- The latest recall addresses a failed software fix for the Bolt EV's previous fire recall
- The software fails to prevent the battery from overheating
- The recall is limited to 107 Bolt EV and Bolt EUV models
General Motors is also recalling the Chevrolet Bolt EV because the installation of diagnostic software to deal with previous battery explosion recalls may have been done incorrectly.
Improperly installed software may fail to prevent battery overheating, which can cause the battery pack to catch fire when fully charged or near full capacity, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Only 88 different 2020-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV hatchbacks and 19 different Chevrolet Bolt EUV models have this issue.
This is the second recall related to the battery diagnostic software on Bolt EV models. GM issued a recall this past July when it identified internally that its service system software would, in some cases, allow a technician to process a vehicle warranty claim without completely installing the software.
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
In this case, the recall comes from a customer complaint that the 2022 Bolt EUV remained limited to 80% of the state of charge after a “test period,” and thus exceeded when the software should have limited charging, GM said in recall documents. It cites a “malfunction of the software's programming tool,” and adds that it is not aware of any incidents related to this issue.
Instructions for owners of affected vehicles are the same as previous software-related recalls: Set the target charge level to 90%; avoid reducing the battery below 70 miles of remaining range; parking outside after charging; don't charge the car while indoors overnight.
Owners will have to take these steps while waiting to meet with dealers, who will reinstall the diagnostic software for free. GM plans to send owner notification letters on Dec. 16, and owners can contact the dedicated Bolt EV Concierge Team at 1-833-382-4389. The GM reference number for this recall is N242470160.
2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Like previous software-related recalls, this is the smallest set of GM's massive 2021 battery recall effort, which eventually included all 140,000 Bolt EV and Bolt EUV models in North America. Many previous owners of the 2017-2019 Bolt EVs ended up with new battery packs, resulting in more driving range than they originally had.
As part of a class-action settlement against GM and battery supplier LG Energy Solution, owners may be eligible for $700 to $1,400 in compensation.
The Bolt EV went out of production in December 2023, but as GM reported in July it continued to be Chevy's best-selling EV through the first half of 2024. GM CEO Mary Barra said earlier this year that the 2026 Chevy Bolt will return later in 2025. The EV will be the most affordable EV in the US