Chevrolet Bolt EV battery fire recall
- Manufacturer
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Bolt EV
- Years affected
- 2017–2022
- Risk type
- Battery thermal event
- Issue
- High-voltage battery fire risk linked to manufacturing defects in specific LG-supplied cell batches. Affected approximately 141,000 vehicles — the largest EV-specific safety campaign in North American history.
Summary
The Chevrolet Bolt EV battery recall became the largest EV-specific safety campaign in North American history, affecting an estimated 140,000 vehicles across multiple model years. The recall originated with reports of spontaneous high-voltage battery fires traced to manufacturing defects in specific LG-supplied cell batches.
Timeline
Initial incident reports began surfacing in the second half of 2020. An expanded recall in 2021 broadened coverage to nearly all Bolt EV model years produced to that point. General Motors ultimately committed to full battery-module replacement rather than attempting partial remediation, with the replacement program running through 2022 and into 2023. Owners of vehicles with replaced modules receive a refreshed battery warranty, which many owners are not aware applies to them.
Consumer impact
During the active recall period, owners were advised to park outdoors, avoid overnight charging indoors, and limit state-of-charge to 90 percent. Many owners deferred charging entirely, substantially reducing the vehicle's usability for months at a time. Rental and loaner support varied by region. Post-replacement, consumer reports indicate the Bolt EV is generally considered restored to its expected reliability profile — but documentation of the module replacement date and replacement VIN-pack record is essential for any subsequent warranty interaction.
Verify your vehicle with the regulator
The regulator in your jurisdiction is always the authoritative source for whether your specific VIN is affected by an open safety campaign. Check the database below using your vehicle identification number.
- United States — NHTSA (US)
- Canada — Transport Canada
EV Risk Index editorializes around public recall data; we do not replace regulatory guidance. If you believe your vehicle is affected by a safety recall, contact the manufacturer and check the regulator database for your jurisdiction using your VIN.