The Chevrolet Bolt EV, General Motors’ flagship electric vehicle, is once again under scrutiny due to serious fire risks. On November 7, 2024, Chevrolet issued a recall affecting Bolt EVs from model years 2020–2022 due to a defective diagnostic software issue that increases the risk of battery fires when the vehicle is fully or nearly fully charged.
This latest recall comes just three years after GM recalled approximately 142,000 Bolt EVs for similar battery-related fire risks. As one of America’s largest and most established automakers, Chevrolet is expected to uphold high safety standards, yet these ongoing recalls raise concerns about quality control, consumer safety, and the long-term reliability of GM’s EV technology.
If you are a Bolt EV owner affected by these recalls, you may have legal options under California’s Lemon Law. At The Barry Law Firm, we specialize in helping consumers hold manufacturers accountable for selling unsafe or defective vehicles. Keep reading to learn more about the recall, how it affects you, and what steps to take next.
Latest Chevrolet Bolt EV Recall: What’s Happening? 
On November 7, 2024, General Motors issued a new recall affecting Chevrolet Bolt EVs from model years 2020–2022 due to a software defect that significantly increases the risk of battery fires when the vehicle is fully or nearly fully charged. This recall follows a long history of battery-related issues in Bolt EVs, raising serious concerns about the vehicle’s safety, reliability, and General Motors’ ability to address these problems effectively.
What Is the Problem?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the latest recall is linked to a faulty diagnostic software system that is supposed to monitor the high-voltage battery for potential risks. Instead of preventing fires, the defective software is creating an increased likelihood of overheating and combustion when the battery is at or near full charge. This means that under normal charging conditions, affected vehicles could catch fire without warning, posing a serious threat to owners, passengers, and nearby property.
This recall is particularly alarming because it comes after GM had already recalled and replaced thousands of Bolt EV batteries in previous years for similar fire risks. Despite software updates and battery replacements, the underlying safety concerns have not been fully resolved, leaving many consumers wondering whether their Bolt EVs are truly safe to drive.
Chevrolet’s Official Safety Recommendations
Until a permanent fix is implemented, Chevrolet is urging affected Bolt EV owners to follow a strict set of safety guidelines to minimize the risk of battery fires:
- Do not park your vehicle inside a garage or near any flammable structures. Instead, park outdoors in an open space to reduce the risk of fire spreading to nearby buildings.
- Avoid charging your Bolt EV overnight or when unattended. This ensures that if a fire does occur, the driver can react quickly.
- Limit charging to 90% capacity. Keeping the charge below full capacity helps reduce the likelihood of overheating.
- Do not allow the battery to drop below 70 miles of range. Sudden voltage fluctuations from a low charge state could increase fire risk.
- Move the vehicle immediately after charging. Leaving the car plugged in for extended periods could exacerbate the issue.
These temporary measures underscore the severity of the defect and the potential danger to consumers. While Chevrolet is expected to begin notifying affected owners by mail by December 16, 2024, Bolt EV owners should proactively check their vehicle’s recall status to determine whether they are at risk.
Is There a Fix?
At this time, General Motors has not announced a permanent repair solution for the software defect. Previous recall efforts included battery replacements and software patches, but the fact that GM is issuing yet another recall indicates that these solutions were not entirely effective. The company is reportedly working on an updated software fix, but there is no official timeline for when repairs will be available.
If you own a 2020–2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV, do not wait for an official recall notice—take immediate precautions and contact a Chevrolet dealership to discuss your options. If your vehicle has already been subject to multiple recalls and still has battery-related issues, you may have a legal claim under California’s Lemon Law.
At The Barry Law Firm, we specialize in helping consumers who have been sold defective or unsafe vehicles. If Chevrolet has failed to properly fix your Bolt EV, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or financial compensation under the law. Contact us today for a FAST & FREE consultation to learn more about your rights.
A History of Recalls: Chevrolet Bolt EV’s Fire Risks
This is not the first time the Chevy Bolt EV has faced safety recalls. GM has struggled with battery-related fire hazards for years, affecting thousands of electric vehicles.
1. Battery Recall for Fire Risk (2017–2022 Models)
- August 2021: GM expanded an existing recall to include all 2017–2022 Chevrolet Bolt EVs and EUVs due to defective battery modules that could spontaneously catch fire.
- Scope: Approximately 142,000 vehicles were impacted.
- Response: GM initiated battery replacements and software updates, but problems persisted, leading to continued safety concerns.
2. Advanced Diagnostic Software Installation (2020–2022 Models)
- June 2023: GM introduced a diagnostic software update intended to monitor high-voltage battery health and prevent fires.
- Reality: Despite these efforts, reports of overheating and vehicle fires continued, culminating in the November 2024 recall.
The repeated nature of these recalls raises serious questions about GM’s ability to manufacture safe and reliable electric vehicles. If your Bolt EV has been recalled multiple times for battery issues, you may have grounds for a Lemon Law claim.
What Should You Do If Your Chevrolet Vehicle Is Recalled?
Most vehicle owners never expect to receive a recall notice—but when they do, it’s important to act quickly to protect yourself and your vehicle.
1. Read Your Recall Notice Carefully
- Chevrolet will begin mailing recall letters to affected owners by December 16, 2024.
- Your recall notice will explain the specific risk factors and next steps for repairs.
- Pay special attention to any urgent safety warnings regarding how and when to charge your vehicle.
2. Contact Chevrolet Immediately
- Reach out to your local authorized Chevy dealership to schedule an appointment.
- Do not delay—continuing to drive a recalled vehicle with a known fire risk puts you and others in danger.
- All recall-related repairs should be free of charge, as automakers are required by law to fix safety-related defects at no cost to consumers.
3. Verify Your Vehicle’s Recall Status Online
- If you haven’t received a recall notice but own a 2020–2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV, check your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on:
4. Prepare for Your Service Appointment
- Gather essential documents such as your:
- Recall notice
- Vehicle registration & title
- Driver’s license & insurance card
- Maintenance records
- Ask the dealership if your vehicle may need to stay overnight for repairs.
- If necessary, request alternate transportation or a loaner vehicle while your Bolt EV is being serviced.
5. Keep Records of Your Repairs
- Always save copies of your service records and repair documentation.
- If your vehicle continues to have problems after recall repairs, these records may be critical evidence for a Lemon Law claim.
6. Stay Informed on Future Recalls
- Given the history of Chevrolet Bolt EV recalls, it’s a good idea to sign up for recall alerts through NHTSA or Chevrolet’s website.
- Regularly check for new recalls affecting your vehicle model.
How The Barry Law Firm Can Help
If your Chevrolet Bolt EV has been recalled multiple times, still experiences battery issues after repairs, or has suffered a significant loss in value, you may be entitled to compensation under California’s Lemon Law.
At The Barry Law Firm, we specialize in holding auto manufacturers accountable for selling defective vehicles. If your Bolt EV continues to experience safety concerns, we can help you:
- Determine whether your vehicle qualifies as a lemon
- File a lemon law claim to pursue a refund or cash compensation
- Navigate the legal process and negotiate directly with General Motors on your behalf
Our firm has helped thousands of California consumers successfully fight for the compensation they deserve, and we are ready to do the same for you.
Conclusion
A vehicle with a high risk of bursting into flames is a serious safety concern that no owner should have to deal with. Chevrolet’s repeated recalls for the Bolt EV highlight ongoing defects that continue to put consumers at risk. If you own a 2020–2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and are still experiencing battery-related issues despite recall repairs, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Under California’s Lemon Law, you may be entitled to a refund or cash compensation if your car has persistent defects that GM has failed to properly fix.
At The Barry Law Firm, we have successfully helped countless California consumers hold automakers accountable for selling defective vehicles. Our experienced Lemon Law attorneys can evaluate your case, guide you through the legal process, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We offer FAST & FREE consultations and you pay nothing no matter the outcome of your case.
Don’t wait to take action—California’s Lemon Law has strict deadlines. If your Chevrolet Bolt EV has been recalled or continues to have issues, contact The Barry Law Firm today to discuss your legal options.
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