Chevy Bolt Recall
A Chevy Bolt Recall Story
In July of 2021, GM announced a recall of all Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV models due to a small number of faulty batteries causing fires. As of October, 12 faulty battery fires have occurred–which is only about 0.012% of Bolts on the road. In comparison, the National Fire Protection Association reported 212,000 fires in gas and diesel vehicles in 2018, nearly 0.07% of vehicles nationwide. Despite the rarity of these fires, GM is taking major precautions for the safety of consumers. Until GM can conduct repairs on existing vehicles, they have asked Bolt owners to take the following safety measures:
- Set your vehicle settings to a 90% state of charge limitation using Hilltop Reserve mode (2017-2018 models) or Target Charge Level mode (2019-2022 models)
- Charge your vehicle more frequently and avoid letting the battery level fall below 70 miles of charge
- Park your vehicle outside after charging and don’t charge inside overnight
Kevin’s Story
Kevin found the buyback process simple and efficient. After calling the phone number GM provided for Bolt owners (1-833-EVCHEVY), he provided his name, email, phone, and VIN number and the process was started. GM had Kevin submit his bill of sale or retail sales contract, a photo of his odometer with the current mileage, valid vehicle registration, and the financial institution in charge of his lease. “A week later I got the buyback offer so they say the whole process is supposed to take four to eight weeks,” Morrison said.
The buyback offer was a full refund for everything Kevin had paid up to that point, minus a use fee which he described as “a modest amount.” Now he’s waiting until he can turn over his vehicle to a Chevy dealer and receive his refund. Despite giving up his Bolt, Morrison was clear, “I love the Bolt. It’s a terrific car. When they fix this problem, whoever owns my Bolt down the road, they’re going to get a great car.”
Hear about Kevin’s Bolt experience:
Bolt Replacement Options
As Bolt owners begin to participate in the buyback program, they’ll need to begin looking for a new vehicle, either to lease or buy. Below are some EV models currently on the market that are comparable to the Chevy Bolt.
| Vehicle | MSRP* | Electric Range** | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Kona | $34,000 | 258 miles | - Crossover - 5 seats - 19.2-45.8 cu. ft. cargo space |
| Kia Niro EV | $39,990 | 239 miles | - Crossover - 5 seats - 18.5-53 cubic feet of cargo space |
| Nissan Leaf | $27,400 | 149 - 226 miles | - Hatchback - 5 seats - 23.6-30 cubic feet of cargo space |
| Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus | $41,990 | 263 miles | - Sedan - 5 seats - 15 cubic feet of cargo space plus frunk |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | $39,995 | 260 miles | - Crossover - 5 seats - 30.3-64.2 cubic feet of cargo space |
**Many vehicles have higher range options that cost a little more.
Get Involved
At Drive Clean Bay Area, we believe EVs are vital to a cleaner future. We host regular events to keep you informed of the latest vehicles, innovations, and financial incentives, as well as offer an EV Buying and Driving Guide.
Our EV Discount Program provides limited-time savings events with discounted pricing on a variety of new battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
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