What causes Chevy Bolt fires?
The primary cause identified in Bolt EV and Bolt EUV fires is a manufacturing defect in LG Energy Solution–built battery modules that can create an internal short and trigger thermal runaway, leading to a fire. General Motors has responded with recalls to replace the affected packs, plus warranty coverage and safety guidance for owners. While non-battery-related fires can occur in any EV, the Bolt incidents are dominated by this battery defect and the remediation efforts.
Since 2020, regulators and GM have documented and investigated Bolt fire cases, most of which have traced back to the high‑voltage pack. This article outlines the root cause, the industry and automaker response, and what Bolt owners should know today.
Root cause: battery modules and thermal runaway
Understanding how a battery fire can start helps explain the Bolt incidents and why recalls were issued.
- Manufacturing defect in battery modules supplied by LG Energy Solution for Bolt EVs and Bolt EUVs, creating a risk of internal short circuits.
- An internal short can trigger thermal runaway, causing the cell to overheat and potentially ignite surrounding materials inside the pack.
- Possible contributing factors include manufacturing tolerances, moisture exposure during production, or other defects in the affected modules; the exact triggering conditions can vary by vehicle and charging state.
These factors describe the battery-level mechanism that has been most consistently linked to Bolt fires, though not every incident has the same precise trigger.
GM's response and remedies
GM acted to remove the risk by addressing the defective battery modules directly and providing protections for owners through warranty coverage and service programs.
- Recall campaigns were issued to replace defective battery modules in 2017–2022 Bolt EVs and 2020–2022 Bolt EUVs, replacing or upgrading the high-voltage battery pack.
- GM also implemented battery refurbishment programs and offered support under standard battery warranties, with some repairs completed at no cost to owners.
- The company’s U.S. warranty for the high-voltage battery generally covers 8 years or 100,000 miles, aligning with recalls and ensuring eligible owners can have the battery replaced if needed.
In practice, the remedy has been to replace affected modules or packs and tighten battery management to reduce the risk of thermal events.
Safety guidance for Bolt owners
Owners should verify recall status and follow dealer guidance for any service actions. If a Bolt is involved in recall work, complete the repair promptly. If you notice heat, smoke, or burning odors from the battery area, pull over safely, avoid opening the hood, and contact emergency services.
Keep software up to date and adhere to charging recommendations provided by GM, especially during recall-related repairs or while waiting for replacements.
Summary
Chevy Bolt fires have been primarily traced to a defect in LG-made battery modules, which can cause internal shorts and thermal runaway. GM’s response has been to issue recalls and replace the affected battery packs, supported by warranty programs. While fires outside the battery system have occurred in EVs, the Bolt incidents are strongly connected to this battery defect and its remediation, and most owners can now have a safer pack through the recall process.
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.
Are Chevy Bolts still catching fire?
The issue was traced back to a problem with the battery pack, which was sourced from LG. Now, GM has revealed that some of the 2020-2022 Bolt EV and Bolt EUV models repaired under the previous recall are still at risk of catching fire.
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.
What can cause an electric car to catch fire?
What are some of the unique characteristics and challenges of EV fires? When lithium-ion batteries are damaged or defective, they can enter a state known as thermal runaway, which is when the battery cells begin uncontrollably heating up. This reaction can spread from battery cell to battery cell and lead to a fire.
