GM issues guidance for Chevrolet Bolt Recall
After a series of recalls that Valero Law has documented here, here, here, here and way back in 2018 here., General Motors Co.'s Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV production will remain down through February, according to The Detroit News. GM also says that the new recall should be complete soon so owners don’t have to park their car outside their house and/or parking lots, but the maximum charge of the recalled Bolts will be reduced to 80%, per The Detroit News again.
The Chevrolet Bolt battery recall includes every 2017-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV to eventually replace the batteries. The software recall update will allegedly allow 2017-2019 Bolt owners to charge their cars indoors overnight, park indoors after the cars are charged and drive the Bolts below 70 miles of remaining range. BUT, the software update will also automatically set the maximum state of charge to only 80% whereas the previous state of charge limit was 90% to prevent battery fires.
Once installed, the software update will automatically set the car’s maximum state of charge to 80% versus the full 100% which may carry more risk, allowing owners to safely resume:
Charging indoors overnight
Operating below 70 miles of range, providing more vehicle range compared to GM’s previous charging guidance.
Parking indoors after charging.
GM says it hopes this latest update will be available for all 2017-2022 Bolts in the next few weeks. GM also reminds Bolt owners the software updates are not the final repairs because all the cars will need their batteries replaced to prevent fires.
There have been 18 suspected battery fires in Bolt EVs globally. GM has confirmed 15 of them, with no major injuries. GM first took the Orion Assembly plant in Lake Orion down the week of Aug. 23 due to recall repairs. The plant briefly returned online in the first two weeks of November but has been down since Nov. 15 and will remain down through February.
IF YOU HAVE A CHEVROLET BOLT IN CALIFORNIA, CONTACT US BELOW OR EMAIL TO VALERO@VALEROLAW.COM TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE REGARDING A POTENTIAL LEMON LAW CASE.