NHTSA Investigates 2017-2020 Chevrolet Bolt

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating 2017-2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV’s over three specific consumer complaints of fires occuring in the battery compartments of the vehicle’s, although NHTSA says the ‘root cause of these fires is unknown.’ Unfortuantely, over 78,000 Chevrolet Bolts have been sold, so this affects large number of vehicles. One issue here is that the fires can occur even when the car is not being driven., or even on.

The NHTSA’s official summary states:

Summary

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) regarding a model year (MY) 2018 and a MY 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV and alleging that the vehicles caught fire under the rear seat while parked and unattended.

ODI conducted additional research, and found a MY 2017 Bolt EV with a similar burn pattern in the interior rear seat area.

In the three cases identified, fire damage appeared to be concentrated in the EV battery compartment area with penetration into the passenger compartment from under the rear seat. The root cause of these fires is unknown. One of these incidents, ODI 11230072, reported smoke inhalation injuries.

ODI is opening a Preliminary Evaluation to assess the scope, frequency, circumstances, and safety consequences of the alleged fires.

The reports cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following reference numbers: 11230072, 11339878.

NHTSA Action number PE20016.

The announcement from NHTSA can be accessed here.

Valero Law originally noted battery problems back in 2018 in this post.

If you're in California and have taken your Chevrolet Bolt  to a dealership for battery issues, or any other warranty concern, we can help you…. AT NO COST TO YOU!  Valero Law, APC is a California consumer protection firm dedicated to protecting the lemon law rights of California consumers and ALL cases are taken on a contingency basis, meaning if there is no recovery, there is absolutely no fee to you!  Feel free to call at 424-299-4447 for a free case evaluation!