GM Recalls Over 8,000 Chevrolet Bolts
GM has issued a recall, affecting over 8,000 electric vehicles in Canada because of a potential issue related to the battery overheating.
Date of recall: July 23, 2021
Vehicles affected
This recall is specific to the 2017-19 Chevrolet Bolt EV, of which 8,501 are affected in Canada, plus another 50,932 in the United States.
What’s the problem?
The Bolt EV has a 60.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack located under the backseat. When charging it above 90% capacity, it may overheat and catch fire, even while the vehicle is turned off, and the risk also applies when the car is driving, stopped or parked.
Though GM is also looking into the 2020 Bolt EV, it uses a different battery-cell design than the one in the previous models. It’s not clear if those vehicles might eventually be part of this, or a separate recall should the automaker’s investigation warrant it.
GM reported five fire incidents and two injuries due to the issue in the U.S., including one case where a home caught fire as well.
What’s the fix?
Dealers will receive a software update from GM in November that will automatically cap the battery’s full charge at 90%. Owners may have to contact their dealer to make an appointment starting from November 17. In the meantime, it is recommending owners park their vehicles outdoors and at a safe distance from their homes.
Further, it recommends changing the charge setting on the 2017 and 2018 Bolt EV to the Hilltop Reserve selection. For 2019 Bolt EV owners, there is a setting to put the vehicle at a target charge limit of 90%. These methods should alleviate the issue until the proper fix comes to the dealers.
What do you do?
Connect with your dealer for guidance and next steps on what to do until GM releases the software update, and when to take their vehicle to a dealer for repair.
Enter your VIN at this link to learn more about this recall and find out if there are other Service Actions related to your vehicle.
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