General Motors is facing a 2022 class-action lawsuit against their 2020-2022 model year Chevy Bolt EV and 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV vehicles. The lawsuit is accusing General Motors of the vehicles being unsafe as they are likely to catch on fire while parked due to a battery defect. Two recalls have been issued on all model year Bolts through 2022. This affects roughly 141,000 vehicles around the globe.
General Motors has announced a solution for the battery issues in both the Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV that provides a combination of updated hardware and software. Included in this announcement, LG (the battery supplier) stated they will reimburse the automaker for costs and expenses associated with the recall due to manufacturing defects in the battery modules. LG is projected to pay $1.9 billion of the $2 billion cost.
The battery pack inside the Bolt EV and Bolt EUVs is made up of multiple components. Of the components inside of the battery pack, the case, electronics and wiring are not defective and therefore will not need to be replaced. However, General Motors is working to replace all modules in the 2017-2019 Bolt EVs and defective modules in the 2020-2022 Bolt EV/EUVs as part of the recall. These updated modules come with an eight-year, 100,000 mile limited warranty.
“General Motors and LG have identified the presence of two rare simultaneous defects, found in the same battery cell, made during the module manufacturing process,” explained a spokeswoman for LG. GM stated that the cause of the issue is a torn anode tab and folded separator within the battery modules.
LG Chem is working on producing defect-free battery modules. Once General Motors is confident they can produce a defect-free battery, they will notify Bolt owners in writing and will start repairs. Customers with Bolts at the highest risk for problems will be prioritized in the repair process.
Along with the repairs, they will also distribute a new diagnostic software package that is designed to detect abnormalities and damage to the battery in Bolt EV and Bolt EUV cars. This diagnostic software will monitor battery performance. If any abnormalities are detected, the customers will be notified.
After diagnostic processes have been completed, the software will allow all Bolt EV and Bolt EUV drivers to safely charge their vehicles up to 100 percent. This is up from the current 90 percent restriction that has been temporarily placed due to the fire risk. The software will be installed by the dealership when the repairs are made.
DOES YOUR GENERAL MOTORS BOLT EV OR BOLT EUV VEHICLE QUALIFY UNDER THE CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW?
GM’s solutions to the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV battery problems may be insufficient. Bolt owners nationwide are having difficulty attaining replacement parts for their vehicles. Despite safety risks, General Motors does not appear to be addressing these issues in a timely manner. If you have purchased a 2017-2019 Bolt EV or 2020-2022 Bolt EV/EUV, contact us for a free evaluation as you may qualify under the California Lemon Law.
Going up against a large auto manufacturer can be intimidating, but we are here to help you through the process. Contact the Lemon Law Experts at Young & Young APC today by visiting us online at https://www.lemonlawprotector.com/ or CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION (833) 536-6600.
