General Motors has issued a recall for nearly 51,000 Chevrolet Bolts over fire risks.
The Chevy Bolt is one of the more popular electric vehicles, and has consistently received good reviews for its combination of features and price. Despite its success, however, GM is now recalling 50,932 of the vehicles due to fire risks.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “GM has issued a recall of 50,932 Chevrolet Bolt vehicles for the potential of an unattended fire in the high-voltage battery pack underneath the back seat’s bottom cushion. The affected vehicles’ cell packs have the potential to smoke and ignite internally, which could spread to the rest of the vehicle and cause a structure fire if parked inside a garage or near a house.”
GM says the issue impacts 2017-2019 models and “may pose a risk of fire when charged to full, or very close to full, capacity.” In 2017 and 2018 models, GM recommends changing the charge settings “to use the Hill Top Reserve option,” and recommends changing the 2019 charge settings “to enable Target Charge Level at 90%.” Starting November 17, GM will be rolling out a software update that dealers can apply to limit charging to 90% while the company works on a permanent solution.
In the meantime, until the charge settings are modified, GM and the NHTSA recommend vehicles be parked outside and away from dwellings.