Why is the Chevy Bolt being recalled?
The Chevy Bolt is being recalled primarily because its high‑voltage battery pack can overheat and catch fire due to manufacturing defects in the LG Energy Solution cells used in the packs. General Motors is replacing the affected battery modules or the entire pack at no cost to owners to address the fire risk.
The root cause and which vehicles are affected
GM’s investigation traced the fire risk to certain lithium‑ion cells supplied by LG Energy Solution that were installed in Bolt EV and Bolt EUV battery packs. While the fires have been rare, they can occur even when the vehicle is not being charged, which prompted a formal recall and a fix designed to eliminate the defective cells from service.
Before listing the key details, note that the recall has evolved as engineers identified additional packs with similar risks and as production shifted to updated battery configurations.
The following points summarize the core elements of the recall:
- Affected models and years: Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV models that used certain LG‑made battery cells. The initial focus was on vehicles built in the late 2010s to early 2020s, with later expansions to cover additional model years as more packs were identified as potentially defective.
- Remedy being applied: Replacement of the defective battery modules, or in some cases the entire battery pack, with components that meet updated safety standards.
- Cost and eligibility: The battery module or pack replacement is performed at no charge to the vehicle owner as part of the recall remediation.
- Notification and scheduling: Owners are contacted by GM with instructions and VIN verification. Dealers will schedule the service, and the work is performed by authorized Chevrolet service centers.
In practical terms, the recall process focuses on removing the at‑risk modules and incorporating safer production components to reduce the likelihood of a battery‑related fire.
What owners should do now
If you own a Chevy Bolt, your first step is to determine whether your vehicle is part of the recall and to understand the recommended next steps from GM.
- Check your VIN: Visit GM’s recall site or contact your Chevrolet dealer to confirm whether your Bolt is affected by the recall. You can also search by VIN to verify eligibility.
- Plan the replacement: If your vehicle is affected, arrange an appointment with an authorized dealer to have the defective battery module(s) replaced or the battery pack swapped. The repair is performed at no cost.
- Prepare for service: If possible, arrange for a loaner vehicle or transportation while your Bolt is in the shop, as the replacement can take several hours depending on parts availability and the service process.
- Follow updates: Recall remedies can be updated as new information becomes available. Stay in touch with your dealer and monitor GM communications for additional instructions or scheduling reminders.
The recall underscores a broader push in the vehicle industry toward safer, more reliable battery technologies as electric vehicles become more common on the road. GM has emphasized its commitment to addressing the issue quickly and transparently with affected customers.
Broader context and industry implications
The Bolt recall, one of the most high‑profile EV battery safety actions in recent years, has prompted ongoing collaboration between automakers and battery suppliers to improve cell manufacturing controls, inspection protocols, and pack designs. While the vast majority of Bolt owners have not experienced fires, the incident helped accelerate safety reviews and informed the development of newer battery configurations in later EV introductions.
Summary
The Chevy Bolt is being recalled due to a risk of battery fires linked to LG Energy Solution cells used in certain Bolt EV and Bolt EUV packs. GM is replacing defective battery modules or entire packs at no cost to owners and is coordinating recall notices through dealers. Owners should verify their VIN, schedule the remediation if affected, and stay informed about any updates to the recall process. This action reflects the automotive industry’s ongoing emphasis on safety as EV technology evolves.
What is the battery problem with the Chevy Bolt?
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.
What year of Chevy Bolt to avoid?
The Chevy Bolt years to avoid are generally considered to be the 2017-2019 models due to the risk of battery fires, with the 2020 and 2021 models also impacted by the same recall, although to a lesser extent. These models require careful checking of the battery's recall status, as they were subject to recalls for battery-related issues that could lead to fires. The 2022 and 2023 models are considered more reliable, but some early 2022s may have had issues until production changes were implemented in the spring of 2022.
Years to be cautious about
- 2017-2022 (Bolt EV) and 2022 (Bolt EUV): These are the models covered by the main battery recall that aimed to address the risk of battery fires.
- 2017-2019: These years had widespread battery issues that led to a full recall and replacement of the battery pack for many vehicles.
- 2020-2021: Some models from these years were also part of the recall, though their original batteries were slightly different than the 2017-2019 models.
- Early 2022: Some early production 2022 models may have had issues before the production changes were made around April 2022.
How to mitigate risk
- Check for recall completion: Verify that the battery recall has been fully addressed for any used Bolt you are considering. A vehicle with a newly replaced battery pack is a safer bet.
- Review maintenance records: Look for any documentation that shows the battery replacement has been completed. A Carfax report can be helpful for this purpose.
- Avoid models with unresolved issues: If a seller can't provide proof of a new battery pack or has a car with unresolved recall issues, it's best to avoid buying it.
- Consider later models: The 2023 and later models are generally considered more reliable as they have benefited from the production changes and fixes made to the batteries.
What car is replacing the Chevy Bolt?
Transitioning our focus to the upcoming 2024 Chevy Equinox EV, this innovative compact crossover SUV, destined to replace the discontinued Bolt, elevates its prowess by offering alternatives between Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Why was the Chevy Bolt 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.
