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General Motors (GM) has been hit with a pair of class action lawsuits claiming the fix put in place to prevent Chevy Bolt EV battery fires comes with its own set of problems.
The lawsuits, one filed in Illinois in December and the other more recently in Michigan, accuse GM of violating state consumer protection laws, federal warranty law, and fraud. According to the plaintiffs, the software update issued in response to the defect reduces the vehicle’s battery capacity.
The car owners point out that, after struggling with the defect that could cause spontaneous fires, they are now facing a 10 percent reduction in battery power limiting the vehicle’s usable range.
GM also faces a class action lawsuit in California, this one over the alleged defect that causes the Chevy Bolt EV to ignite into flames.
“Unfortunately, GM traded safety concerns for increased range, pushing the Bolt’s range beyond the battery’s capability in order to market the vehicle’s battery range,” alleges the California class action lawsuit.
Chevy Bolt EV Battery Fire Recall
On Oct. 9, 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reportedly launched an investigation affecting nearly 78,000 Chevy Bolts from model years 2017 to 2020 after reports of spontaneous fires. The reports concerned vehicles that appeared to unexpectedly ignite while parked and unattended.
As a result, GM recalled 69,000 Chevy Bolt EV models made between 2017 and 2019. The carmaker issued a temporary fix; the software update that plaintiffs in the Michigan and Illinois class actions contend diminish the usability and value of their vehicles.
The class action lawsuits contend that GM concealed the defects, selling dangerous vehicles to unsuspecting consumers. They say that GM’s “fix” of reducing battery capacity further reduces the value of the vehicles.
When asked about a permanent fix to the Chevy Bolt EV battery fire defect, a Chevy spokesperson told GM Authority, “We have hundreds of engineers working around the clock on the issue and we have made progress on identifying the cause and potential remedies,” adding that the automaker hoped to have a solution by April.
Do you own a Chevy Bolt EV that was affected by the battery fire recall? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below.
The Illinois plaintiffs are represented by Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith, LLP.
The Michigan plaintiffs are represented by Keller Rohrback L.L.P., Markovits, and Stock & DeMarco, LLC.
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
12 thoughts onThe Fix for Chevy Bolt EV Battery Fires Sparks Class Action Lawsuits
I own a 2018 BOLT. I love my EV, and I absolutely hate CHEVROLET. Things have gotten so bad that Terre Haute Chevrolet just told me they’ve done all they will do (which is NOTHING!!!). And that they would have me arrested for trespassing should I return there!!! They told me I could get a new battery for only $18,689 (not including tax & labor)!!! I think my 20+ Grand would be better spent with a Law Firm!!!
I own a 2017 bolt EV. The car has undergone the most recent computer update On two occasions i have been given faulty information as to the status of my car. The first was Nov.16th of last year. The other was today. My dealer indicated that they had been informed by GM that the recent two fires were due to lack of upgrade to a vehicle and the other a faulty upgrade installation. I then called the consierge line for the bolt. They informed me that the GM continues to suggest the car not be charged overnight and should be parked outside. GM appears to have not made a determination. God knows how long this situation will require for resolution. This is a multination behemoth corporation that seems totally incapable of managing this debacle.
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I owned a 2019 Bolt, and it burst in to flames in a parking lot and melted my son’s car seat. Got slammed on depreciation when insurance paid out, was a total nightmare.
I plan on putting up the video of the car burning shortly. I had just fully charged the battery, happened last year.
I own a 2019 Bolt and have real concerns on how GM is dealing with a serious problem such as possible battery fires. I got a letter months ago telling me to limit the range to 90%, which I did. Later I was sent a letter that a “fix” was released and to go to my dealership for the “software fix”, which I did a few days ago.
My family no longer feels safe riding in my vehicle and wants me to peruse a “buyback” since they fear a battery fire is possible and the value of my vehicle is going to be much lower now that the news is out on possible Bolt fires due to defective batteries. I was a big Bolt fan until I found out about the battery issues.
Five “known” 2019 Bolt battery fires to date, and all we have so far was a range limiting fix and a diagnostic software battery “FIX”. Some have received a “buyback” and dodge this nightmare the rest of us seem to be stuck in. GM really cares much more about the money involved than safety, and it shows.
I contacted GM through the Bolt Concierge Line and was “officially” denied a buyback. I called a Lemon Law Lawyer and they said there is not much they can do unless the car catches on fire at this point. Disappointing to say the least. I did sign up for the Class Action Lawsuit in hopes I can get a buyback and out of this fire “waiting to happen” vehicle.
FYI
Range Limit Recall:
Manufacturer Recall Number N202311730
NHTSA Recall Number20V701
GM Bolt Recall Number April 28
General Motors is notifying owners of select 2017-2019 model year Chevrolet
Bolt EVs that it has developed a remedy to complete the previously announced
safety recall.
As part of the service procedure, dealers will utilize GM-developed diagnostic
tools to identify potential battery anomalies and replace battery module
assemblies as necessary. The remedy will also include the installation
of advanced onboard diagnostic software into these vehicles that, among
other things, has the ability to detect potential issues related to changes
in battery module performance before problems can develop.
Customers will need to visit their nearest participating Chevrolet EV
dealer to have the remedy service procedure performed. Once the remedy
procedure is completed, the dealer will remove the 90% state of charge
limitation and return the battery to its previous 100% charging capability.
Customers of 2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs will be able to have this
remedy performed starting on April 29 and customers who own
2017 and 2018 model year Bolt EVs will be eligible to have the
remedy performed by the end of May. We will also be making the advanced
diagnostic software available to all other Bolt EV owners in the coming months.
Additionally, we will be making this diagnostic software standard in the 2022
Bolt EV and EUV, as well as future GM electric vehicles.
We have a 2018 BoltEV. It was in a GM dealer for an unrelated issue and they put in the software “FIX” back in December. The reduced range has caused some serious problems, especially in cold weather. I now sincerely regret having the update, and would like to go back to the original firmware, but GM won’t agree.
I have a 2018 Bolt.
I’m very disappointed with the way Chevrolet is handling this. It’s near the end of April and not a peep of the promised fix. I suspect that a real fix is a bitter pill for GM management. I think they have two choices. A trade/buyback where the returned vehicles will to sold on as significantly de-rated for a bargain price or a recall on 87,000 battery packs which seems like a logistical nightmare. I think what we will wind up with is a smoke a mirrors fix which doesn’t repair the root cause but will buy GM time.
After today’s recall update..I cannot get more than 158EV miles…ridiculous.
Hi I own a Chevy Bolt 2017. Anything I can do to help with the class action? I am in Canada.
I own a 2017 Bolt that is part of the recall and my car has the software update that limits the charge to 90%.