GM expanded the voluntary recall of its Chevrolet Bolt Electric Vehicles to include all of its remaining 2019 models and all Bolt models for 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years built thus far. The company explained that the battery modules made for these cars by an outside supplier might have two manufacturing defects; a torn anode tab and a folded separator. If these two defects are present in the same battery cell, they can increase fire risk. Out of an abundance of caution, GM will replace the defective modules in Bolt vehicles with new modules. On July 23rd, GM had announced another recall on 2017 to 2019 Bolt vehicles for similar issues. The first recall covered approximately 69,000 vehicles, while last week’s added about 73,000 to the total.
Doug Parks, GM Executive Vice President, said, “Our focus on safety and doing the right thing for our customers guides every decision we make at GM. As a leader in the transition to an all-electric future, we know that building and maintaining trust is critical.”
GM informed its customers that until they receive replacement battery modules, they should follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of problems:
