Chevrolet Bolt EV Complaints (2019)

179 consumer complaints on file.

#11426361July 25, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Chevrolet has been unable to fix a severe battery fire issue in a timely manner, which effectively turns the Bolt EV a ticking time bomb that can potentially burn down my house, with my family's dead bodies in it. After multiple Bolt EV battery fires, GM acknowledged the issue first in Nov 2020, it took GM roughly half a year to come up with a software solution to "monitor" the batteries; during that half a year time period, we were told to limit our charge and park outside, without no assurance that the car wouldn't catch file when charging inside our garage. After receiving the "final" software remedy, two other Bolt EVs have caught fire, GM started another recall, with no solution and no timeline, and no assurance or credibility that they can provide a proper fix, my Bolt EV is turning into a ticking time bomb again. While charging outside of sleep hours lowers the chance of dying from fire, the risk of burning down our house is equal. We need GM to buy back the Bolt EVs while they figure out and apply a proper solution, instead of risking consumer's lives and properties to wait for the fix.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426387July 25, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is the second recall for the same problem. In the original recall, GM attempted to identify defective battery modules and then replace. They also installed software to monitor the batter in an effort to detect defective modules. Clearly this approached has failed. Will the NHTSA review GM's new methodology to identify defective battery modules? If their approach failed the first time, how do we know it will be successful this time?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426253July 24, 2021
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt with a US made battery. It is not part of the recall for battery fires. NHTSA, Chevrolet, and LG all say that the problem with the fires is "2 rare manufacturing defects" and not an issue with the battery design or the manufacturing process. It has a 60kwh battery just like the Korean made batteries that have caught fire. It is produced at an LG factory following their industrial design, and presumably the manufacturing process is the same as at the Korean factory - since it was a defect that caused the problem, and not a manufacturing problem. However, LG has had to recall batteries made for other brands of autos. LG has had to recall home storage batteries. Looking at all the different batteries that LG has had to recall, how can I trust NHTSA when they restate that the problem is a rare manufacturing defect that was identified by Chevrolet and LG? Can I believe something that was identified by a manufacturer who has had to recall multiple batteries for multiple cars and stationary situations? I would like you to investigate the manufacturing process that LG uses, and be sure the non-recalled batteries are truly safe, especially for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolts that have the exact same battery as the ones that caught fire. Thank you. Anne Mellinger-Birdsong 934 Artwood Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30307
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426255July 24, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The recall on the defective batteries in the 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs has presented a safety risk and a loss of function that has reached a completely unacceptable level. Us as owners are living under the spectre of a fire that can cause significant personal or property damage and to date, GM's recalls have failed. GM just released their second recall for the issue after fires continued after applying the first fix. In addition, the guidance of how to use the vehicle after completing the new recall renders the car unusable from a practical perspective. As an electric vehicle, range is limited and is affected by cold temperatures and highway miles. The guidance to reduce the charge to a maximum of 90% and never drive below 70-miles range severely hampers the usefulness of the vehicle. Additional guidance includes not parking indoors, and not charging overnight. The car takes 8-hours to charge; how are we to avoid overnight charging? The GM recall has been ongoing for many months and has now failed; putting all owners in danger both physically and financially. Something needs to be done to protect owners. At this point, only a buy-back seems viable to avoid severe damages to owners. As it is, the resale value of the vehicle has plummeted due to these severe safety issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426256July 24, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is the second recall for a faulty battery. There is severe limitation on how I’m supposed to use my car. If I don’t follow it there is a risk of fire putting me and my family at risk. I have to charge the car or I will not have a way to work. The batteries are clearly faulty and should be replaced. They knew doing half measures putting all owners at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426302July 24, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My Bolt falls under the recall for a main battery pack defect that has resulted in several car fires. Chevy states we should part outside our garage if the car is parked and charged there. This is a major inconvenience to owning the car. I requested a buyback several months ago when they were being offered by Chevy. Since Ohio's Lemon Laws are poor I was denied. I had little faith Chevy could find the problem with software and I was correct.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426310July 24, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Battery catching on fire. Instead of replacing the battery they keep doing software update now they want us to park it outside , not charge at night when it’s whole purpose to charge cheaper, or babysit your car for 9 hrs so it’s unattended.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426101July 23, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The car’s electronics under the hood got very hot when charging at Level 2 (ChargePoint wall charger) at home at night in mild ambient conditions (low 70s deg F). The surface of the electronic component boxes on top of the engine compartment were very hot to the touch but not burning the skin. It is not clear whether the propulsion battery also got very hot or not, but later on car’s display showed that car consumed 10% of used electricity for “battery conditioning” since the last full charge, namely since the car was unplugged and started to use battery power to keep battery cooling system going. This implies that it is quite possible that the battery also got hot (>100 deg F, since this temperature is what I have had observed in the past was the trigger temperature for initiating battery conditioning/cooling, e.g. 30 minutes into fast charging - FCDC - when ambient temperature was in the low 90s). The temperature measured by electronic thermometer on the surface of one of the electronics boxes under the hood indicated 113 deg F one hour after the car was unplugged and moved out of the garage, while the ambient temperature was measured to be 72 deg F. This implies the temperature of car components was even higher an hour earlier during and right after charging. If the car continued to charge, it is possible it would be in danger of catching fire since it appears the cooling system was not able to stop electrical component temperatures from rising. As far as I am aware, this car is the only Bolt EV that has been observed to reach unexpectedly high temperatures when Level 2 charging (240V 32A = 7.6 kW) without actually catching on fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426136July 23, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Chevrolet has a major safety defect on their hands with the 2017-2019 Bolt EV. In 2020 a safety recall was issued on the Bolt EV around batteries catching fire in unattended new, low mileage vehicles. A temporary fix was assigned to restrict the battery's state of charge to 90%. After several months, a "final" software fix was issued to address the problem (N202311731). Since this fix, two additional fires have occurred in low mileage / non-abused or damaged vehicles. Today Chevrolet issued an additional recall (N212343880) stating that battery cell swaps would be required and owners should not maintain a state of charge outside of 30%-90% (reducing the range from 235 miles to 140 miles or less). As an owner with some moderate knowledge of lithium polymer batteries, I do not have confidence that Chevrolet will be able to successfully detect manufacturing defects at scale and replace all impacted cells. As this is the third critical safety recall on a single component, which is fully warranted and under a low mileage, NHTSA needs to critically review if Chevrolet dealerships have the capabilities and training to properly diagnose and replace individual LiPo cells within a battery pack. As an owner, the only "real" solution which would give confidence of a safe vehicle would be a full battery pack replacement, or a full buy back of the vehicle in question, regardless of local state lemon laws. So far, vehicle buybacks seem strongly tied to local state lemon laws. This is an unacceptable situation for owners from a safety position.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426170July 23, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
GM's recall solution is unacceptable and leaves consumers with virtually unusable vehicles if they follow GM's safety recommendations. This situation has been allowed to go on too long and we are lucky that no one has gotten hurt.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426193July 23, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The battery in these vehicles is prone to catching on fire when charging, resulting in the complete destruction of the vehicle. GM has been failing to repair these vehicles for over a year. They have now issued a third recall for the same problem with no resolution and guidelines that require owners not to use their vehicles in any reasonable manner. This recall represents a serious danger to life and property, with a fire that could cost untold damages. These vehicles are unsafe, and GM is clearly unwilling or incapable of repairing the defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426194July 23, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
My vehicle is fully electric and has been under a recall for fire risk from the high-voltage battery. I completed the remedy from the manufacturer earlier this year, but now a new recall has been placed because the original remedy didn't actually fix the problem. The manufacturer is now stating that they will need to replace some/all of the battery, and they've said it isn't safe to charge the vehicle overnight, charge it in my garage, or charge it fully to 100% capacity. This means I'm unable to use my vehicle safely to drive to work or other required activities. I'm dissatisfied with General Motors' response to this safety issue, and I'm requesting that they approve vehicle buy backs for any owners of affected vehicles who request them to do so.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426204July 23, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
In response to Safety Recall N202311731, GM updated the battery management software in my 2019 Bolt on 6/4/21. I was not satisfied that updating the software would solve a physical battery pack problem and requested a buyback (which GM had been granting since February 2021). GM Case No. 9-6763124491 declined on 6/29/21, and GM referred me to BBB AutoLine. GM Rep would not tell me why my case was declined when many others were clearly approved. Vermont Bolt burned on 7/1/21. Filed BBB Case No. CHV2119981 7/2/21. On 7/13/21 BBB determined my complaint not "within the jurisdiction" of the program because there were "less than 2 repair attempts". Now GM issues 2nd Recall N212343880 saying that batteries may be replaced, but gives NO TIMEFRAME. While I wait with a potential fire/safety issue, the recall instructs me to limit charges, limit charge down (resulting in only 63% useful charge), park outside, do not charge overnight. My landlord has told me that I cannot park my Bolt on the property, so I now have no access to charge my car. I'm afraid he will not renew my lease (we are in CA at beginning of fire season). GM will not tell me what happens when the software identifies a problem--the Rep just repeats that "GM has total confidence in the update". I have no idea how long I will have a limited use car. I do not have enough range to visit and care for my aging father. GM should buy back Bolts from owners who cannot operate their cars under the new recall limitations, especially since there is no timeframe given.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426206July 23, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
We have known that these cars have defective batteries for at least 8 months. GM has had plenty of time to fix the issue but they've waited around, endangering many and limiting the amount we can drive without being tethered to a charger. I leased this particular car because of the range. Now the range is yet again reduced. This isn't what I paid for. The suggestion to park outside does me no good. I park in a carport. If my car catches fire, so does the structure and the other cars. The problem didn't start when they announced the issue, it started when they sold the cars with the defective batteries. We don't know how long they knew before they announced it. They cannot get away with this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425752July 21, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
As a 2019 Bolt owner I am once again being asked by GM to limit my charging to 90%, do not charge unattended ( overnight while you sleep) , and do not park in the garage or carport. My family does not want to ride in my vehicle due to fire risks. Trade in values are greatly affected to any 2019 Bolt now. I do not feel safe and I want GM to buyback my 2019 Bolt asap. How many more fires must 2019 Bolt owners endure until GM is forced to buy all of them back? How many people will need to die first???
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425524July 19, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car battery lit on fire and the car burned.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425578July 19, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of 2019 Bolts are being cautioned to keep their cars parked outside. Some 2019 Bolts have ignited even after both recall battery fixes. My Bolt can only be parked outside, very close to neighbors and under trees.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425379July 18, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On May 11, 2021 I responded to GM's safety recall notice by bringing the car to a local Chevrolet dealer, who performed the service as per GM's instructions. Since then the battery has continued to charge or attempt to charge for several hours after it has been fully charged as indicated by the instrument panel readout and the dashboard indicator. I reported the problem to GM by phone several weeks ago and was instructed to bring the car back to the dealer that had performed the recall service. I did so on July 7 but I wasn't convinced that the dealer appreciated the seriousness of the problem, so I immediately called GM 's EV hotline (866-790-5600 ext. 5912316) where a case was opened. As of July 18 I am still waiting for further instructions from GM. My case number is 9-6818768332.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425225July 16, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Component: We don't know for sure. The was a recall on the battery, and several other of these cars have had thier batteries explode in similar fashion. The primary remnants of the car are missing and are being investigated as being stolen and are unavailable for inspection. The melted remnants of the car left in the driveway are still available. Safety: We inhaled toxic vapors. Our home has been severely damaged. If the incident had happened in the middle of the night instead of in the morning, our neighbors wouldn't have been awake to call 911 and my wife and I could have died when the fire spread to the house. Has the problem been reproduced? Unknown, though this is a known issue that has happened to other cars. Has the compenent been inspected? No. The wreckage is missing and presumed stolen. Were there any warning messages: I do not believe so. My wife claims she heard a car alarm when we we awakened by the first loud noise. She does not know if the alarm came from our car. In the early AM of 7/2/2021 I awoke to smell an acrid smell. Our neighborhood often has an odd smell, so I went back to sleep. About 6 AM on 7/2/2021 my wife and I were awakend by a loud bang originating outside the house. I investigated and noted a police officer outside my home using a fire extinguisher on my 2019 Chevy Bolt. I saw flames coming from the right passenger side. The police officer asked us to exit our home. I told my wife that the house was on fire, because I believed that's what was happening. When we left the home, I noticed that, at first, it was only the car. The fire got worse very quickly., and the police officer asked us to move farther back.We heard and saw several explosions.The fire spread to the house. At some point the fire department arrived and extinguished the fire, but not before the car was completely consumed and significant damage was done to our home. My wife, I and our pets were all examined for smoke inhalation and the cats were treated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425025July 15, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2019 Chevrolet Bolt Premier has the battery made in Korea that is part of the current investigation Chevrolet is doing, announced yesterday July 14, 2021. This is the announcement from Chevrolet: JULY 14 2021 IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM GENERAL MOTORS General Motors has been notified of two recent Chevrolet Bolt EV fire incidents in vehicles that were remedied as part of the safety recall announced in November 2020. Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking owners of 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs who were part of the recall population to park their vehicles outdoors immediately after charging and not leave their vehicles charging overnight while we investigate these incidents. This has been a known problem for several months, since November 2020, as noted in Chevrolet's announcement above. I limited my charging to 90% the minute the news broke about the possibility of a battery fire. I have had "the remedy" done to my car, which is all that one can do at this point. live in a condo building in a busy downtown setting and my only parking spot is two levels underground. It is both unsafe and very costly/inconvenient for me to have to park on the street at meters while waiting to hear ANYTHING from Chevy regarding next steps. I want to get my situation on your radar, as I am sure many other Bolt owners do. I want to stop worrying about the potential of a fire that would kill or maim any person or living creature, destroy any property, especially my home, my neighbors' homes, cars, etc. HELP!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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