Chevy Bolt Bursts Into Flames, Highlighting Risk for Owners

A viral video of a parked Chevy Bolt bursting into flames in a home garage is bringing new attention to a defect that poses fire risks for many owners of electric vehicles.

The video, posted to Facebook, shows a fire that reportedly started underneath the car and quickly took over the entire garage. Firefighters in Ashburn, Va. eventually put the blaze out and saved the rest of the home, but all that remains of the Bolt is a charred husk.

General Motors announced late last year that it was recalling a wide range of electric vehicles over a defect that the company said could cause battery fires. The recall covers all 2018 and 2019 BOLT EVs, as well as some 2020 models. 

It was not until April that GM said it figured out how to permanently fix the problem, which it described as a “rare manufacturing defect in certain battery modules in vehicles from these production years,” according to The Detroit News. Before that, the company asked owners not to charge their batteries more than 90 percent.

GM is not the only major manufacturer who has had to tell owners that their cars could burst into flames with little or no warning. Hyundai is in the midst of a massive recall over an anti-lock brake system defect that the company says could cause engine fires.

Fires are Not the Only Risk for Car Owners

The Bolt fire is just one example of the real threat that car defects pose to everyone on the road (and near a garage where some Bolts are parked). Major auto manufacturers recall millions of vehicles each year, citing a wide range of defects that increase the risk of an accident or injury.

That is where the California lemon law comes in for car owners and lessors in the Golden State. The law requires car manufacturers to perform a full range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back or replace cars that the company cannot or will not fix.

There is no specific number of repair attempts or requests that must be made before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. That is one reason why it is vital to seek the assistance of an experienced lemon law attorney.

Speak With An Orange County Lemon Law Attorney 

If you are a California car owner driving a lemon, an Orange County lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you understand and explore your legal rights and options. We are committed to ensuring that the manufacturer fixes the vehicle or fully compensates you.

We are pleased to be able to represent clients across the state. Our attorneys understand the significant stress that can come with haggling with car dealers and manufacturers. That is why we work aggressively to resolve these cases for the people that we represent.

Our offices are conveniently located in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an Orange County lemon law attorney.