Some Chevrolet Bolts at Risk of Battery Fire
» Posted December 4, 2020 • Resources | Share This Post
General Motors is recalling a wide range of Chevrolet Bolt models because the electric vehicles’ high voltage batteries may go up in flames.
“A certain number of these vehicles were built with high voltage batteries produced at LG Chem’s Ochang, Korea facility that may pose a risk of fire when charged to full,
or very close to full, capacity,” the company said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “The battery may emit smoke or heat, and the condition may melt or damage the battery and other vehicle components.”
The recall covers all 2018 and 2019 BOLT EVs, as well as some 2020 models. The company told NHTSA it is aware of at least five battery fires caused by the defect.
GM says owners and lessors of those vehicles can schedule a free software fix, which will limit charging to 90 percent of the battery’s capacity to mitigate the risk. A permanent fix that allows batteries to reach 100 percent capacity will not be ready until at least next year, the company said.
The recall comes after NHTSA earlier this year launched an investigation into Bolt battery fires. The probe was in response to reports from two Bolt owners of battery fires, including one that occurred while a car was plugged into an owner’s charger in a driveway in Massachusetts.
Legal Rights for Defective Car Owners in California
The Bolt recall is yet another reminder of how frequently cars leave the factory floor with significant defects that pose serious safety hazards. General Motors and other major auto manufacturers recall a combined millions of vehicles each year over defects that can put everyone on the road at risk.
Fortunately, the California lemon law offers some important rights and protections for car owners and lessors in the Golden State.
The law requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back or replace covered vehicles that the companies are unwilling or not able to fix.
There is no set number of repair requests or attempts that must be made before the lemon law requirements kick in. That is one reason why it is important to consult a seasoned California lemon law lawyer.
Speak with a California Lemon Law Lawyer
If you are a car owner or lessor who is locked in a dispute with a manufacturer over repairs, an experienced California lemon law lawyer can help. An attorney can advise you of your rights and help you weigh your options to ensure that the automaker is held fully accountable.
At the Bickel Law Firm, we have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases in Southern California and across the state. We have a strong track record of success in getting the people we represent the compensation they deserve.
Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law lawyer today.
