Chevy Bolt Fire Risk: NHTSA Urges Owners to Park Outdoors

Chevrolet Bolt Fire Risk: New Consumer Alert Issued

Chevrolet Bolts are once again the subject of attention, following a new consumer safety alert released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

This alert arrives less than a year after a similar recall was initiated by the agency, addressing a comparable concern.

Parking Recommendations and Affected Vehicles

NHTSA is currently advising owners of 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt models to park their vehicles outdoors and away from residences. This precaution is due to the potential for fire.

These are the very same vehicles that were subject to a recall in November 2020, which stemmed from the possibility of a fire originating from the battery pack situated beneath the rear seat.

The initial recall encompassed a total of 50,932 2017-2019 Chevy Bolt vehicles.

Recent Fire Incidents and GM’s Response

According to General Motors’ official website, this latest alert was prompted by two recent fire occurrences in vehicles that had previously undergone the remedy associated with the prior safety recall.

“As a precautionary measure, owners of 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs who were included in the recall population are being requested to park their vehicles in open areas immediately following charging.

Furthermore, owners are advised to refrain from leaving their vehicles connected to a charger overnight while an investigation into these incidents is underway.”

Potential Remedy and Future Implementation

GM states that a potential solution to the battery issues has been identified, and is available to customers through authorized Chevrolet Bolt dealerships.

Owners of 2019 Bolt vehicles gained access to this remedy starting April 29th, while those with 2017 and 2018 Bolt models became eligible on May 26th.

The diagnostic software utilized to detect these battery anomalies will be incorporated as a standard feature in 2022 Bolt models, and in other forthcoming GM vehicles, according to the automaker.