General Motors (GM) is recalling 107 Bolt EV and EUV vehicles from model years 2020 to 2022 due to a fire risk, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Tuesday. The recall affects previously repaired Bolt vehicles that were fitted with advanced diagnostic software. The software installation may have malfunctioned, creating a potential fire hazard when the vehicle’s battery is charged to full or near-full capacity. The issue could lead to a thermal event in the battery, posing a fire risk.
In response to the recall, NHTSA has advised owners of the affected vehicles to take precautions. These include limiting the battery charge to 90%, avoiding charging the vehicle when the battery’s remaining range is below 70 miles, and refraining from charging the vehicle indoors overnight.
GM has yet to provide a timeline for when the vehicles will be fixed, but it is working with dealerships to notify owners and address the software issue. This recall comes after a series of past safety-related issues involving the Bolt EV, including earlier recalls over battery defects that led to fire risks. GM has taken steps to replace faulty battery modules in many of these vehicles.
The recall underscores the ongoing challenges automakers face as they transition to electric vehicles. While the move to EVs is seen as a step toward reducing carbon emissions, safety concerns and manufacturing issues have occasionally raised questions about the technology’s reliability.
Owners of affected vehicles are advised to follow the recommended safety measures until their vehicles can be repaired.