What Should Chevrolet Bolt Owners Do About the Latest Battery Fire Recall?

Chevrolet's parent company General Motors (GM) has expanded its safety recall to include 2022 Bolt EV and Bolt EUV models due to two specific battery cell defects that can increase the risk of fire. This latest action adds nearly 59,000 vehicles to the previous recall, which initially focused on 2019 models. For current owners, the immediate recommendation is to adjust the vehicle's charging settings to a 90% state-of-charge limit and follow specific safety protocols until a permanent fix—a full battery module replacement—can be performed.

Why Are Chevrolet Bolt EVs Being Recalled Again?

The core issue stems from two rare manufacturing defects found in the lithium-ion battery cells supplied by LG Energy Solution: a torn anode tab and a folded separator.

• A torn anode tab is a small tear in the part of the battery cell that releases electrical current during discharge. This imperfection can create a resistance point, leading to excessive heat.
• A folded separator is a flaw in the thin, critical membrane that keeps the positive and negative parts of the battery cell apart. If compromised, it can lead to an internal short circuit.

When both defects are present in the same battery cell, the risk of a short circuit and subsequent fire increases significantly. While the problem was initially traced to LG's plant in Ochang, South Korea, GM has since confirmed that the same manufacturing issues may have occurred at other LG facilities. As a permanent remedy, GM has committed to replacing all defective battery modules in the recalled vehicles with new ones that will carry an 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty.

Which Chevrolet Bolt Models Are Affected by the Recall?

The recall now encompasses a wide range of model years. The table below provides a clear breakdown of the impacted vehicles for easy reference.

Owners can confirm if their specific vehicle is included by visiting the official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

What Immediate Steps Should Bolt Owners Take Before a Repair is Available?

While awaiting notification that replacement battery modules are ready at their dealership, GM has issued clear safety guidelines for owners. Based on our assessment experience, following these steps diligently is crucial to mitigate risk.

1. Set a 90% Charge Limit: Use the "Target Charge Level" mode in the vehicle's infotainment settings to cap the state of charge at 90%. This provides a buffer that reduces stress on the battery pack. Owners uncomfortable with this adjustment can visit a Chevrolet dealer for assistance.
2. Charge More Frequently: Avoid depleting the battery's charge to a very low level. It is recommended to not let the remaining range drop below approximately 70 miles.
3. Park Safely After Charging: As a precaution, park the vehicle outside, away from structures like garages or carports, immediately after charging is complete.
4. Avoid Overnight Indoor Charging: Do not leave the vehicle charging unattended indoors overnight.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Bolt Owners

The expanded recall underscores the seriousness with which GM is treating the potential battery fire risk. For owners, the path forward involves a combination of immediate caution and a scheduled permanent repair.

• Verify your VIN on the NHTSA or Chevrolet recall website to confirm your vehicle's status.
• Implement the temporary charging guidelines immediately—especially the 90% charge limit—to reduce potential hazards.
• GM will notify you when replacement parts are available for your vehicle. The new battery modules will be covered by a robust warranty.
• For the latest updates, owners can contact Chevrolet directly at 833-382-4389 or monitor the dedicated recall page.