- 72 Bolt EV and EUV models lacked software to signal a bad battery
- These models must be returned to dealers for the software
- Affected owners must park outside and may not charge more than 90%
A small portion of Chevrolet Bolt EVs previously recalled due to possible battery fires have been recalled again due to the same issue.
While this is not a new problem, GM’s proactive maintenance data count indicated that some vehicles did not have the installation of diagnostic software completed as part of the recall.
That means another round of recall paperwork (and dealer service) for 66 different 2020-2022 Bolt EV hatchbacks and six different 2022 Bolt EUVs. In those particular cars, GM says, “advanced diagnostic software may be installed incorrectly and fail to detect defective battery modules, which may result in a battery fire.”
While GM is not aware of any incidents related to this software issue, the automaker has stated internally that in some cases, the service software system allows a technician to process a warranty claim on a vehicle without the software being fully installed, according to the recall documentation.
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
The advice drivers of affected vehicles are getting sounds a lot like what GM did when it rolled out similar software to the Bolt EV, when it was first affected by the battery recall: Set the target charge level to 90%; avoid draining the battery below the 70-mile (113-kilometer) remaining range; park the car outside after charging; and do not charge the vehicle indoors overnight.
Lucky owners who are eligible to bring their vehicles back in for recall will be notified beginning approximately August 5, 2024. In the meantime, Bolt EV owners can contact 833-382-4389 with questions.
This is a very, very small portion of GM’s massive 2021 battery recall , which ultimately affected all 140,000 Bolt EV and Bolt EUV models in North America. While this recall covers later model years, many owners of earlier 2017-2019 Bolt EVs received new battery packs, resulting in longer driving range than they originally had.
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
As part of a settlement in the Bolt EV class action lawsuit against GM and LG Energy Solution, owners are also likely eligible for between $700 and $1,400.
The Bolt EV went out of production in December 2023But as GM reported last week, it remained Chevy’s best-selling EV for the first half of 2024, with the Blazer EV failing to overtake it during that period. GM CEO Mary Barra confirmed earlier this year that when it returns later in 2025, the 2026 Chevy Bolt EV will be the most affordable U.S. EV.