had a number of fires after being hit by Hurricane Sandy and was later recalled for a separate fire risk. 
• MINI Cooper: Recalled for a malfunctioning turbocharger circuit board that could cause a fire. 
• Subaru: Certain models have been subject to recalls due to fire risk. 
• Vauxhall Zafira: Recalls have been issued for fire risk. 

How many EVs have caught fire while charging?

While there is no exact total number, data from 2022 indicated that out of 252 total EV traction battery fires, 35 were connected to charging. Other factors contributing to EV fires include manufacturing defects, building electrical faults, and improper cables. 
Fires connected to charging

• Total incidents: 35 of the 252 total fires (as of December 2022) were linked to charging.
• Proximity to charging: Five of those fires occurred within one hour of charging.
• Other causes: Some fires were caused by external factors like building electrical faults or improper cables, while manufacturing defects and unknown causes accounted for others. 

Broader EV fire statistics

• EV fires are significantly less common than gasoline car fires. 
• One study reported that electric vehicles are least likely to catch fire compared to hybrids and gasoline cars when considering registration numbers. 
• A 2020 report from the International Council on Clean Transportation noted a significantly lower risk for EVs compared to gasoline cars, with roughly 5 fires per billion miles driven compared to 55 for gasoline cars. 

What is the fire issue with the Chevy Bolt?

The Bolt is an all-electric vehicle that was launched in 2017. In 2020 when GM announced that some Bolts might have a fire problem with their batteries, they stated that the cars have the potential of an unattended fire in the high-voltage battery pack underneath the backseat's bottom cushion.

How many Chevy Bolts have caught fire?

How Many Chevy Bolts Have Caught Fire? While GM has acknowledged at least 19 Chevy Bolt fires, the exact number is still under investigation.