GM Recalls Every Chevy Bolt And Bolt EUV Over Fire Risk At An Extra Cost Of $1 Billion

Just when you thought the Chevrolet Bolt recall couldn’t get any worse, things have taken a decidedly bad turn as General Motors has decided to recall all Bolts including the new Bolt EUV.

While the initial recalls involved 2017-2019 Bolts, the company is voluntarily expanding it to include all 2020-2022 models. As a result, every single Bolt is being recalled.

According to GM, in “rare circumstances” the batteries for the Bolts may have two manufacturing defects including a torn anode tab and a folded separator. These defects increase the risk of a fire, so GM will replace defective battery modules with new ones.

Also Read: Chevrolet To Replace Battery Modules In Recalled Bolts

The expanded recall is expected to cost an additional $1 billion (£733 / €854 million) and the automaker is “pursuing commitments from LG for reimbursement of this field action.” GM went on to say further investigation found “manufacturing defects in certain battery cells produced at LG manufacturing facilities beyond the Ochang, Korea plant” originally identified.

This is a nightmare scenario and it means the company is now recalling an additional 9,335 Bolts from the 2019 model year that were not included in the previous recall. More importantly, it also includes 63,683 Bolt and Bolt EUVs from the 2020–2022 model years in the United States and Canada.

GM is “working aggressively” with LG to increase production of replacement modules and customers will be notified when they become available. The automaker also added batteries with the new modules will have an 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty (8-year/160,000 km limited warranty in Canada).

In the meantime, all Bolt owners are being asked to park their vehicles outside immediately after charging and avoid depleting their battery below approximately 70 miles (113 kilometers) of remaining range. Owners should also set their vehicle to a 90 percent state of charge limitation or have their local dealership do it for them.

Doug Parks, GM’s executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, said “As leaders in the transition to an all-electric future, we know that building and maintaining trust is critical. GM customers can be confident in our commitment to taking the steps to ensure the safety of these vehicles.”