The third recall for Chevrolet Bolt EVs has been issued, citing rear battery concerns

More Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles are being recalled by General Motors owing to suspected battery cell issues that could result in a fire. This is the third time GM has issued a consumer notification for the Bolt, as confirmed by the carmaker on Friday.

The second recall, which was issued in July, covers Bolt EVs manufactured from 2017 to 2019. GM is now expanding the recall to cover an additional 9,335 Bolts from the 2019 model year, as well as 63,683 Bolt EV and EUV vehicles from the 2020–2022 model years.

The business noted in a news release that “in rare cases, the batteries provided to GM for these vehicles may have two manufacturing flaws — a ripped anode tab and a folded separator — present in the same
battery cell, which enhances the danger of fire.” It also stated that it was working with its cell provider, LG of South Korea, on the problem.

This recall is likely to cost GM an additional $1 billion, in addition to the $800 million previously budgeted for previous recalls. The majority of GM’s $1.3 billion in warranty expenses last quarter came from fixing defective Bolt batteries, the carmaker revealed in an earnings call earlier this month.

Included Bolt drivers should set the vehicle to a 90 percent state of charge constraint and avoid discharging the battery below a 70-mile range, according to GM. Due to the risk of fire, the carmaker also recommends parking the vehicle outside immediately after charging and not letting it charging indoors overnight. To lessen the risk of fire, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration advised Bolt drivers to park their vehicles away from their residences.