Chevy Bolt EVs Recalled for a Second Time

Apparently the first “fix” didn’t help.

Last Friday, General Motors again issued a recall for its 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles because of fire risks. The manufacturer had already recalled the vehicle last October, but even after the fix was applied, two cars at least were reported to have caught fire.

The previous recall was primarily for a software update, although, in some cases there may have been battery replacements as well. This time, the problem is a mechanical defect. The latest recall impacts more than 50,000 car owners in the US.

No Charging EVs in Garage Overnight

In a statement, GM suggested that until the vehicles are repaired, Bolt EV owners shouldn’t park their car in the garage overnight to charge the vehicle unattended as they normally would.

Specifically, the company recommends the following:

• Set your Bolt to 90% state-of-charge;
• Charge your battery after each use;
• Avoid running your range down below 70 miles remaining;
• Park your Bolt EV outside;
• Do not charge your car unattended overnight.

Seeking a Solution

GM, along with the battery maker LG Energy Solution, referred to the latest problem as a “rare manufacturing defect” and said the latest recall will include a replacement of the Bolt’s defective battery modules at no cost to the owners.

The automaker said it will alert customers when the replacement parts are available. In the meantime, GM and LG engineers are working “to finalize all the steps of the recall repair process” which willvfv likely include a dealer inspection.