Chevy Bolt EV Recall

GM has recalled 141,000 Chevy Bolt EVs due to fires triggered by faulty lithium ion batteries.

As of September 20, 2021, 13 fires have been identified to be related to the recall.

According to a press release from GM on August 20, 2021, batteries supplied to GM by LG Energy Solution may have 2 manufacturing defects:

1. Torn anobe tab
2. Folded separator.

The recall was originally announced for some models in November 2020, but was continually expanded to include all Chevy Bolt EV models.

Which models were recalled?

All Chevy Bolt EVs from model years 2017-2022 have been included in this recall.

Check NHTSA’s website for vehicle specific recall information.

Production has been halted on all GM electric vehicles until the battery issue is resolved.

What to do if my Chevy Bolt was recalled?

GM says it will replace batteries in affected models when parts are available or consider buy-backs of cars on a case-by-case basis.

GM is also offering an exchange for another company vehicle, though no other electric vehicles are available in this deal.

Contact your local Chevy dealership or GM’s concierge line at 1-833-EVCHEVY for specific guidance on your vehicle.

GM has provided guidance on how to keep yourself and your property safe before long-term solutions can be provided:

• Set your vehicle to a 90 percent state of charge limitation using Hilltop Reserve mode (for 2017-2018 model years) or Target Charge Level (for 2019-2022 model years) mode.
• Charge your vehicle more frequently and avoid depleting their battery below approximately 70 miles (113 kilometers) of remaining range, where possible.
• Park your vehicle outside immediately after charging and do not leave your vehicle charging indoors overnight.

The LG battery in the Chevy Bolt contains 288 lithium ion cells.

GM has found that a torn anobe tab, regularly called a battery tab, and folded separators were manufacturing defects found in LG production lines in South Korea and the United States, potentially putting all Chevy Bolt EV batteries at risk.

To function, layers of the battery are flooded with liquid electrolyte and encased in a flexible polymer pouch.

The torn anode tab creates a projection in the battery pack, causing the anode to be closer to the cathode than intended.

Combined with the folded separator issue, the anode bridges the gap between it and the cathode, causing a short and leading to a potential fire.

Damages from the Defect

Different types of damages can be caused by fires from Chevy Bolt EV fires, ranging from property damage to personal injury.

The damages are as follows:

Property Damage

Injury to real or personal property through another’s negligence, willful destruction, or by some act of nature.

In terms of the Chevy Bolt EV battery fires, this could mean damage to your home and personal items.

Damage to Automobile

Reported damages on the Chevy Bolt EV include partial and total losses.

Since the battery is the most important part of this vehicle, resulting fires from malfunction and battery defect most commonly result in total loss of vehicle.

Other Property Damages

Due to the fact that most Chevy Bolt EV fires have occurred while the car has been charging, fires often result in the damage of homes and garages.

Multiple fires reportedly resulted in property being “destroyed” or “uninhabitable”.

Property damage to personal items within the vehicle are also possible during a fire.

Injuries

Injury can result from Chevy Bolt EV battery fires, and a few incidents reported fires occurring while the vehicle was in use.

Injuries can also result from individuals attempting to extinguish the fire.

It is suggested to leave the responsibility of putting out these types of fires to emergency services since battery fires can often take hours to extinguish, burn at much higher temperatures than gasoline fueled fires, and can spread with dangerous ease.

Mitigating or reducing risk of injury and exposure to flames and smoke are crucial during battery fires.

Various types of injuries can result from battery fires, including, but not limited to:

• Burns
• Abrasion
• Scarring
• Smoke inhalation
• Death

TorHoerman Law LLC is investigating the facts of the recall, causes of the recall and battery fires, and resulting damages and injuries.

We are accepting clients for both injuries and property damages related to the Chevy Bolt battery defect/recall.

You may qualify for the Chevy Bolt Battery Fire Lawsuit if either of these two (2) categories apply to you:

1. Property Damage

If you owned a Chevy Bolt EV under recall and damages to the vehicle resulted from a battery fire or related defect, you may qualify.

If you owned property that was damaged as a result of a fire from a Chevy Bolt EV battery malfunction, you may also qualify.

To ensure qualification, gathering documentation stating ownership of damaged property is suggested.

2. Injury

If you suffered an injury as a result of a fire or explosion from a recalled Chevy Bolt EV, regardless if you were the owner, you may qualify for a Chevy Bolt injury lawsuit.

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