GM Recall 2021: More Fire Concerns Over Chevy Bolt EVs Force Second Recall

General Motors (GM) has recalled its 2017 to 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs for a second time over concerns of a “rare manufacturing defect” that could cause the electric cars to start on fire.

The recall, which was issued by both GM and battery cell maker LG Energy Solution, affects about 69,000 cars globally, including nearly 51,000 in the U.S., CNBC reported.

This is the second recall for the EVs over a fire risk. In the first recall issued in November 2020, GM urged Bolt owners to park their cars outdoors after at least two reports of cars erupting into flames.

In this recall, GM said it will replace the defective battery modules free of charge for Bolt owners. These are different than the initial recall, which relied on software upgrades and, in some instances, replacement battery modules.

GM spokesman Dan Flores told CNBC, “We’re working with our supplier and manufacturing teams to determine how to best expedite battery capacity for module replacement under the recall. These teams are working around the clock on this issue.”

GM said it will notify customers when replacement parts are ready.

"As part of GM’s commitment to safety, experts from GM and LG have identified the simultaneous presence of two rare manufacturing defects in the same battery cell as the root cause of battery fires in certain Chevrolet Bolt EVs," Flores told USA Today.

"As part of this recall, GM will replace defective battery modules in the recall population. We will notify customers when replacement parts are ready,” he added.

Until parts are ready for Bolt owners, GM is asking affected car owners to set their vehicles to a 90% state of charge limitation using the Hilltop Reserve mode in the 2017 to 2018 models and Target Charge Level mode in the 2019 models.

If a Bolt owner is uncomfortable making these changes to their vehicle, they should see a GM dealer for assistance, the company said.

The automaker is also urging Bolt owners not to deplete their batteries below about 70 miles of driving range, and not to park their EVs inside or charge them unattended overnight.

More information can be found at www.chevy.com/boltevrecall or by contacting the Chevrolet EV helpline at 1-833-EVCHEVY or a Chevrolet EV dealer.

Shares of GM stock were trading at $55.35 as of 11:15 a.m. EDT, down 28 cents, or 0.51%.