Why are Chevy Bolt banned from parking garages?
Because Chevy Bolts can pose a fire risk in rare cases due to defective lithium‑ion battery packs, some parking garages ban them to protect residents and property.
This policy is not universal; bans vary by facility and city and are often tied to ongoing recalls and safety inspections. The article below explains the safety background, why garages restrict Bolt EVs, and what owners should do.
What has driven the bans in garages
Before listing the factors, note that garage bans are typically temporary and tied to safety assessments and recall remediation. The following points summarize the main drivers observed across facilities.
- Fire risk from lithium‑ion batteries in certain Bolt models, especially earlier production years affected by a battery defect.
- History of battery fires linked to specific LG battery cells used in Bolt packs, which prompted recalls and repairs.
- Firefighting challenges: battery fires can burn intensely and reignite, making containment in multi‑level garages more difficult.
- Liability and insurance concerns for property managers, fire departments, and owners of parking facilities.
- Regulatory and safety guidance from authorities that encourages restrictions until recalled vehicles are repaired or replaced.
- Risk management in multi‑unit dwellings where residents, visitors, and charging activity heighten the potential for incidents.
In short, the bans reflect a combination of safety considerations, liability concerns, and the status of recall repairs. As recalls are completed and vehicles are remedied, some facilities ease or lift restrictions.
What Bolt owners can do to navigate bans
Owners and lessees of Bolt EVs should take proactive steps to stay compliant with garage policies and to address the underlying safety issue.
- Check whether your Bolt is affected by the battery recall and whether a fix is available for your specific vehicle by contacting a dealer or using GM’s recall lookup tools.
- If your vehicle is affected, arrange for the battery module replacement or other remedy at no cost through GM or an authorized dealer; obtain documentation showing the recall repair has been completed.
- Before parking in a facility that has restrictions, confirm its current policy on recalled/ unrepaired Bolts and whether proof of repair is required to gain access.
- Consider charging options in light of facility rules—some garages may require that recalled vehicles be repaired first, or they may offer designated charging areas after repairs are verified.
Owners should stay informed through official recall notices and coordinate with their local dealer, and follow a facility’s safety and parking guidelines once repairs are completed.
Background: The Bolt battery recall and safety guidance
What happened with the battery recall
In 2020, General Motors issued a recall for certain 2017–2019 Chevy Bolt EVs due to a defect in some LG battery cells that could cause an internal short and increase fire risk. The recall prompted battery module replacements and other remediation steps. Over time, the program expanded as needed, and many affected vehicles have undergone repairs or replacements to mitigate the risk.
Why garages enforce safety rules
Parking facilities follow fire codes and risk‑management practices to protect occupants and property. Battery fires in electric vehicles present unique challenges—rapid heat, potential for reignition, and long‑term smoke and heat damage—that can overwhelm fire suppression systems in enclosed structures. Insurance, liability, and local regulations also influence decisions to restrict or monitor certain EVs until recalls are completed and repairs verified.
Summary
The Chevrolet Bolt bans in some parking garages stem from a real safety concern—the potential for lithium‑ion battery fires in affected models. While recalls and repairs aim to mitigate the risk, policies at garages vary by location and are subject to change as remediation progresses. Bolt owners should verify recall status, complete required repairs, and coordinate with facility policies to ensure safe and compliant parking.
