GM Issues Recall on Chevrolet Bolt
Owners of certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolts are being warned to park their vehicles outside and away from their houses until they are able to take the car in for repair. The recall is for a risk of fire in the vehicle, even when it is unoccupied and parked.
More than 50,000 recalls have been issued by GM related to Chevy Bolt vehicles. There is a potential for fire originating in the high-voltage battery pack that is located underneath the cushion in the back seat. The battery packs in the affected vehicles have a risk of smoking and internally igniting. If this happens, the fire could then spread throughout the vehicle. If the car is parked near a house or in a garage, the fire could move to those structures, as well. It is advised to park the vehicle in an open lot, if possible, or on a street away from any flammable structures.
The risk of fire within the vehicles is present even when the car is parked, turned off, and disconnected from the charging unit.
Five Confirmed Chevy Bolt Fires
So far, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed five Chevy Bolt fires. Two people have been injured by Chevy Bolt fires. In at least one case, the fire spread from the vehicle and caused a house fire. The NHTSA warns that until an affected vehicle is repaired, it should be parked outdoors as far away from houses as possible. The agency has an open defect investigation on the issue of Chevy Bolt fires.
Is My Chevy Bolt a Fire Risk?
Chevy Bolt owners can visit the NHTSA’s recall page and enter the car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number to determine whether their vehicle is part of the recall. If it is, they should immediately call their closest Chevrolet dealer to schedule a free repair of the potentially dangerous issue.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below discusses the Chevy Bolt recall.
What If My Car Catches Fire?
Vehicle fires can spread very quickly, so if your Chevy Bolt or any other vehicle catches fire, you should quickly:
- Make sure the engine is off. If it is a gas vehicle, this will stop the fuel flow.
- Stay at least 100 to 150 feet or more away from the vehicle. Do not go into the car to retrieve any items.
- Call 911.
- Only try to put out the fire if you have clear access to the source of the blaze and a suitable Class B or Class C fire extinguisher. This should only be attempted if you can stay a safe distance away from the vehicle and know how to correctly use a fire extinguisher.
- If you suspect the fire is under the hood or in the truck, do not open the compartments. Doing so can result in additional airflow, allowing the fire to enlarge.
Sacramento Products Liability Attorney
Thank you for reading about the Chevy Bolt fires that have resulted in a vehicle recall. I’m Ed Smith, a products liability lawyer in Sacramento, California. My experience representing injured Northern California residents spans over 38 years. During that time I have represented numerous people who have been injured by dangerous and/or defective consumer products. I was able to get them the monetary compensation they deserve. When a dangerous product is sold on the American marketplace, the manufacturer must be held responsible if that product causes injuries or death. If you have been injured by a defective product and would like to receive free and friendly advice, call to speak with one of our case managers or injury lawyers at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.
To review some of our firm’s case results, please visit the Verdicts and Settlements page on our website.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/flames-fire-hot-speed-burn-car-1099698/
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