Chevy Bolt Buyers Are Selling Back Their Cars Over Fire Risks
» Posted November 8, 2021 • Resources | Share This Post
The ongoing nightmare for Chevy Bolt owners who fear their cars could burst into flames at any moment has some looking to ditch their cars altogether.
Owners fed up with General Motors over reports of car fires are increasingly deciding that the company’s response - issuing a recall and telling owners to park outside for the time being - is not enough. Instead, many are telling the automaker to take the cars back, according to CNN.
“I really am not comfortable having this vehicle at this point," New York Bolt owner Brandon Neider told CNN. "I'm not done with the brand but, you know, these guys don't even know how long this is going to take to resolve."
The company announced in late August that it was halting production of the electric vehicles, citing battery fire risks that had yet to be resolved. The decision came one month after GM said it would yet again recall some 70,000 electric vehicles over the defect.
Defective batteries have been cited in at least 14 Bolt fires since 2020, all of which happened while the cars were turned off. Videos showing cars going up in flames in home garages have gone viral on social media sites.
GM was slated to restart Bolt production in early November, but the company’s plans for producing the cars going forward remain unclear. It recently said that battery producer LG had agreed to foot the expected $2 billion bill for the recall.
Not everyone is waiting around for their cars to be fixed.
“GM would not say how many vehicles it has bought back from customers,” CNN’s Peter Valdes-Despena reports. “The company said it is deciding whether to buy back individual cars or not on a case-by-case basis. Alternatively, GM is also offering to exchange the car for another GM vehicle.”
Stuck with a Dangerous Chevy Bolt? We Can Help
The good news for Bolt owners in California is that you can force GM to buy back or replace your cars.
The state’s lemon law requires car manufacturers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back - or, in some cases, replace - vehicles that the companies cannot or will not fix.
If you are looking to ditch your Bolt rather than risk a fire, an Orange County lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help. We are committed to ensuring that the manufacturer fixes the vehicle or fully compensates you.
Our Orange County lemon law attorneys represent clients across the state. We understand the aggravation and stress that can come with haggling with car dealers and manufacturers. Our lawyers will work aggressively to resolve your case on optimal terms.
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.
